Medicinal properties of Fenugreek Seeds/Vendayam(Tamil)/Methi(Hindi)

Fenugreek has excellent medical properties and regular use keeps the body clean and healthy. The leaves and the seed both are used as herbs and for cooking.

Benefits

Hair & Skin

1.     Research has shown that Fenugreek is very effective in treating skin inflammation. Soak overnight and grind into a paste. Wash the affect skin area and apply the paste. Fenugreek has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. It clears the skin of blemishes, boils and dark spots and leaves a smooth young looking skin. It also helps in improving the skin complexion.

2.     Fenugreek is often the home remedy to treat dandruff. Follow the same procedure as above and apply the paste on the scalp and wait for half an hour to one hour. Then rinse thoroughly with Shikakai (rita nut). This leaves a shiny and smooth hair free of dandruff.

General Health

1.     Fenugreek is rich in protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12 and potassium. It also consists of a compound which is similar to the hormone estrogen.

2.     For cold and treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, sore throat – Boil water with Fenugreek seeds, and drink for cold/fever. The seeds have excellent properties to clear mucus. As it may be difficult to drink this boiled water directly, to add flavor you could add lemon or little sugar/honey. This liquid can be taken multiples times a day but not more than 5 cups a day. A small cup at regular intervals is advisable. Once the condition improves, the intake should also be adjusted accordingly.

3.     To treat Ulcers - Mouth Ulcers - Regular gargling with the Fenugreek seeds/leaves cures mouth ulcers. Boil seeds/leaves in water for few minutes. Filter out the seeds/leaves and use the boiled water for gargling.

4.     Fenugreek boiled in water/taken in any other form helps improve digestion and maintain a healthy metabolism. It also helps in preventing ulcers in the stomach area.

5.     The seeds are a good source of Iron and hence can be used to treat Anemia. It is advised that all women make sure a regular intake of Fenugreek seeds/leaves to increase blood circulation and production.           

6.     Fenugreek leaves and seeds have a cooking effect on our body. It helps relieve pain during periods. Soak 1-2 spoons of Fenugreek seeds in buttermilk overnight and drink next day morning during periods. Care should be taken not to take too much Fenugreek as that may result in cold. As the seeds are rich in iron, the help produce blood during these times.

7.     For years, Fenugreek seeds are used for women after delivery. It helps the body to get back to normal with ease. The seeds are ground to powder and mixed with sugar/jaggery and mixed with flour to make it in the form of a sweetened paste. Research has shown that the seeds help increase milk production in lactating mother. This is found to double or triple in a day’s time. The seeds can be taken in any form – boiled with water/soaked overnight.

8.     The seeds are known to induce labor and ease childbirth when taken in high quantities. They should not be taken during early pregnancy and should be properly consulted with doctor before use.

Diabetes

Research has shown that Fenugreek seeds have significant effect in lowering blood glucose levels. Few tablespoons of the seeds can be soaked overnight in water/buttermilk and consumed next day morning. The seeds can also be ground directly or eaten raw. The seeds are helpful in treating both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Cholesterol

When taken daily with food or in other forms, the seeds have shown to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels and maintaining a healthy heart. 500mg of seeds should be taken daily to see significant results after 4-6 months. If the dosage is increased, the results appear much faster. The quantity should be increased gradually as for some people it may result in over cooling of the body and result in cold/fever.