Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a clover-like herb native to the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, and Western Asia. The seeds are used in cooking, to make medicine, or to mask the taste of other medicines.
Fenugreek seeds smell and taste a bit like maple syrup. Fenugreek leaves can also be eaten as a vegetable.
Trade names of the drug: Alholva, Bird’s Foot.
Benefits of Fenugreek
Fenugreek can be taken to treat digestive problems such as loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation, or gastritis. Fenugreek is also used for diabetes, painful menstruation, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, arthritis, poor thyroid function, and obesity.
This medication is also used for conditions that affect heart health, such as hardening of the arteries and for high levels of certain fats in the blood (including cholesterol and triglycerides).
Fenugreek Dosage
This medicine is consumed by drinking it with the following dosage:
- For diabetes sufferers: 5-100 grams of fenugreek powder is consumed once or twice a day with meals, for 4 days to 3 years.
- For painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea): 1,800-2,700 mg of fenugreek seed powder is taken three times daily for the first 3 days of menstruation. Then, the use is followed by 900 mg three times daily for the remaining two menstrual cycles.
- To increase sexual desire: 600 mg of fenugreek seed extract daily for two menstrual cycles.
How to Use Fenugreek
- When considering using herbal supplements, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
- If you choose to use fenugreek, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Avoid using more of this product than recommended on the label.
- Do not use different forms of fenugreek (such as tablets, liquids, etc.) at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional.
- Using multiple formulations together increases the risk of overdose.
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Things to Consider When Using Fenugreek
Consumption of this drug requires special attention in people who have special conditions such as:
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Pregnant women
This drug can cause malformations in the unborn baby and premature contractions. Taking fenugreek shortly before labor can also cause the newborn to have an unusual body odor, which can be mistaken for “maple syrup urine disease.” This odor does not appear to have any long-term effects.
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Breastfeeding mothers
This medication is probably safe when taken by mouth to increase breast milk flow in the short term.
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Children
Fenugreek is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in children.
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Allergy to Plants
People who have allergies to certain plants or herbs are also not advised to take this drug.
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Having Diabetes
People with diabetes may experience risks if they take this drug.
Fenugreek Side Effects
Seek medical help immediately if you experience any side effects such as:
- Allergies.
- Itchy rash.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, confusion, tremors, sweating, rapid heartbeat, difficulty speaking, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, fainting, seizures, bruising, and unusual bleeding.
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach ache.
Fenugreek Interactions
Consumption of fenugreek can trigger interactions, such as:
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With Medicine for Diabetes
Fenugreek can lower blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking fenugreek along with diabetes medications can cause blood sugar to become too low.
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With Anticoagulant Drugs
Fenugreek might slow blood clotting. Taking fenugreek along with medications might also slow blood clotting which could increase the chance of bruising and bleeding.
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With Warfarin
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Fenugreek may also cause blood clots. Taking these two medications together may increase the chance of bruising and bleeding.
Fenugreek Contraindications
This medicine is not recommended for use in children as a supplement. Potential side effects of fenugreek include diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms and rarely, dizziness and headache. Large doses can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar. Another contraindication is that fenugreek can cause allergic reactions in some people.
