Fenugreek - Can It Cure Diabetes and Obesity

What is Fenugreek?

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an herbal remedy sourced from the dried seeds of a plant native to India and North Africa. It has long been used in ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India) as a laxative and demulcent (a substance that soothes irritation of the skin, mouth, nose, or throat).

Current health claims for fenugreek include the treatment of type 2 diabetes, arthritis, inflammation, alopecia, muscle pain, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin ulcers.

Drug properties

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. In India and China it has also been used to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion, maintain a healthy metabolism, increase libido and male potency, cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), treat sore throat, and cure acid reflux. Fenugreek also has a long history of use for the treatment of reproductive disorders, to induce labor, to treat hormonal disorders, to help with breast enlargement, and to reduce menstrual pain. Recent studies have shown that Fenugreek helps lower blood glucose and cholestrol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. It is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits.

According to a recent study conducted in India, it has been found that Methi powder and yoga can be used to treat diabetes. The fenugreek seeds consist of an amino acid which can start the production of insulin in the body which in turn can help you to lower the level of blood sugar. Methi powder can be used to avoid the type 2 diabetes as it aids in controlling the metabolism of glucose in the body. The side effects related to fenugreek is very uncommon, provided a person consumes it in moderation. Hence it is imperative to take the suggestion of your doctor, before including fenugreek in your treatment plan for diabetes, so that he can ensure that it will not hamper the absorption rate of the other medications, if any, that are consumed by you for the diabetes treatment.. When taken with meals, fenugreek can slow how quickly the body absorbs sugars. One amino acid that is found in fenugreek has been reported to increase the production of insulin when blood sugar rises. This is not saying a diabetic can take fenugreek instead of insulin.

Fenugreek is available ground from the roasted seeds, as whole and dried Fenugreek Seed, or as a dull yellow powder. Its value comes from its contents: lysine and L-tryptophan, alkaloids, steroidal saponins (diosgenin, tigogenin, yamogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber. Fenugreek is a natural source of silicon, iron, sodium, selenium, and thiamine.

Fenugreek is great aid to digestion because it contains a non-dissolving fiber. The fiber swells in the presence of liquid, making it a great natural laxative. Fenugreek also lowers a person’s blood pressure.

Fenugreek reduces coughing, stimulates perspiration that reduces fevers (this was even known in ancient Egypt), and is beneficial for treating bronchitis, allergies, and congestion. Fenugreek fights infection, reduces inflammation, and relieves congestion. Fenugreek contains ideal qualities for treating lung congestion and sinus problems. It also loosens and removes excessive amounts of mucus and phlegm.

A tea can be made by soaking a teaspoon of seed with two cups of water for five minutes. A coffee is also made in India from the seeds. The leaves are used in meat curries, both fresh and dried. A spicy bread is made with fenugreek powder added to the flour.

A poultice of fenugreek may sooth irritated skin, relieve the pain of boils and cysts, and decrease surface aches and pains. It is also used for boils, cysts, and other complaints.

The poultice is made by mixing two ounces of fenugreek seed powder with a quart of hot water. Then let the mixture stand until it makes a thick gel. About one ounce with each meal or up to three ounces per day is a common dosage of the seeds to help with lowering cholesterol or treating diabetes. As a tincture, three to four ml of fenugreek is recommended three times per day. Fenugreek tea is made by soaking two ounces of seeds in about five ounces of cold water for at least three hours. Then remove the seeds and drink either hot or cold.

Side Effects of Fenugreek

When eaten or taken in capsule form, fenugreek may cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Fenugreek may also cause irritation when applied to the skin.

Since fenugreek may increase the potency of certain medications (such as blood-thinning drugs) and interact with hormonal agents, it's important to consult your physician before using fenugreek. Used in ayurvedic medicine to induce childbirth, fenugreek should also be avoided by pregnant women.

Comments from readers of this blog (before editing)

buy meridia said...

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Lisa said...

I’ve tried all sorts of coughing syrups, believe me, but none of them helps. Even though Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa http://www.geocities.jp/ninjiom_hong_kong/index_e.htm does not eliminates the cough I like to stick to this chinese syrup I’ve been taking since I was a kid: Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa. My grandfather is chinese, so I guess my mom got the advice from him. I was really surprised when I found that chinese market selling it here in Belgium. It does have a refreshing, soothing, sweetening effect…as long as it lasts…then back to coughing mode.

mithun said...

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What Is Diabetes

Further reading

Fenugreek (methi) – a home remedy for diabetes

http://mrinalkantipal.blogspot.com/2011/01/fenugreek-home-remedy-for-diabetes.html