Fenugreek

Fenugreek has been considered one of humanity’s oldest medicinal plants. Fenugreek oil is made from the seeds of this plant and can be used to treat a broad spectrum of health conditions, including low libido and digestive problems.

It is well-known for boosting exercise performance, increasing breast milk production, and fighting Acne. It has a distinctive woody and warm aroma that can infuse fenugreek tea or make a natural medicine kit.

What is Fenugreek Oil?

Fenugreek, an annual herb, is part of the pea family ( Fabaceae). It is also known as Greek Hay ( Trigonella Foenum-graecum) and Bird’s Foot.

It has small, light-colored leaves and white flowers. It is widely cultivated in North Africa, Europe, West Asia, South Asia, Argentina, and Australia.

The therapeutic properties of the seeds are what make them so popular. These seeds are known for their high levels of essential amino acids, including leucine and lysine.

The essential oils of the herb are extracted from their seeds using the supercritical CO2 extraction method. This method is non-toxic and leaves no residual organic solvent.

Benefits

Fenugreek essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and stimulating properties. Here are some proven benefits of fenugreek essential oil.

1.1 Helps Digestion

Fenugreek oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to improve digestion. Fenugreek oil is often included in diet plans to treat ulcerative colitis.

Studies also indicate that Fenugreek supports healthy microbial balances and may help improve gut health.

1.2  Enhances physical endurance and libido

International Society of Sports Nutrition Journal published research that shows Fenugreek has a significant effect on the body composition and upper- and lower-body strength of resistance-trained men, compared to a placebo.

Fenugreek also increases testosterone and sexual arousal among men. It has been shown to have a positive impact on testosterone levels, energy, and libido.

1.3 Could Improve Diabetes

Some evidence suggests that fenugreek oils can be used internally to improve diabetes symptoms. A research study in Lipids in Health and Disease published in animal studies found that diabetic rats could tolerate fenugreek oil and other omega-3s.

The combination significantly reduced the glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride rates. It also increased HDL cholesterol which allowed the diabetic rats to maintain blood lipid homeostasis.

1.4  Increases breast milk supply

Fenugreek, a widely-used herbal galactagogue that increases breast milk supply for women, is the most popular. Studies show that Fenugreek can stimulate the breasts to produce more milk or stimulate sweat production, increasing the milk supply.

Essential to note that there have been studies that show Fenugreek can cause side effects in breast milk production. These include excessive sweating, diarrhea, and worsening asthma symptoms.

1.5 Promotes Skin Health and Fights Acne

Fenugreek oil is an antioxidant that helps to fight Acne. It can also be used on the skin for wound healing. Fenugreek oil is also rich in powerful anti-inflammatory substances that soothe skin and reduce skin irritations.

Fenugreek oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can also be beneficial for skin conditions, such as eczema and wounds. It can even be applied topically to reduce swelling and external inflammation, according to research.

1.6 Acts as an Expectorant

Fenugreek can be used as an expectorant to relieve congestion and expel phlegm. Traditional Chinese Medicine describes Fenugreek as a “phlegm moving” herb that releases stuck energy and has cooling, anti-inflammatory properties.

A study showed that mild asthma patients with mild symptoms had higher quality lives and better lung function when using honey and fenugreek syrup.

The oil can relieve a sore throat and reduce the discomfort that comes with dealing with respiratory infections.

1.7  May suppress your appetite

Clinical Nutrition Research published a study that found both fenugreek and fennel teas were effective in suppressing appetite in overweight women in South Korea.

Researchers discovered that fenugreek tee reduced hunger, increased appetite, and induced a greater sense of fullness than the placebo.

Bespoke Uses

Fenugreek oil is a versatile oil that can be used topically, internally, and aromatically. It has a warm woody aroma that blends well with sandalwood, chamomile, and other soothing essential oils.

1. Skin Soother Fenugreek essential oils can be applied to the skin to reduce inflammation. This oil is an excellent addition to your massage oil to soothe the skin and reduce swelling.
2. Digestive Aid To ease constipation issues such as constipation, add one to two drops of Fenugreek to your tea, water, or recipe.
3. Perform better in exercise To enhance your exercise performance, add one to two drops of Fenugreek to warm water or tea. You can also dilute five drops at home.
4. After consulting your doctor, breast milk production adds one to two drops of fenugreek essential oil to warm water or tea to stimulate breastmilk production.
5. Hair Health and ShineTo reduce dandruff, combine one to two drops of fenugreek oil and half a teaspoon of coconut oil. Massage the mixture into your scalp. After about five minutes, rinse it off.
6. Food Flavorer Fenugreek can be added to recipes that require other warming herbs like ginger or turmeric.
7. Reduce tension Alternatively, you can inhale the oil directly straight from the bottle or diffuse five drops of fenugreek oils at home.

Unproven Remedies

Although research indicating that fenugreek extracts and seeds have anti-inflammatory properties has been done on animals, human studies have not yet proved their effectiveness. Fenugreek’s ability to treat or improve health problems is one of its unproven remedies.

• Gout
• Leg ulcers
• Mouth ulcers
• sciatica
• Boil
• Bronchitis
• Lymph nodes swelling
• Chronic cough
• Hair loss
• Low testosterone
• Kidney problems
• Cancer

Side Effects and Risks

Before using Fenugreek internally or topically, there are some things you should know. Side effects of consuming the oil include gas, diarrhea, and bloating.

A fenugreek allergy can be characterized by swelling, wheezing, and coughing. Stop using Fenugreek immediately if you have any of these reactions.

Before applying fenugreek oils to larger areas of the skin, it is advisable to do a patch test. Stop using the oil topically if you have skin irritations or reddening.

If you are on blood thinners therapy or have a condition that thins the blood, Fenugreek should be avoided. You may experience excessive bleeding and bruising.

Last Thoughts

• Fenugreek oil is made from the seeds of the traditional healing herb.
• You can diffuse the oil, use it in recipes or apply it topically.
• It is a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive aid. It can also improve stamina and physical endurance.