What Are the Medicinal Uses of Fenugreek?

Fenugreek is an herb that is thought to help improve the symptoms of many different ailments. Its fresh seeds can be ingested and fenugreek supplements can be purchased at many health food stores. The seeds of this herb can also be made into a tea or a poultice that is applied to the skin. While there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to support the uses of fenugreek, there is not definitive scientific evidence verifying that it actually works. People use fenugreek for the control of diabetes, upset stomachs, skin irritations or infections, heartburn, and to increase the amount of breast milk in new mothers.

One of the popular uses of fenugreek is to control blood sugar levels of people with diabetes. When a dose of fenugreek is taken with food, it appears to promote insulin production by the pancreas. It is also thought that fenugreek is effective in lowering high triglyceride levels in those that have type 2 diabetes. Fenugreek is not recommended for children with diabetes, however.

Fenugreek is often used to treat stomach aches and other gastrointestinal problems. These may include constipation, diarrhea, and the formation of stomach ulcers. Other uses of fenugreek include treating heartburn and lack of an appetite.

Many natural breast enhancement products contain fenugreek. The plant contains plant estrogen that may increase the size of the breasts in some women, although this is yet to be scientifically proven. The hormones found in the seeds of fenugreek are also thought to promote the production of breast milk in women who have recently given birth. Many lactation consultants recommend the supplement to women who want to breastfeed but have a low breast milk supply. Herbal supplements can pass into breast milk, so a woman should speak to a doctor about the safety of the herb before using fenugreek while nursing a baby.

Additional uses of fenugreek include treating skin conditions. For these, the herb can be made into a poultice or paste and applied to the skin. This may be an effective treatment for boils or abscesses, eczema, and lymph node swelling.

More research is needed to find further evidence about the different uses of fenugreek. The supplement does react with other drugs, such as diabetes medications and those that slow blood clotting, so care should be taken when considering taking it. Before using fenugreek, a person should consult a doctor or pharmacist. It is also important to carefully follow the dosing instructions that are on a bottle of fenugreek supplements.