Fenugreek has long been used as a medicinal treatment while still being a popular culinary spice. The website for the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, describes how fenugreek use was documented in ancient Egyptian papyrus from as long ago as 1500 B.C. But even though its use has been common for many centuries, you should still consult with your own healthcare provider before using it yourself.
Fenugreek and Digestion
According to the NCCAM, fenugreek has long been used to treat digestive problems and loss of appetite. The website for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, mentions gastrointestinal disorders among the medicinal uses for fenugreek. People with minor digestive upsets may want to try using small amounts of fenugreek to relieve the problem.
Research
The NCCAM site mentions several small studies of fenugreek's effectiveness in lowering blood sugar, but there seem to be no studies of the way fenugreek affects digestion. More study needs to be done in this area before fenugreek can be recommended to treat digestive problems.
Possible Side Effects
In centuries past, fenugreek was actually used to induce labor. So, according to the NCCAM web site, pregnant women should not take fenugreek, since it may cause uterine contractions. The site also warns that taking a larger amount of fenugreek than is used in culinary dishes can cause flatulence, bloating, diarrhea as well as other gastrointestinal problems. Fenugreek has been known cause contact dermatitis when used on the skin.
Potential Interactions
People who take anticoagulants, or blood thinners, medications for diabetes and some types of antidepressants should avoid taking fenugreek due to the risk of possible dangerous interactions. Discuss the use of fenugreek with your healthcare provider or pharmacist in order to avoid interactions with any medications or supplements you may take.
Forms Used
MedicinalHerbInfo.org reports that it's the seeds of the fenugreek plant that are used in cooking and for medicinal treatments. They are ground up and used as a powder or made into a paste for use. Fenugreek can be found in capsule, tablet or tea form, too.
Considerations
Any culinary or medicinal herb can cause allergic reaction, even if it has been taken before with no problem. Watch for rashes, hives and signs of swelling of the lips, tongue or face while taking fenugreek and if these occur, stop using it and contact your healthcare provider.
