Fenugreek was used in traditional medicine for treating wounds, chest congestion, kidney problems and a host of other diseases. It has found use in modern medicine as a possible adjunct to diabetes drugs. It also shows some promise for lowering cholesterol. Many women use it to increase the amount of milk they produce when lactating, but no scientific evidence on this use is available. As always, consult your doctor before taking this or any herb, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Uses
Fenugreek is most commonly used for diabetes, cholesterol and, anecdotally, to increase milk production in lactating women. Studies are promising for use of fenugreek in diabetes. In a study published in the "Journal of Association of Physicians of India" in 2001, this herb lowered blood sugar, improved insulin response and improved cholesterol levels, according to New York University Langone Medical Center. The Baylor College of Medicine recognizes that many mothers use fenugreek as an aide for lactation, but does not recommend it due to a lack of scientific evidence.
Side Effects
Few side effects are associated with fenugreek. Gastrointestinal side effects are common at high doses, and it can cause uterine contractions in pregnant women. For this reason, it is not recommended for this population. If you take this herb while breastfeeding, you and your baby might experience a maple syrup odor to your urine or on your body. This is a harmless side effect, but it is often mistaken for maple syrup urine disease. Symptoms of this disease include loss of appetite, lethargy and vomiting, according to PubMed Health. If your baby has maple syrup urine, make an appointment with your doctor for safety.
Drug Interactions
Fenugreek interacts with a few prescription medications. Do not take this herb if you are on a blood thinner, such as warfarin, because it can increase your bleeding times, according to the University of Colorado. If you are on a medication for diabetes, use caution with fenugreek because it can lower your blood sugar too far. It also interacts with corticosteroids, hormone replacement therapy and the antidepressants monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs.
Dosage
New York University Langone Medical Center recommends 5 to 30g of defatted fenugreek capsules three times per day with food. The Baylor College of Medicine states that most lactation consultants recommend 600mg of ground herb in capsule form three times per day for lactation. When taken as a tea, the University of Colorado recommends steeping 500mg of seeds in 150ml of cold water for three hours, then strain. Drink one cup of tea several times per day.
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