According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, humans have used the fenugreek plant as far back as 1500 B.C. Fenugreek possesses a rich history of medicinal use, but make sure you know the facts about this herb before you decide to use it for inflammation. Talk to your doctor before using fenugreek, particularly if you have sensitive skin or suffer from allergies.
The Facts
A cousin to the pea, fenugreek, or Trigonella foenum-graecum, is an annual plant that grows to a height of approximately 24 inches. Native to India and portions of southern Europe, fenugreek supplies a key spice ingredient in many dishes, including curry. Although the leaves and seeds are both commonly used in cooking, the seeds -- dried and crushed -- are the main part of the plant used for medicinal purposes. According to the NCCAM, fenugreek is currently used for several purposes, including to increase and promote milk production in breastfeeding women, treat skin inflammation and minimize digestive problems, such as loss of appetite.
Features
According to Kami McBride, author of the book "The Herbal Kitchen," fenugreek has mucilaginous properties that allow it to reduce mucous inflammation. Once it has been exposed to moisture, such as water, dried fenugreek seeds develop a mucous-like coating, becoming slippery and slimy. As a demulcent, fenugreek coats and soothes irritated and inflamed skin surfaces, including the skin on the outside of your body, as well as the skin lining your mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract, notes McBride.
Efficacy
The efficacy of fenugreek in reducing inflammation is up in the air. Anecdotal evidence typically supports its use in minimizing minor cases of inflammation. In "The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide," author George Grossberg, MD, notes that the German Commission E -- a governmental agency that regulates and guides the use of herbal medicine in Germany -- approves the use of fenugreek for relieving skin inflammation. However, the NCCAM points out that an overall lack of scientific evidence discourages the use of fenugreek for any purpose other than assisting in lowering blood sugar in individuals suffering from diabetes.
Usage
Talk to your doctor before trying to use fenugreek to reduce any kind of inflammation. Depending upon the type of inflammation and its cause, fenugreek is utilized in a variety of different ways. Used topically, the dried, crushed seeds are typically mixed with a liquid, such as water or olive oil, to create a poultice; applying this moist liquid to the surface of the irritated skin may bring relief of a localized patch of inflamed or red skin, notes McBride. Other common methods for applying fenugreek to inflamed skin include dabbing fenugreek tea on irritated skin or taking a fenugreek bath.
Warning
Never use fenugreek for inflammation or any other purpose if you're pregnant or may become pregnant, as this herb may increase your chances of experiencing uterine contractions and preterm labor. Always check with your doctor before using fenugreek, especially if you have sensitive skin or a personal or family history of allergies. Dr. Grossberg notes that taking fenugreek with certain medications could increase your chances of developing abnormally low blood sugar or suffering from liver damage. Other potential side effects include skin irritation and digestive problems.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fenugreek
- "The Herbal Kitchen;" Kami McBride; 2010
- "The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide;" Dr. George Grossberg and Barry Fox; 2007
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