Herbal supplements are used for a variety of ailments, and many flavorings, spices or seasonings can also be used for medicinal purposes, including fenugreek and fennel. Though anecdotes and historic uses of these supplements point to their efficacy, clinical evidence may not always exist. Talk with your health care provider before consuming these supplements to ensure that they are safe for you to take and appropriate for your situation.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is used for flavoring food but also as an herbal supplement. Taken orally, it is used to help treat a loss of appetite and stomach problems as well as to stimulate lactation; used as a topical agent, it can treat inflammation, wounds and eczema. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, fenugreek has been used historically for menopausal symptoms and inducing childbirth. Drugs.com states that fenugreek may affect blood sugar levels and blood clotting times, so if you have a bleeding disorder or diabetes, talk with your doctor before using fenugreek as a supplement. Pregnant women or women who are breast feeding should ask their doctors before using fenugreek, as it is not known if this supplement will affect an unborn baby. Some individuals may have allergic reactions to fenugreek, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue or face. Call your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.
Fennel
In addition to its use as an herbal supplement, fennel has been used as a flavoring, a scent and an insect repellent. According to Drugs.com, fennel may help treat gastrointestinal problems and poisoning and may promote lactation and menstruation, although there is a lack of clinical evidence for many of these uses. This supplement possesses anti-inflammatory properties and may have immunosuppressive properties as well. Side effects may include nausea, pulmonary edema, seizures and vomiting. It may also cause a laxative effect, adds Drugs.com.
Dosing
Take fenugreek as directed on the package, with a full glass of water, advises Drugs.com. If your health care provider has given you other instructions on its use, follow her directions. If you are using it topically, avoid ingesting the topical product. For its stimulant effects, fennel has been consumed in doses of 5 to 7 g; to help get rid of gas, doses of 0.1. to 0.6 mL fennel seed oil are used, states Drugs.com.
Considerations
Before using any fenugreek or fennel supplement, talk with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you. They may be natural and used as flavorings, but as a supplement, either may interact with medications or cause adverse side effects. By talking with your doctor about this and any other medications you are taking, together you can assess whether you can safely take these supplements.
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