Home remedies with methi dana

Fenugreek (also known as Greek Hay and Fenigreek), is an herb that is commonly found growing in the Mediterranean region of the world. While the seeds and leaves are primarily used as a culinary spice, it is also used to treat a variety of health problems in Egypt, Greece, Italy, and South Asia. Fenugreek seeds have been found to contain protein, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, and diosgenin (which is a compound that has properties similar to estrogen). Other active constituents in fenugreek are alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan, as well as steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin). 

                                      Fenugreek, the wonder herb. One of the oldest, inexpensive and safest herbal supplements is fenugreek. This herb-plant is popular in countries that know herbal medicines well. These countries are Egypt, China and India. Most fenugreek products produced and sold worldwide come from India specifically in Rajasthan.

Other countries that are known to produce this herb are Morocco, Turkey, Argentina, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. In the Indian subcontinent, fenugreek is called methi and used in almost all nationally loved foods. In India, people wake up not to their coffee but to their fenugreek seeds. They regularly take 2 to 3 grams of seeds with warm water to soothe joint and body pains, even before they drink coffee or brush their teeth. They take some more methi in the evening to avoid suffering from constipation. 

In China, traditional doctors prescribe fenugreek to cure a host of illnesses including arthritis, asthma, sore throat, gout, acid reflux and indigestion. It is also believed to improve libido and male potency, treat rashes, wounds, boils and eczema.

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What are the Benefits of Fenugreek?

Due to its estrogen-like properties, fenugreek has been found to help increase libido and lessen the effect of hot flashes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of menopause and PMS. In India and China it has also been used to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion, maintain a healthy metabolism, increase libido and male potency, cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), treat sore throat, and cure acid reflux. Fenugreek also has a long history of use for the treatment of reproductive disorders, to induce labor, to treat hormonal disorders, to help with breast enlargement, and to reduce menstrual pain. Recent studies have shown that Fenugreek helps lower blood glucose and cholestrol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. It is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits.

Uses of Fenugreek

1. Home Remedy for Balancing Cholesterol

Studies have found people who took 2 ounces (56g) of fenugreek seed each day had significantly (around 14 percent) lower cholesterol levels after 24 weeks, and had lowered their risk of heart attack by more than 25 percent. Therefore, a recommended remedy for lowering cholesterol is to take 2 ounces of seeds throughout the day. The seeds can be sprinkled onto prepared food, or they can be consumed with water if they are in capsule form.

2. Treating Diabetes and Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

Studies have shown that participants with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar levels after eating fenugreek. Therefore, a recommended home remedy for treating Type 2 diabetes is to consume 500mg of fenugreek twice daily. 

3. Herbal Cure for Skin Inflammation

Research has shown that Fenugreek is an effective topical treatment for skin problems such as abscesses, boils, burns,eczema, and gout. Therefore, a simple skin inflammation remedy is the following: 

• Take a spoonful of fenugreek and grind it into a powder. 

• Mix the ground powder with warm water. 

• Take a simple piece of clean cloth and soak it into the mixture. 

• Apply the soaked cloth directly onto the affected skin as a poultice.

4. Natural Cure for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Fenugreek seeds contain a lot of mucilage, which helps sooth gastrointestinal inflammation by coating the lining of the stomach and intestine. Therefore, for an effective remedy against heartburn or Acid Reflux, simply sprinkle 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds onto your food. Another option is to take one teaspoon of seeds and swallow them with water or juice before any meal. 

5. Home Remedy for Fever

The Fenugreek herb has been known to help reduce fever when taken with lemon and honey, since it nourishes the body during an illness. Therefore, to treat a fever, simply consume one to two teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds three times a day along with an herbal tea (such as green tea) with a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice. Some health food stores also sell herbal Fenugreek teas, which can be used instead of the green tea. 

6. Breast Enlargement

Fenugreek is often used in many teas and other products that help balance women's hormones and/or enlarge the breasts. Therefore, a simple home remedy for breast enlargement is to make Fenugreek a part of your regular diet. A common suggestion is to consume up to 3g of Fenugreek per day. 

7. Remedy to Ease Child Birth for Pregnant Women

Fenugreek stimulates uterine contractions and can be helpful to induce childbirth. However, pregnant women should only use this remedy for inducing labor after , consulting with their doctor.

8. Remedy to Aid Milk Production in Lactating Women

Fenugreek has been known to increase milk production in lactating women. Research has even shown that milk production can increase by over 500 percent within 24 to 72 hours after consuming this herb. Although it is not known why this happens, researchers speculate that the oil contained in fenugreek seeds plays a role. Therefore, a recommended remedy to increase milk flow is to consume one capsule of fenugreek seed (at least 500mg) three times a day.

9. Fenugreek for Hair Growth

The herb is also contain lecithin, which is a natural emollient that moisturizes and strengthens hair. This substance is in fact found in hair care products to give hair luster, health, length, and shine. fenugreek seeds have been found to contain protein and nicotinic acid, as well as other important nutrients such as niacin, potassium and phosphorous among others. It is the protein and nicotinic acid that is thought to help fight balding. Protein rebuilds and strengthens the hair shaft. Even without the mention of fenugreek, medical doctors recommend a protein-balanced diet to avoid hair loss and stimulate the growth of more hair, fenugreek has enough protein to restore hair-growing ability.
              If you are suffering from hair loss and would love to try a cure that is safe and cheap, fenugreek is for you. You can buy the herb from health food stores and Asian stores. Get a bunch of fenugreek seeds and soak them in virgin coconut oil. Allow to settle overnight. In the morning, mix your self-made hair growth tonic, removing the seeds. Apply the coconut oil to your scalp and massage for 5 to 10 minutes. Expect to see early results in just 3 days.

What are the Side Effects of Fenugreek?

While Fenugreek is generally considered to be safe when used moderately, there have been reports of a few minor side-effects. Nausea is one common side effect, while other people have reported gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea and/or gas). Also, when using this herb topically on the skin, it is important to watch out for skin irritations and rashes. Fenugreek use during pregnancy is not recommended, since it has the potential to induce labor. If you are pregnant and wish to take it, you should do so only after consultation with your doctor.
If you are currently taking any oral medications, you should always use this herb at least 2 hours before or after these drugs. This is important since Fenugreek fiber has the potential to interfere with the absorption of oral medications due to its mucilaginous fiber (which gives it a moist and sticky texture).

How to take fenugreek / methis seeds? 

There are various ways you can take fenugreek. When taken raw, the taste is bitter. However with regular intake, you become used to the taste.
• Take one teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds and swallow them with water in an empty stomach. Or you can have with juice or water before you start to eat.
• Soak it overnight and drink the water with fenugreek in next morning in empty stomach.
• Fry the seeds without oil and keep it in a bottle. Take a spoonfall with hot water every morning.
• Fenugrrek tea is another option. Brew a tea with the seeds. Start with a teaspoon of seeds in a tea basket and brew in hot water until the tea is comfortable to drink. This gives a refreshing taste. Some health food stores also sell herbal Fenugreek teas. which can be used instead of the green tea.
• Sprout the seeds in a seed sprouter or between moist paper towels for many days. You can add these sprouts to soups and curries. However do not let the sprouts grow for more than 3 days or they may become bitter.
• You can consume 1-2 teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds along with an herbal tea (such as green tea) as well.
• Last but not the least there are fenugreek tablets available in the medical shops. But nothig is better than the natural one. So you make your choice. to Ease Child Birth for Pregnant Women

Fenugreek stimulates uterine contractions and can be helpful to induce childbirth. However, pregnant women should only use this remedy for inducing labor after , consulting with their doctor. 

(NOTE- please consult your ayurvedic physician before use)