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When to Take Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a member of the Leguminosae family, and its seeds come from bean-like plants that grow in warmer climates, such as India, North Africa and Southern Europe. The seeds are harvested from the pods, roasted and sometimes ground, depending on the method of ingestion.
Fenugreek can help many ailments, including stimulating breast milk supply, lowering blood sugar in diabetics, reducing blood pressure and easing congestion. As a food, fenugreek is used as the flavoring for imitation maple syrup and in a variety of curries.

  1. History

    • Fenugreek use by ancient Egyptians is documented as early as 1500 B.C. Its earliest uses were for reproductive health, menopause support and inducing childbirth. Today, it is most commonly used medicinally by diabetics and nursing mothers.

    Diabetes

    • Fenugreek is an alkaloid that contains fiber, along with trigonelline, gentianine and carpaine compounds and fenugreekine. High levels of fenugreekine likely account for the glucose-lowering effect by inhibiting glucose release and blocking some carbohydrate absorption. A 1996 study published in "Nutrition Research" cited a drop of about 30 points in fasting glucose levels in volunteers after one month of using 25 grams of powdered seed twice daily.

    Breastfeeding

    • Fenugreek is the herb most commonly used to boost breast milk production. When used as a galactagogue, most nursing mothers' milk supply increases within three days, though it can take weeks to have a noticeable effect. Many women take at least 3,500 mg each day. A lesser dose might not produce tangible results. A rule of thumb for determining proper dosage is when a woman's sweat begins to smell like maple syrup, she is probably taking enough.

    Side Effects

    • Fenugreek is a mild herb but still has side effects. Diarrhea, flatulence and urine or sweat smelling like maple are most often reported. Most side effects go away within a few days of use, though the maple smell might persist for the entire time you take it.
      Pregnant women should avoid fenugreek because of its history as a stimulate to induce uterine contractions. Diabetics should carefully monitor blood sugar levels, especially when first starting fenugreek, since the herb combined with other diabetic medications can have a hypoglycemic effect. Hypoglycemia has been reported in women without diabetes who are taking fenugreek for breastfeeding.

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