What Is Fenugreek Used For?

Trigonella foenum-graecum is the scientific name for the fenugreek plant. The dried seeds of fenugreek have been used medicinally for centuries by Ayurvedic practitioners. Fenugreek is also manufactured and sold as a dietary supplement in North America for the treatment of a variety of health conditions. Talk to your physician before taking fenugreek for any medical condition.

Nutritional Benefits

Fenugreek contains numerous phytochemicals, including beta-carotene, quercetin, rutin and saponins. Phytochemicals are substances found naturally in plants that are rich in antioxidants and thought to prevent disease in humans. Fenugreek also contains amino acids, fatty acids, fiber, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iron and zinc, as well as vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-3 and C.

Traditional Uses

According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, fenugreek has been traditionally used to stimulate lactation in breast-feeding women. The herb lubricates the intestines and bowels and has also been used traditionally as a laxative. Fenugreek can also be applied topically to treat abscesses, boils, burns, eczema, gout and other ulcerations of the skin.

Mucus-Related Disorders

Fenugreek is sometimes used to help treat mucus-related disorders. The exact mechanism of action is unknown, but its mucus-decreasing properties may be due to the phytochemical quercetin that is found in fenugreek. Quercetin has natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties and it helps to reduce mucus in the body. As such, Phyllis Balch states in her book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," that fenugreek may be a useful herb for the treatment of asthma, sinus congestion and other conditions related to an overproduction of mucus.

High Cholesterol

According to the Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide website, fenugreek also promotes healthy cholesterol levels. The saponins found in fenugreek help to inhibit the production of, and absorption of, cholesterol in the body. The saponins also lower triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol in the blood.

Additional Purported Uses

Fenugreek is also used to promote eye health, reduce inflammation, promote the secretion of bile in the gallbladder, enhance wound healing, induce labor, reduce fever and lower blood sugar levels, states Balch. In addition, fenugreek is used to treat alopecia, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, lung disorders, infections and muscle pain. Most of these uses are based on anecdotal evidence, however, and not substantiated by scientific evidence.

Dosage and Precautions

Fenugreek can be taken as a pill, powdered and mixed with water, or as a tincture. The usual dose is 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily, taken with a meal. Pregnant women should not take fenugreek. High doses of fenugreek may cause hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea or gas. In addition, frequent topical use may cause skin irritation. Fenugreek may also interact negatively with numerous medications, including anticoagulants, diabetic drugs and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. As such, it is important that you talk to your health care practitioner before supplementing with fenugreek.