Fenugreek is one of the world's oldest medicinal herbs. Fenugreek seeds have been found to contain protein, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, and diosgenin (which is a compound that has properties similar to estrogen), starch, sugars, mucilage, mineral matters, volatile oil, fixed oil, vitamins and enzymes. Other active constituents in fenugreek are alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan, as well as steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin).

Uses of Fenugreek

• Fenugreek has a beneficial action on cleansing the blood
• Fenugreek has the reputation as a lymphatic cleansing. The lymphatic system is the vacuum cleaner of the body
• As a diaphoretic it is able to bring on a sweat, and help detox the body. This can take place through the pores of the skin
• It has a vital role to irrigate the cells with nutrients and to remove toxic wastes, dead cells and trapped proteins. The fluid is cleaned through the lymph nodes, before the body's 13 litres of filtered lymph fluid recycles again via the subclavian vein near the heart. A blocked lymphatic system can mean poor circulation, fluid retention, pain, loss of energy, and disease anywhere in the body. An efficient working lymphatic system is essential for a strong immune system

Mechanism

Diosgenin belongs to the group of herbal saponins with a steroidal ring system. Unlike the anionic emulsifying bile acids, the cleansing effect of saponins results from the (glycosidic) linkage of water soluble sugar residues with the steroidal ring system. That is why saponins can be compared with non-ionic emulsifiers like modern-day sugar tensides which are used for facial cleansing.

Respiratory Tract Infections - Fenugreek is a valued herb for all mucus conditions of the body, particularly the lungs, by helping to clear congestion.

Used for head colds, influenza, catarrh, bronchial complaints, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, pleurisy, tuberculosis, sore throat, laryngitis, hay fever, chronic cough and sinusitis.

Mechanism

It brings quick relief by stimulating, opening, and then relaxing the bronchial muscles. It increases mucus secretion. Balancing Cholesterol - Thus also lowers risk of heart attack. Inhibit the absorption of cholesterol as well as decrease the amount of cholesterol manufactured by the liver. Helps to reduce the level of low density Lipoprotein (LDL) significantly.

Treating Diabetes and Lowering Blood Sugar Levels - Helps in lowering type 2 diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar levels after eating fenugreek. Therefore, a recommended home remedy for treating Type 2 diabetes is to consume 500mg of fenugreek twice daily.

• Fenugreek contains an amino acid which is known as 4-hydroxyisoleucine. It increases the body`s production of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Higher insulin production may decrease the amounts of sugar in blood.
• . Reduce the need for insulin.
• It also improves glucose tolerance and excretion.

Herbal Cure for Skin Inflammation (rich in vitamin E) - Research has shown that Fenugreek (diosgenin) is an effective topical treatment for skin problems such as abscesses, boils, burns, eczema, and gout. Natural Cure for Heartburn and Acid Reflux - Fenugreek seeds contain a lot of mucilage, which helps sooth gastrointestinal inflammation by coating the lining of the stomach and intestine. Therefore, for an effective remedy against heartburn or Acid Reflux.

Fenugreek has featured for peptic ulcers and inflamed conditions of the stomach, kidney and bowel. It is effective in reducing the amounts of calcium oxalate in the kidneys. Calcium oxalate often contributes to kidney stones. Fenugreek is used to prevent colon cancer. Fenugreek is used as good appetite suppressant and it prevents and repairs damages caused by free radicals. With its healing and soothing action creates a protective coating like a lubricant over inflamed areas.

Beneficial in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, dysentery, dyspepsia with loss of appetite, diarrhoea, dropsy, enlargement of spleen and a sluggish liver. It nourishes the body during an illness & fever, shorten gestation period of fever. It is compared to quinine by some authorities. Breast Enlargement - Fenugreek is often used in many teas and other products that help balance women's hormones and/or enlarge the breasts by promoting the growth of breast cells.

Mechanism

• It enhances and stimulates estrogen-sensitive breast tissues and helps to enhancebreast size naturally by introducing phyto-estrogen directly into the estrogen receptor sites.
• Remedy to Ease Child Birth for Pregnant Women - Fenugreek stimulates uterine contractions and can be helpful to induce childbirth. However, pregnant women should only use Fenugreek for inducing labor after consulting with their doctor.
• Remedy to Aid Milk Production in Lactating Women - Fenugreek has been known to increase milk production in lactating women. Research has even shown that milk production can increase by over 500 percent within 24 to 72 hours after consuming fenugreek.
• Nutrition - Rich in vitamins and minerals, and because it is a seed and a legume, it is high in protein which makes it very useful in vegetarian diets.
• Aphrodisiac - Fenugreek seeds substantially contain the steroidal substance diosgenin, which is used as a starting material in the synthesis of sex hormones and oral contraceptives.
• Due to its estrogen-like properties, fenugreek has been found to help increase libido and lessen the effect of hot flashes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of menopause and PMS
• Fenugreek for curing conditions affecting the male reproductive tract.

Mechanism

Diosgenin, a saponin precursor in the synthesis of progesterone, provides the steroid building blocks for developing human sex hormones and can be used for developing muscle mass and strength.

Other Uses

It is a powerful antioxidant and it acts as a mucus solvent and throat cleanser, which also eases the urge to cough. Helps growth of hair, preserves natural color, keeps hair silky and also cures dandruff. Rickets, gout Diosgenin provides about 50 percent of the raw material for steroid synthesis.

It must be emphasized that there is not an equivalency between diosgenin and human steroids. It takes many synthetic steps to get from one to the other. Its steroidal effects on the body is not because it contains steroidal hormones, but because the steroidal precursors have similar effects. The body does not recognize them or mistake them for its own hormones, but uses them in a similar manner.

Side Effects of Fenugreek

• Increased amounts (over 100g daily) may cause diarrhea and nausea. Another problem that can be taken for consideration, high intake of fenugreek can cause mild gastro intestinal distress.
• Fenugreek is not well recommended during pregnancy because it may lead to miscarriage.
• If you are currently taking any oral medications, you should always use Fenugreek at least 2 hours before or after these drugs. This is important since Fenugreek fiber has the potential to interfere with the absorption of oral medications due to its mucilaginous fiber (which gives it a moist and sticky texture).