Ever popped aturmeric supplementor maybe mixed someashwagandhapowder into your morning smoothie?
Then you know the powerful healing role that herbs and spices can play in our lives.
Another potent oldie but goodie that fits the bill is fenugreek.
“You’ll often see it in seed or powder form.”
OK, so what is fenugreek?
Today, they’re even used to flavorimitation maple syrup.
Various culturesthroughout history1have also used fenugreek medicinally.
In ayurvedic medicine, it’s been praised as an aphrodisiac and digestive soother.
Let’s unpack the health benefits of fenugreek.
Plus, fenugreek packs a variety of health-promoting phytochemicals.
Here are a few ways it may help you:
It balances blood sugar and lowers cholesterol.
A pre-meal swig ofapple cider vinegarisn’t the only thing that will help keep blood sugar levels in check.
It provides relief from painful periods.
Dysmenorrhea (the physical pain and cramping associated with periods) has plagued women since the beginning of time.
Various cultures, like the ancient Egyptians, looked to natural remedies like fenugreek andeven cannabisto alleviate symptoms.
(Here’show to tell if your period is signaling a hormonal imbalance.)
It can soothe bloating, constipation, and GI distress.
Soluble fiber absorbs water and adds bulk to stools, helping things move along smoothly.
Since constipation often causes bloating and cramping, fenugreek may help alleviate those symptoms as well.
(Want more ways to beat bloat?
Try theseeight science-backed tips.)
These properties may also help to prevent or heal a leaky gut.
It increases breast milk production.
Fenugreek supplements and teas areused frequently7among nursing womenaround the world1with low milk supply.
“My female clients who are nursing love lactation cookies with fenugreek in them,” says Cording.
It provides relief for inflammatory skin conditions.
It can either be administered as apoulticeon the skin or added to a warm bath.
It increases sex drive for men and women.
Fenugreek has long been used as an aphrodisiac in ayurvedic medicine.
They also maintained healthy testosterone levels.
Anotherstudy12found that the same dose of fenugreek extract had a positive effect on women with low sex drive.
A few other potential health benefits of fenugreek.
What you should look for in a fenugreek supplement.
“For medicinal purposes, capsule formulations are the best form,” says Ruhoy.
A few ways to use fenugreek seeds and powder.
Typically, this will keep them fresh for up to six months.
Just take a spoonful in the morning to set yourself up for optimal digestion and balanced blood sugar.
Serve with honey for a little extra sweetness and to complement fenugreek’s naturally maple-y taste.
For something savory and warm, try thisinflammation-taming soupfeaturing fenugreek and turmeric.
Are there any side effects I should watch out for?
Some evidence suggests fenugreek may worsen asthma symptoms as well.
Consuming it as a flavor-boosting ingredient in foods, however, is likely safe.
So there you have it!
Enjoy exploring the seriously diverse benefits of this ancient plant medicine.
