Fenugreek has a long history as a medicinal plant, particularly relating to women. It was used in Ancient Egypt as part of the embalming process and to induce childbirth and stimulate lactation, and today is still used to alleviate menstrual pain in women. In Ancient Rome it was used to induce childbirth, and in India to increase lactation, where it is still used for this purpose today. Known as helba in Northern Africa, and methi in India, it’s been used for centuries for its therapeutic benefits, and is also an important household herb, spice and vegetable in India, and a vital ingredient of the local bread in Egypt, in addition to being used as a coating for Basterma, a popular cured dried beef. Although lesser known in the western world, its therapeutic properties make cold-pressed fenugreek oil a must-have for everyone who cares for their health and general wellbeing.
Fenugreek Oil Benefit
Fenugreek Oil, cold-pressed from the seeds, has tremendous healing properties:
- anticarcinogen – has some anti-cancer properties;
- anti-Inflammatory – reduces inflammation;
- antioxidant – prevents cells from free radical damage;
- antispasmodic – prevents muscular spasms;
- anti-viral – fights certain viruses;
- circulant – increases blood circulation;
- expectorant – breaks-up and clears phlegm from the airways;
- galactagogue – promotes lactation;
- hypoglycemic – lowers blood glucose;
- hypotensive – reduces high blood pressure;
- immunomodulatory – improves the functioning of immune system;
- neuroprotective – protects the nervous system;
- phytoestrogen – mimics the female hormone oestrogen
These properties give fenugreek oil a plethra of benefits for the relief or prevention of a number of ailments.
Nutritional Value of Fenugreek Oil
Fenugreek oil contains a vast array of powerful compounds such as proteins, amino acids, alkaloids, saponins, coumarins, steroid sapogenins, and flavonoids, and it is these which give fenugreek oil its distinct health benefits. Nutrients in fenugreek oil include:
Vitamins: A,C, B, B9 (Folic Acid), D, K.
Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Potassium.
Fatty Acids: oleic acid (omega 9), linoleic acid (omega 6), linolenic acid (omega 3), palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, gadoleic acid and behenic acid.
Uses of Fenugreek Oil
Fenugreek oil is extremely versatile and can be taken orally (cold-pressed only), applied topically, used as a massage oil, used in a diffuser (essential oil only) or for steam inhalation.
Fenugreek Oil Health Benefits
So what is natural cold-pressed fenugreek oil used for? To summarise all benefits, although we’ll look in more detail at some of them: taken internally fenugreek oil supports women’s health, improves testosterone levels in men, reduces inflammation, cleanses the stomach, intestines and kidneys from toxins, regulates blood glucose and cholesterol levels, helps with digestive problems and relieves stomach pain, counteracts the formation of tumours, dispels anaemia, relieves symptoms of a cold, flu and pulmonary disease, and assists recovery after illness. Used topically on the skin it calms skin problems and relieves inflammation, whilst for the hair it promotes growth and reduces hair loss. As a massage oil it can help to relieve pain and inflammation, and as a breast massage can enhance the breasts.
Fenugreek Oil Benefits for Women
Fenugreek oil is often promoted as a “must have” for women, so you may well ask what does fenugreek do for females? It is the perfect therapy for a number of female ailments. Since it contains diosgenin, a phytohormone, which is very similar to the female hormone estrogen, fenugreek oil is a natural remedy to balance hormones and reduce an estrogen deficiency, helping to normalise the menstrual cycle, relieve dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), PMS and symptoms of the menopause. Furthermore, unlike synthetic hormones used to alleviate menopause symptoms, phytohormones do not cause any side effects, and actually decrease blood pressure, and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and osteoporosis.
Natural Fenugreek oil is also famed for increasing libido in women. Research, including a group of young otherwise healthy women, who admitted to a low sex drive and difficulty in finding satisfaction during sexual activity, plus another group of women suffering from a decreased sex drive due to hormonal changes after the onset of menopause, confirmed that the use of fenugreek increased their sexual desire, arousal and pleasure.
Traditionally used as a galactagogue to enhance a nursing mother’s breast milk supply, fenugreek remains the most widely used herbal remedy, and is the most commonly recommended by lactation consultants. Various studies have confirmed its natural ability to increase prolactin hormone levels, significantly increasing milk production, and subsequently accelerating the rate of weight gain in babies.
Fenugreek oil has been believed to be a natural way to increase breast size for centuries, and is said to have been the secret of the women in the harem to enhance their curves. So are there benefits for breast enlargement? Does fenugreek oil increase breast size? Fenugreek oil is a rich source of diosgenin, and research has indicated that diosgenin can stimulate growth of the mammary glands. This oil can help in boosting cell division and stimulating tissue growth, thereby naturally enhancing the fullness, firmness, overall look, and yes, even size of the breasts. For best results fenugreek oil should be taken internally and applied as a topical massage.
I’m pretty sure that I’ve got the attention of some you ladies now! So which fenugreek oil is best for breast enlargement? There are actually two types of fenugreek oil – cold-pressed and essential. The benefits referred to here are for cold-pressed. So what are the benefits of essential fenugreek oil? In terms of topical application, they remain the same, although it must always be diluted with another oil before being applied for the skin. However, essential oils should never be taken internally, so therefore for breast enhancement, it is best to use cold-pressed fenugreek oil so that it may be applied topically in a gentle massage as well as being taken orally for optimum results.
To massage: take a small amount of oil in the palm of the hand and warm it by rubbing the palms together, before applying to the breasts and surrounding area. Place your hands on your breasts and spread your fingers around them, then start to massage inwards in a circular motion. The right hand should move clockwise, and the left hand anti-clockwise. This is a gentle massage, applying gentle pressure, not kneading and pressing. Massage for 10-15 minutes before bed. Wipe off any excess oil, and shower off in the morning.
Fenugreek Oil Benefits for Men
Although the benefits for women are often cited regarding fenugreek, it also has specific qualities for the men too, such as boosting male fertility. Male infertility is classified as when the man has been unable to impregnate a woman after 1 year of not using any birth control methods. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 20 men have a lower than average sperm count, which can lead to infertility problems.
Research confirms that fenugreek oil can help to increase sperm count, in addition to improving libido, mood and mental awareness. The oil contains compounds called furostanolic saponins which increase testosterone levels in male subjects. Hypogonadism, or testosterone deficiency, may not necessarily mean that sperm levels are too low for the woman to conceive, but can impact on fertility by reducing libido.
A testosterone deficiency can also impact on health with conditions such as diabetes and obesity which are associated with low levels of testosterone regardless of age. Over 39% of men over the age of 45 are estimated to suffer from reduced testosterone levels which affects libido, energy levels, bone health, mood, cognitive function and more. Whereas testosterone therapy is not recommended if you are trying to start a family as it can reduce sperm count, fenugreek does it naturally without any side effects, and actually increases sperm count at the same time!
Fenugreek Oil Benefits for Skin
Fenugreek oil will effectively cleanse, tone, exfoliate and moisturise the skin. As a humectant it will draw moisture into the skin to prevent dryness, whilst its antibacterial and antifungal properties will deter acne and pimples. Meanwhile the anti-inflammatory properties will deal with skin inflammation such as eczema, dermatitis and allergies, as well as relieving blemishes, boils, and bites. Fenugreek oil also contains strong antioxidant properties, and helps in the growth and repair of the skin cells, thus combatting and deterring wrinkle formation, dark spots and scarring. Regular use of fenugreek oil will leave the complexion more toned, rejuvenated, blemish-free, and simply glowing with health.
Fenugreek Oil Benefits for Hair
Everyone wants a full head of healthy, shiny hair and fenugreek oil can make this a reality. Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp, and fenugreek can prevent dandruff and
scalp conditions, and reduce inflammation in the hair follicles which can be responsible for hair loss. The composition of the oil helps to repair damage to the hair shaft, nourish the hair follicles and induce blood circulation to promote growth. It is also believed that certain compounds in the oil may interact with DHT (dihydrotestosterone) – a chemical in the body which attaches itself to the hair follicles and causes hair loss – slowing its ability to attach. Studies regarding the impact of fenugreek oil on hair growth have shown positive results, with one study over a six month period demonstrating significant growth and strength to the hair in over 80% of participants, whilst another study regarding the oral intake of fenugreek oil for hair loss and hair fall showed a positive outcome for all participants. Overall, fenugreek oil strengthens the hair, reduces hair shedding, increases hair growth, density, smoothness and elasticity, and improves the texture and lustre of the hair.
How to use fenugreek oil for hair growth: Take 1 tsp. twice a day (course: 1 – 3 months). Use an overnight mask made of fenugreek oil and coconut oil in a ration of 2:1, once or twice a week. Or apply directly to scalp to nourish the hair follicles and leave for 30 minutes before washing.
How to use fenugreek oil for scalp health: Apply directly to the scalp and leave for 30 minutes before washing.
Fenugreek Oil Benefits for Lowering Blood Sugar
Fenugreek is a traditional remedy for diabetes, and studies have upheld this belief, showing that it can help to address insulin resistance and regulate blood sugar levels for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Regular intake of fenugreek oil stimulates the production of insulin by cells within the pancreas, and inhibits the activity of enzymes which break down sugar into glucose, slowing down the absorption of sugar in the gastrointestinal tract. It is also useful for non-diabetics and those in prediabetic stage, having a positive effect on insulin sensitivity, and improving glucose tolerance. A three year study confirmed that the use of fenugreek before a meal for prediabetics significantly reduced the likelihood of developing diabetes.
Fenugreek Oil Benefits for Weight Loss
Taking fenugreek oil daily boosts the metabolism and helps to shed any excess pounds. It is rich in galactomannan, a healthy polysaccharide responsible for the breakdown of fat and sugar metabolism in the body, and can trigger the burning of adipose tissue, including stubborn belly fat. Studies have shown that it can inhibit fat accumulation, therefore encouraging the body to burn excess fat. As a diuretic fenugreek oil can further assist by dispelling water retention.
Fenugreek Oil Benefits for Digestive System
Fenugreek oil has a long history as a digestive aid, supporting a healthy microbial balance in the gut, improving digestion, and reducing stomach pain, upset stomach, constipation, colic, and inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). It covers the walls of the stomach and intestines with a protective mucus which cleanses them from toxins and has a healing effect on gastric and duodenal ulcers. Fenugreek oil is often included in treatments for ulcerative colitis.
Fenugreek Oil Benefits for Inflammation
Fenugreek oil has the ability to reduce inflammation both internally and externally. Chronic inflammation is believed to be a key factor in many chronic and degenerative diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, and more. As a strong antioxidant, fenugreek oil can help to relieve oxidative stress and the resulting inflammation. Linolenic and linoleic acids found in fenugreek oil can significantly reduce joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, as confirmed in scientific studies. Furthermore, it has the ability to block pain receptors to the brain thus further reducing pain and discomfort. For the relief of joint pain, muscle pain, and muscle stiffness due to degenerative inflammatory disease or sports injuries, take internally and apply the oil as a massage (if preferred may be mixed in equal measures with a carrier oil such as jojoba, almond oil, etc). A massage with fenugreek oil will reduce pain and inflammation, relax tense muscles, support digestion, and calm the nervous system. A few drops may also be dropped on a warm damp towel to make a poultice and applied directly to the area to treat any pain and swelling.
Fenugreek Oil Benefits for Cold, Flu and Pulmonary Disease
Traditionally used to alleviate the symptoms of a cold, flu or pulmonary disease, fenugreek oil has strong anti-inflammatory and expectorate properties. It helps to calm inflammation, reducing coughing, and has been shown to improve lung function for people with mild asthma. The expectorate properties will break up phlegm and help relieve congestion of the airways. As well as being taken internally, the oil can also be used in steam inhalation to clear the airways, and reduce any associated headache. Additionally, Fenugreek oil can help to remedy a sore throat by adding a little to warm water and using as a gargle.
Fenugreek Essential Oil for Aromatherapy
The essential oil can be added to a vaporiser or diffuser to help you relax and de-stress after a hard day. The aroma can help to lower blood pressure, calm the nervous system, and even induce sweating in case of a fever.
Origin And Cultivation of Fenugreek
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is part of the Fabacae family, and is native to southeastern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, although it has been cultivated for centuries in India. It is an annual plant with small pale yellow, white or purple-blue flowers, growing 60-90cm tall, with an odour reminiscent of maple syrup. The seeds are collected after flowering, and the precious oil extracted through either cold-pressing to retain all of the nutrients, or by CO2 extraction process in order to retain the volatile oil which retains the aroma (essential oil). The cold-pressed variety may be used internally and externally. The essential oil is only used for hair, skin and cosmetic purposes, as well as aromatherapy, and must always be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied to the skin or hair, avoiding contact with the eyes.
Application of Cold-Pressed Fenugreek Oil
Take 1 tsp. twice a day (course: 1 – 3 months).
Contraindications of Fenugreek Oil
Not suitable for pregnant women as fenugreek can induce uterine contractions.
