Medicinal Uses of Fenugreek

Known by the more common name "Greek Hay" because of its original use as food for cattle, fenugreek has been used for centuries as a health remedy. A native plant to eastern Europe and some parts of Asia, fenugreek is now cultivated in areas all over the world for its leaves and seeds -- with the seeds more commonly used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Because of the widespread use of fenugreek, its beneficial properties are now being studied for application in many common health disorders. Consult with your physician before taking fenugreek or any herb for medicinal purposes.

Diabetes and High Cholesterol

• Fenugreek has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels, as well as lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients during a 10 day trial at the National Institute of Nutrition in India. The results of this study indicate that fenugreek could be effective in the management of Type I Diabetes, although any addition of supplements to your diet should be reviewed by your physician.

Cancer

• Studies have shown that one of the chemicals isolated from fenugreek helps slow the creation of new cancer cells. Although more trials must be done, this indicates that fenugreek may help cancer patients by stopping the growth and spread of the disease, according to PubMed.

Lactation

• Many mothers find breast feeding difficult because they aren't able to produce enough milk. Although it's not recommended that you take fenugreek supplements during pregnancy, this herb has been used for centuries to aid in milk production, according to Breastfeeding.com.

Appetite and Digestion

• An appetite stimulant, fenugreek supplements have been used in cases when weight gain is necessary, as well as to ease stomach ailments and digestion problems. Throughout history, the seeds have been chewed, roasted or eaten raw, to help with problems of the bowel, says PubMed.

Skin Diseases

• Fenugreek seeds may be roasted or left raw, ground into a paste and applied to skin to help in cases of eczema, rash or other causes of inflammation. This is one of the more historical medicinal uses of fenugreek and the practice is still in use today in many countries, according to UCLA Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library.