Fenugreek
Health Benefits

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Fenugreek Benefits: Boost Health Naturally

| Modified on Dec 08, 2023
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Fenugreek Health Benefits

Fenugreek, an herb with a rich history in traditional medicine, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits. This article delves into the various health advantages of fenugreek, from aiding digestion to managing blood sugar levels.

Understanding Fenugreek

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an herb renowned for its medicinal properties and culinary use. The seeds and leaves of fenugreek are used for their nutritional and health-promoting qualities.

Key Health Benefits of Fenugreek:

Blood Sugar Control:

  • Fenugreek seeds contain soluble fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and is beneficial for managing diabetes.
  • Studies suggest fenugreek can improve glycemic control and insulin resistance.

Digestive Health:

  • The fiber in fenugreek aids in digestion and relieves constipation.
  • It is also known to soothe upset stomachs and reduce digestive inflammation.

Cholesterol Management:

  • Fenugreek has shown potential in reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, thereby promoting heart health.
  • It may also help reduce the risk of developing heart disease due to its antioxidant properties.

Breast Milk Production:

  • Fenugreek is popularly used as a galactagogue to stimulate breast milk production in nursing mothers.
  • Clinical studies have supported its efficacy in enhancing milk supply.

Anti-inflammatory Effects:

  • The compounds in fenugreek, such as flavonoids, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
  • These properties can be beneficial in treating conditions like arthritis and chronic pain.

Appetite Control:

  • Fenugreek's natural fiber content can contribute to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management and appetite control.

Menstrual and Reproductive Health:

  • Fenugreek has traditionally been used to alleviate menstrual cramps and balance hormones.
  • It may also help in managing symptoms of menopause.

Usage and Dosage:

Fenugreek can be consumed in various forms: seeds, powder, capsules, or tea.
It's important to follow recommended dosages, especially when taking supplements.

Precautions

While fenugreek is generally safe, it may cause mild side effects in some individuals. Pregnant women and those on medication should consult with a healthcare provider before using fenugreek supplements.

Conclusion

Fenugreek stands out as a versatile herb with multiple health benefits. Whether used in cooking or as a supplement, it offers a natural way to enhance overall health and well-being.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Abcessed Tooth

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Posted by Jeanne (Rouyn - Noranda, Quebec, CANADA) on 11/01/2006
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Fenugreek steeped into a tea / mouthwash cured abscessed teeth. I rinsed my mouth and then soaked a gauze pad and placed in in my mouth for an hour at a time and it drew the infection out of my system. Sometimes I had to open a little hole in my gums so it would drain. I had 10 abscessed teeth at one time and did this for many months. It helped me alot as I didn't have any medical coverage to go to a dentist myself. I still to this day recommend this to anyone with the same problem.

Appetite Stimulant

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Posted by Rawan (Abu Dhabi, UAE) on 06/10/2009
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Hi, I will have to add that fenugreek tea or supplement are a very good remedy for those who are trying to gain weight. Also, fenugreek promote the appetite. For the breastfeeding mums, fenugreek enhance amazingly the milk amount in breats.(produce more milk)

Replied by Paritp
(Los Angeles, Ca)
06/10/2009
★★★★★

Very true indeed... fenugreek promotes milk production in new moms. Traditionally in india all new moms are given a mixture of coconut, poppy seeds, fenugreek, jaggery, sesame seeds, ginger powder, all kinds of nuts, seeds and lots of other stuff to recover quickly and also to produce a lot of milk...it also keeps all colds n coughs at bay.....

Appetite Stimulant
Posted by Beryl (London, England) on 03/07/2008
 ★★★★★

One of your contributors said that she had lost weight by taking the herb Fenugreek. I tried it for five days and couldn't stop eating and found that I'd put four pounds on in five days. And when I looked up Fenugreek I discovered that it is an appetite stimulant. So other readers please be aware.

I'm not questioning what the contributor said, because I think that we all react differently to what we intake. That was her experience and it rests there.

I recently went on holiday to China and Japan, and when I arrived back was struck with an overwhelming tiredness, and every bone in my body ached. Was it jet lag, I wondered, but the symptoms still continued, so I starting taking Apple Cider Vinegar, Maple Syrup, lemon juice, bi carb, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Within a couple of days I'd started to feel well again, and so have continued with this mixture, and I am amazed at the way it has increased my energy and well being.

However, I'm sorry to report there's been no weight loss!! Thanks for your web site. I do enjoy it!

Replied by Roro
(Al Ain, UAE)
08/21/2008
★★★★★

Hi ! I have to comment and say that what happened to you is not strange since the herb Fenugreek is used to increase appetite and put on more weight for those who are underweight. Regards..

Replied by B.gioia (herbalist)
(New Haven, Ct)
06/16/2010
★★★★★

Well, indeed fenugreek can accomplish both:

increasing appetite - mainly by means of its bitter constituents and very small amounts of alkaloids that are known to act in a similar manner as those in cod liver oil. - That is in increasing appetite, - as said in a post before, esp. in individuals that are underweight and/or generally "suffer" from a lack of appetite.

As a supporting mechanism to this, the steroidal compounds in fenugreek, which act as potent phytoestrogens have a tendency to stimulate the secretion of FSH more than LH, which is deemed to accounts to a large part for fenugreeks galactogogue (lactation stimulating) effects, as it leads to a sudden significant rise in estrogen levels over progesterone levels, which is similar to the situation in women who have just given birth...

This hormonal situation can also account for a certain tendency of the body to "fill out" ...its lipid stores to better provide for the needs of lactation.
...That is also the reason for the definite "breast enhancing" effects noticed by most every woman who takes the herb for a prolonged time (more than 6 weeks).

On the other hand, - there is also a definite truh to fenugreeks ability to help reduce - sometimes drastically - hunger and food intake esp. in priorly overweight or even diabetic individuals.

This mechanism is based on the high (soluble as well as insoluble) fiber content of the seeds, the latter of which helps to create a feeling of fullness and satiety, without being itself digestible, but exerting a gentle yet effective laxative action; while first, the mucilage, acts as a prebiotic, and as such helps to restore a healthy gut flora, which will make digestion more effective and therewith reduce the body's feeling of the need of hightened energy intake.

This usually shows on the scale after a little while.

What I don't really understand, however, is the fact that the other poster claimed she had experienced these weight reducing effects with TEA. -

Tea, in my experience would normally rather account for the above described appetite-stimulating effects, while the described weight reducing mechanism would be achieved with about 1-2 tbsp. of ground crude fenugreek seeds before each meal...

So much from my experience...

(I am a Herbalist and my Masters thesis was on this herb..)

Kimberly
(Sc)
08/31/2022

I'm reading on fenugreek and see that it increases estrogen but yet things like plastic increase estrogen and can cause cancer cells to grow. Is there two different types estrogen? Bc a dr I went to gave me estrogen cream yet I was thinking I am estrogen dominant post-menopausal gained a lot of weight. I know going on hcg shots helps me lose weight so I'm confused if I need more estrogen or to get rid of it would fenugreek be good for me or bad.

Replied by Cindy
(Paradise, California)
07/26/2010

Question to 06/16/2010: B. Gioia (herbalist) from New Haven, Ct:

A friend who is taking Tamoxifin to remove estrogen as a cancer fighting remedy told me she has absolutely no appetite. I was ready to recommend Fenugreek and then read your comments about it stimulating estrogen. Does that mean it would be contraindicated? Do you know of an appetite stimulant she could take?

Replied by Sarajit M.
(West Bengal)
06/25/2017

If one thing, fenugreek, works both ways - losing weight as well as gaining - does it not become dangerous to use without a doctor's supervision? Will you please also explain how weight gain mechanism works with fenugreek?

Warmly

Breast Enhancement

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Posted by Samantha (Mt) on 06/08/2020
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I've been taking Fenugreek capsules regularly for almost 3 years and it does increase breast size, but it takes a long time and its very subtle. I'm honestly not sure I'd have noticed it my first 6-8months if it hadn't been for my husband always pointing it out to me gleefully (of course he'd notice haha). I'm on year 3 and I really notice it now. Please note that I doubt taking this supplement will increase you a whole cup size, although maybe if you take more then I do (typically 2 capsules a day unless my husband brings them to me, then its 5). I just take so many supplements that this one isn't always my top priority. But on days I do take 5 caps the next day my boobs swell up and are a lot firmer, its kind of neat. Hope this helps some of you.

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Us)
06/09/2020
★★★★★

Yes, it is estrogenic and some really expensive face creams are too. Estrogen can feed cancer cells. I use an estrogen cream by emerita so I am not saying I don't use it . I am saying use it with awareness. Fat cells also produce estrogen . They inject the food industry animals with estrogen to make them plump up. Pesticides cause estrogen dominance. Plastics also contribute to estrogen problems.

Read Dr. John Lee on estrogen or look up fenugreek properties.

Cut and paste is too hard for me to figure out. Blessings, Charity

Breast Enhancement
Posted by JL (Houston, Texas, USA) on 01/22/2009
 ★★★★★

Fenugreek, For breast enlargement. I'm happy to say, it has enlarged my breasts from 34c to38dd. I take Fengreek pills (2 pills twice daily) and I mix 2 caplets with lotion and massage into my breasts twice daily. My breasts are very firm.

Breast Enhancement
Posted by Tan Koon Peng (Singapore) on 06/18/2008
 ★★★★★

Fenugreek is a natural breast enlargement herb. Ladies try it and share with others your experience!

Replied by Lisa
(A Nice Place, New Jersey)
06/19/2008

What are you basing that on please? I have read this is good for a women that is breast feeding but not for breast enhancement.

Replied by Emma
(UK)
02/03/2009

hi i would like to ask how to take fenugreek, this is because i am still nursing my 1 year son and still want the same size when i stop feeding him

Replied by Stacey
(Greensboro, NC)
02/06/2009

Fenugreek is a phyto-estrogen, that is to say, it is a plant with chemical properties that mimic female hormones. It is not typically going to help women with naturally small breast to increase in size. However, if you have had children or are near menopause, it is a safer means of supplementing a system with lower hormonal levels than prescriptions. Because the herb increase low hormonal levels, it may make the breasts of women with lower estrogen and progestrogen levels to reclaim some firmness and size. It is not a magical herb that will cause every woman's breasts to inflate like a balloon.

Fenugreek is a relatively cheap, common herb. You can buy it in capsule form, as a tea, or as sprouts in some health food stores. I would recommend beginning this herb by drinking two cups of tea a day.

As this is an herb that affects hormone levels, use it with caution. If you take artificial hormones by means of birth control or HRT, this may not be safe for you to take in addition. Also, if you consume a diet high in phyto-estrogens already, such as soy products, the addition of fenugreek may not be a good idea.

Fenugreek also lowers blood sugar levels, so if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic, be careful. Many people find their appetite increases as a side effect of taking the herb. Also, constant usage of fenugreek will actually change your body odor. It is not an unpleasant smell, but it can be strong.

Replied by Sarah
(Baltimore, MD)
06/07/2009
★★★★★

As a comment to the lady asking about fennugreek, I remember my lactation consultant instructing me in the quantity to ingest (in the form of capsules, could be the same with tea) she had said to start with a small amount, then increase every day a little, and when your urine starts smelling like maple syrup, you are taking the right amount! It really does happen as she describes it.

Replied by Rawan
(Abu Dhabi, UAE)
06/08/2009

It is a popular remedy here for breatsfeeding woman to produce more milk also it is well know that fenugreek is best remedie to improve appatite and to gain weight. But the only negative thing about it that it gives the body bad smell.

Replied by Olivegoddess
(Ashland, Wi)
03/07/2011

How long did it take those of you ladies, who had success, to see results? Did you find that it added weight to any other parts of your body, like your hips? I have a very narrow, boyish body, and I am wondering if fenugreek would have a similar effect that the pill has on many women. This is that it makes breasts bigger, yes, but also hips. Thanks!

Replied by Aki
(Singapore)
09/19/2011
★☆☆☆☆

Hi, can somebody help me? Just wan to know how long will it take to see the result of fenugreek seeds? I'm really getting frustrated. As I've been drinking the juice of fenugreek seeds for 1 month now. Still --A cup for me. Your reply is very much appreciated. Thank you.

Replied by Babez
(Lusaka, Zambia)
06/16/2012
★★★★★

Yes works like magic myself I use the seeds. After 3months my boobs are now bigger and my hubby loves them can't keep his hands off them, friends are admiring them especially my gal friends. The problem is just the smell if you grind the seeds. And the skins get an extra glow loving it!!!

Replied by Violet
(Barrie, Canada)
07/19/2012

Babez, congrats, I am wondering when you say you use the seeds, can you tell me exactly what you mean by that? And how... The recipe you use and how much? Thanks

Replied by Tanvi
(Delhi, India)
11/02/2012

Hey can you please let us know how did u consume fenugreek seeds for brest enlargement?

Replied by Maggie
(Trenton, Michigan)
03/13/2013

Could taking fenugreek capsules increase breast size in a woman who is an A cup and is not pregnant or breast feeding? I've read lots about how fenugreek can aid in overall weight gain, but I was wondering that if I continue to control my caloric intake and excersize regularly, if my breasts will grow without the rest of my body weight increasing. Any help would be much appreciated. :)

Replied by Con
(Jacksonville, Il, Usa)
03/15/2013

Hi Maggie. I do not know about the fenugreek, but it is possible to increase bust size through exercise. You need to use weights and do the exercises in a slow motion. This is described in a book I have, "The Edgar Cayce Handbook for Health Through Drugless Therapy" by Dr. Harold J. Reilly and Ruth Hagy Brod. Pages 284-285 explains the exercises. It has been over 10 years since I did these, but it did work for me.

Replied by Dianne
(Knoxville, Tn)
03/19/2013

About 20 yrs. ago I read that a female taking Saw Palmetto would increase breast size. As I was wanting to lose weight but not in the breast area I took it for a while and I do believe it worked. I did increase cup size.

Breast Milk

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Posted by Annie (Laguna Niguel) on 01/30/2016
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I had a staph infection in my breast, I'm sure I picked it up at the hospital where I gave birth to my newborn. I found out about the staph infection two weeks after giving birth so I had to stop breastfeeding so I would not infect my newborn. I did not nurse for 5 weeks and my breastmilk left. However after the infection was gone, I started taking Fenugreek on the advice of a friend, and my breastmilk cam back and I nursed my child for a whole year. One extra note, once my infection was gone I started to nurse again even though there was not much milk at all, but when a baby nurses it also helps bring the milk back, if it had dried up. I know the Fengureek was key in helping my breastmilk return...and prayer :)

Breast Milk
Posted by Arlene (Toronto, Canada) on 03/11/2008
 ★★★★★

...On another note, I'm currently on Fenugreek, for weight loss - the increase in breast milk is a bonus, since I'm still nursing my 10 month old, as well as VCO (unfortunately, I purchased just coconut oil, and took that for a week, which may account for 2 pounds gained...) as well as ACV, again for weight loss. I will definitely keep you posted on the results - wish me luck! Thanks again for this great website!

Replied by Azg
(Toronto, On)
09/28/2009
★★★★★

My breast milk was greatly increased by using Fenugreek... there were times where I was exhausted and in a rush to get places with my baby, so I pumped instead of nursing... you don't get out as much milk when you pump instead of letting your baby nurse, so my milk supply went down a little.

3x a day I put 1 tablespoon of whole Fenugreek seeds in a cup and cover it with a cup of boiling water and let it sit for about 15 minutes. I'd drink the tea and eat the seeds. They tasted vile..I literally had to hold my breath while I did it and chase it down with a little bit of honey. But it was worth it... within 24 hours, my breasts were so full I was practically squirting across the room!!! LOL!

Replied by Pareetp
(Los Angeles, Ca)
09/28/2009
★★★★★

Very true indeed......it has been done in India for over thousand's of years now...starting from the ninth month of pregnancy soak 2 tbsp of fenugreek in a cup of water at night and in the morning boil the same for 7-10 min on medium flame.....add jaggery (let it melt for 5 min until the concoction cools) and a tsp of ghee and drink it warm........This helps to ease the labor prcess....timely birth of child.....and increases the milk production once the baby is born............I will upload the recipe of the fenugreek laddoo that all new mothers eat once the baby is born.....asap (have to ask me mom)...

Broad Benefits

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Posted by Regina (North Brunswick, NJ) on 03/07/2008
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FENUGREEK/EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. Fenugreek response.

Internal use
Fenugreek is used internally for a variety of problems, such as to treat diabetes in adults (late-onset diabetes), poor digestion, gastric inflammation, digestive disorders and tuberculosis. It is also used for painful menstruation, labor pains and insufficient lactation.

Men on the other hand benefit from it for loss of libido, painful testicles and premature ejaculation.

It is often used for weight loss, anorexia and for poor appetite. In Chinese medicine it is used for kidney related pain - such as back ache, as well as premature ejaculation, loss of libido, painful testicles, hernia, painful menstruation and edema of the legs. In Ayurvedic medicine it is used for rejuvenation and as an aphrodisiac, as well as for digestive and bronchial complaints, gout and arthritis.

Fresh Fenugreek leaves are cooked as a vegetable curry and are also dried and used to flavor vegetable dishes. The seeds are roasted and ground for use in curry powder, pickles, stews and fried foods. The seed sprouts are also eaten as a salad.

External use
It is used externally for skin inflammations, ulcers, boils, eczema and cellulite.

Aromatherapy and essential oil use
None noted.

Broad Benefits
Posted by T.S.Rajah (Wimledon, UK) on 12/07/2007
 ★★★★★

Fenugreek's leafy form belongs to the spinach family. However, its seeds are useful when cooking to combat the flatulence caused by certain foods, such as lentils and cauliflower. Its anti-viral properties mean it also helps against sore throat and mouth ulcers. Historically, fenugreek has been used to treat diabetes and is now thought to reduce blood pressure.

Diarrhea

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Posted by Anonymous (USA)
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Roast 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds. Mix and powder it, add to 4 tsp of yogurt. Take 3X a day.

Fever

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Posted by Emmanuella (Long Beach, CA)
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When I was a child my mother used to give me Fenugreek tea. It doesn't taste very good, but she would give me a cup of this and two excederin and I would wake up a few hours later, with a broken fever. I had my appetite back and felt much better. This tea does come out through your pores, so it won't smell very nice. This tea worked for me, maybe it can work for someone else too.

Hair

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Posted by Darwin (Chennai, India) on 05/27/2005
 ★★★★★

You can condition and nourish your hair through fenugreek seeds. Soak fenugreek seeds in water for about 1 hour and grind it to paste. Apply all over the head and leave it for 30 minutes and wash it with cold water, woww beautiful and glowing hair...

How to Use

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Posted by Naveen (Coimbatore, Tn, india) on 09/22/2011
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Hi,

Mix Fenugreek powder with buttermilk, add some salt and drink daily in the early morning with empty stomatch to reduce weight. After 3 - 4 months you can see the result.

PMS

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Posted by Barb (Seattle, Wa) on 01/11/2015
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I also had severe pms after the birth of my 4th child. I started taking fenugreek to increase my milk supply and my pms is cured!! I feel so much better. With my first 3 kids I had a lot of mom friends and would get oxytocin with some good friend conversation. But now with my 4th child I do not have as much time to hang with friends and most of them have moved on and started working. Fenugreek is amazing! And I actually do not mind the smell, hopefully it does not bother my family;)


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