Ultimate Herbals Guide: Fenugreek

Your Ultimate Herb Guide to Fenugreek

What is Fenugreek?

This Herb Guide provides everything you need to know about the herb – it’s common names, how and why it’s used, whether it works and what it works for best, research conducted, whether it’s safe to take as an herbal dietary supplement and the potential side effects and cautions.

An herb, in general, is a plant or part of a plant which includes the flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots of the plant, used for its flavor, scent, or for potential therapeutic properties.

The first recorded use of fenugreek is described on an ancient Egyptian papyrus dated to 1500 B.C. Fenugreek seed is commonly used in cooking.

Common Names – Fenugreek, Fenugreek Seed
Latin Name - Trigonella Foenum-Graecum

What health conditions is Fenugreek commonly known to help?

Historically, fenugreek was used for a variety of health conditions, including menopausal symptoms and digestive problems. It was also used for inducing childbirth.
Today, it is used for diabetes and loss of appetite, and to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding women. It is also applied to the skin to treat inflammation.

How is Fenugreek used as a Dietary Supplement?

The dried seeds are ground and taken by mouth or used to form a paste that is applied to the skin.

What the Science Says

Does Fenugreek work?

A few small studies have found that fenugreek may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of fenugreek for any other health condition.

Side Effects and Cautions

Is Fenugreek safe?

What should I be careful about while taking Fenugreek as an herbal dietary supplement?

Possible side effects of fenugreek when taken by mouth include gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Fenugreek can cause irritation when applied to the skin.
Given its historical use for inducing childbirth, women should use caution when taking fenugreek during pregnancy.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Content Created/Medically Reviewed by our Expert Doctors