Fenugreek Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects in Ayurveda

Like many other ayurvedic herbs, plants or roots, Fenugreek (Scientific Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum) has a long history of medicinal use in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. There are several health benefits of fenugreek seeds as prescribed in Ayurveda.

In India we commonly know Fenugreek as “Methi”. In ancient Ayurvedic medicine, it is recognized as one of the most versatile and potent ayurvedic herbs. Fenugreek is characterized in Ayurveda as follows:

Ayurvedic Profile of Fenugreek

How to Take Fenugreek?

Methi ka Saag (Fenugreek greens) is one of the staple foods in North India especially Punjab. Fenugreek seed is also used in tadka to add aroma and flavor to food. 

If we talk about it in Ayurvedic terms, this tempering (tadka) by roasting whole or ground seeds in ghee (clarified butter) releases the essential oils from the herbs and spices thus adding both aroma and flavor as well as releasing vital nutrients that helps our body in a number of therapeutic ways.

One of the easiest ways to incorporate methi ka beej or Fenugreek seed is in the form of Fenugreek tea. Having it in tea form has various possible health benefits as per the ayurvedic pharmacology as well as modern scientific researches.

Potential Health Benefits of Fenugreek as an Ayurvedic Home Remedy

Without further ado, let’s talk about health benefits of Fenugreek and why it is one of the most potent ayurvedic herbs which can be used as a home remedy to cure and manage an array of ailments and symptoms of diseases.

Fenugreek as a Home Remedy for Regulating Blood Sugar

Most of the health benefits of Fenugreek of which we are aware of these days has been passed down through generations over 1000s of years through the Ayurvedic system of medicine.

However, recently with the growing popularity of Ayurveda around the globe and several modern scientific undertakings, now we can say that many of the health benefits of Methi or Fenugreek are now backed by science.

Studies have shown that Fenugreek can reduce blood sugar levels, making it useful for people who have diabetes or insulin resistance.

Fenugreek as a Home Remedy for Digestive Health

Studies have been undertaken recently which have shown that Fenugreek can be used to potentially help with digestion and relieve gastrointestinal issues including bloating and indigestion.

It is considered very useful for those having hyper-acidity or irregular bowel movement problems. It is recommended to take it as a paste with adding grated ginger before your meals.

Fenugreek as a Home Remedy to Increase Breast Milk Production (Lactation)

One of the health benefits of Fenugreek for women is a natural boost in lactation. It is a fact that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for a newly born child and baby’s healthy development.

However, due to lifestyle choices and genuine hormonal or genetic reasons, some women may struggle to produce breast milk. If you are one of those mothers, incorporating Fenugreek in your diet can potentially increase the production of breast milk naturally.

Studies have shown that Fenugreek is a safe and natural alternative to boost production of breast milk in new mothers and it also resulted in healthier babies after 6 months. It is recommended to take Fenugreek in tea form to boost production of breast milk naturally and achieve breast milk sufficiency.

Fenugreek as a Home Remedy to Boost Testosterone Production

I wonder if this is perhaps why most men search for (as in Google  it ) or incorporate its use in their daily diet. But it’s not just a hearsay.

It’s a science-backed fact that using Fenugreek daily over long-term can potentially increase libido in men.

It was observed that taking 300 mg of Fenugreek twice daily over an 8 weeks period along with resistance training showed significant increase in testosterone levels, fat reduction without losing muscular strength and improved sexual function.

Notable point was that fenugreek increased testosterone levels in men naturally without showing any adverse effects.

Other Potential Health Benefits of Fenugreek as an Ayurvedic Home Remedy

1. Aiding Weight Management: Fenugreek tea may aid in weight management and hunger control by increasing feelings of fullness.

2. Supporting Respiratory Health: Because of its expectorant characteristics, fenugreek tea can help relieve respiratory difficulties such as coughing and congestion.

3. Boosting Immune System: Fenugreek contains antioxidants that assist the immune system fight against infections and diseases.