Fenugreek is a plant rich in unique properties. It is used in cosmetics, cooking and herbal medicine, so it is a universal source of health. It is otherwise known as Greek clover or “God’s grass”. It has been used for centuries in Asian medicine, mainly as a blood sugar lowering agent, but in Iran it is a popular raw material for the production of medicines for eye and skin diseases.
Modern scientific research confirms that fenugreek can be used in many areas: medicine, cosmetics, cooking, and even in bodybuilding. The seeds of this plant have a very positive effect on almost the entire digestive system:
- Hemorrhoid – seeds can be used as an auxiliary medicine in relieving haemorrhoids, because they contain valuable flavonoids, which have a sealing effect on blood vessels.
- Improvement of digestion – gruel from dried fenugreek seeds is the best remedy for gastrointestinal ailments such as flatulence, inflammation of the gastric mucosa, dyspepsia, liver disease. It has the effect of supporting the secretion of gastric juice, pancreas and saliva. Therefore, it is also worth giving it to people who suffer from lack of appetite.
- Constipation – they are also a source of fiber supporting intestinal peristalsis.
- Protection against colorectal cancer – the diosgenin present in them can protect against the development of cancer, because it inhibits the growth and causes the death of cancer cells.
- Removes parasites – they are used as an auxiliary drug in eliminating parasitic diseases of the digestive system.
- Liver protection – fenugreek seeds are a protection for liver cells. Their effect is comparable to silymarin, an agent commonly used in liver diseases. This antioxidant has an anti-inflammatory effect, inhibits fibrosis processes and the penetration of toxins into the liver cells.
- Stomach ulcers – very often they are used for peptic ulcer disease, because they contain polysaccharides. They work by covering the stomach with a protective layer, which reduces swelling and congestion of the mucous membrane, and protects against irritants.
Other Fenugreek Uses
In cosmetics, this plant is used for the care of acne and seborrheic skin, but its most popular properties are strengthening hair, preventing hair loss and stimulating new growth.
It is also used by bodybuilders because it increases testosterone levels and reduces the amount of body fat. Fenugreek seeds also work:
- anti-inflammatory,
- expectorant,
- Antibiotic – antifungal and antibacterial,
- analgesic,
- antipyretic,
- stimulating lactation,
- Lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood.