Fenugreek oil which is extracted from fenugreek seed has many health benefits.It is commonly used for curing hair and skin issues.Also, it has been used for breast enlargement.
This article will provide you with the essential knowledge of fenugreek oil, its health benefits and side effects too!
Fenugreek Oil – Fenugreek oil is an essential oil which is obtained from the fenugreek seeds (Scientific Name- Trigonella foenum). It is obtained by the steam distillation of the fenugreek seeds. The fenugreek seeds are yellow in colour and they have a very strong and bitter taste.
The oil which is extracted is also yellowish in colour with a hint of brown. The oil contains many volatile organic compounds and is an essential oil. So it is also utilized for aromatherapy. The oil is edible and so it is also used for cooking. The oil can also be applied to the skin and hair.
Fenugreek seeds have been used since ancient times to treat various illnesses. Historical evidence for the use of fenugreek seeds has been provided by the discovery of these in the Tomb of the Egyptian Boy Pharaoh “Tutankhamun” or “King Tut”.
Some ancient medicinal texts also mention the use of fenugreek seeds. Even ancient people used fenugreek seeds and oil. This further helps in establishing fenugreek oil as a potent cure for bodily ailments.
The many health benefits of this oil are due to the presence of many nourishing nutrients in it. The oil is rich in protein, vitamin C, fiber, iron, potassium, lysine, L-tryptophan and alkaloids.
The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of this oil are a result of the presence of these nutrients. These compounds make fenugreek oil a versatile medicinal tool with lots of uses.
To know more about the health benefits of fenugreek oil carry on to our next section!
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Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Oil
Fenugreek oil as I have said is versatile oil in curing typical and common illnesses which are more of a nuisance than life threatening! Although this oil can also help prevent some very serious health problems like diabetes and cancer.
Below I have stated the various health benefits of using fenugreek oil.
1. For Treating Skin Related Issues
Fenugreek oil has been commonly used for treating many skin problems since ancient times. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of fenugreek oil make it a versatile cure for skin problems.
a. Acne And Blackheads
With the increase in pollution in our environment we suffer from skin health problems throughout the year.
The most common problem is acne and blackhead formation. If you are suffering from the same and want a cure then fenugreek oil is one of your best options!
You can apply a little amount of the oil likely 5 drops of the oil mixed in 5ml of a base oil (jojoba oil preferably) to the acne-riddled skin. Apply properly on the pimples.
The oil reduces the swelling and redness of the pimples. It also helps reduce the pain of growing pimples. Keep applying the oil daily till you see a reduction in the acne formation on your skin.
The application of fenugreek oil on acne riddled skin also helps prevent blackhead formation. This is because the blackheads are formed due to the oxidation of the acne. Since the oil prevents acne growth blackhead formation is eventually stopped.
And since the oil is also an antioxidant it prevents the oxidisation of already formed acne/pimples into blackheads. The use of fenugreek oil leaves you with beautiful clear skin.
b. Boils
The fenugreek oil is very useful in treating boils and other problems like carbuncles, furuncles etc. The oil has an anti-inflammatory property which helps reduce the swelling and pain accompanying these skin problems. The oil can be added to herbal/homemade poultice and applied to the boils to cure them.
The homemade poultice can be made by grinding a few fenugreek seeds into a powder. Then add it to warm water. You can add few drops of fenugreek oil in the mixture so that the effectiveness is increased. Soak a cloth in the mixture and apply to the affected areas and boils. This will help relieve the inflammation and pain.
c. Irritated Skin
Sometimes your skin may become irritated and itch. With the amount of pollution, unhealthy diet and other health problems that are common nowadays the skin may become easily irritated.
At such times, fenugreek oil can be very useful. You can take a few drops of the oil mixed with olive oil and apply to your irritated skin. This will help reduce inflammation and itching of the skin.
d. Anti-Ageing Property
Who doesn’t want to look young forever? But unfortunately, science has not been able to come up with a solution to this problem yet. So in the meantime, you can always delay the signs of aging like wrinkles, age spots and fine lines with various cosmetic products or you can use a healthier alternative like fenugreek oil!
The fenugreek oil has anti-aging property. This is because the oil can reduce the formation of free radicals on your skin which is the reason for skin aging. It also helps in growth of new cells and repairs damaged skin cells.
You can mix a few drops fenugreek oil with a base oil like jojoba or olive oil and apply to your skin daily. This will help reduce and slow down the signs of aging.
e. Protects Against Sun Damage And Promotes Beautiful Skin
Fenugreek oil is wonderful for your skin. Using the oil will result in a beautiful and clear skin for you.
The oil is also said to help prevent damage from radiation of the sun i.e. sunburns. Consuming the oil in little amounts with your diet can help protect your skin from sun damage and improve the quality and health of your skin.
f. Massage
Since the fenugreek oil is an essential oil it can be used for body massages. The oil has a very relaxing effect and can be used for massaging in addition to other massaging oils. The oil imparts glowing, beautiful and healthy skin.
2. Fenugreek Oil For Hair Problems And Its Cure
The pollution, increasing workload, air-conditioned rooms, stress, unhealthy diet, etc. are all reasons to worry for they contribute to premature and unnatural hair loss. We try and use each and every shampoo, conditioner, serum, hair oil, etc. available in the market to stop hair loss.
But the easiest and cost-effective option is available in our homes. Fenugreek oil and seeds present in your home is a healthier and cheaper cure for hair loss.
Fenugreek oil can be used to treat hair problems like hair loss, dandruff, dry hair, premature greying of hair etc. The oil strengthens the hair roots so that the hair loss is decreased.
It is also a good moisturizer and helps moisturize the scalp and hair which reduces dandruff and dry hair. A little amount of the oil can be applied to the hair mixed with coconut oil before washing the hair. This helps in increasing the good hair and scalp health.
You can also use other essential oil for hair to treat scalp problems and hair loss.
3. For Weight Loss
The fenugreek oil has been found to aid in weight loss. Consuming the oil in little amounts with your food can help you in shedding some pounds!
“How does it work to help in weight loss?” you may ask. The fenugreek oil is actually a metabolic enhancer. The oil affects the metabolism of your body making it very effective. With the increase in the effective metabolism of your body, the energy stored in your body as fats is burned up.
This provides your body with the much-needed energy for various activities. Since your body already is supplied with the energy you do not need to consume more food to supply your body with more energy.
This leads to a decrease in your food cravings which in turn leads to weight loss. Hence, it works by suppressing your appetite.
Onion Seed oil can also be used, as it also aids in weight loss.
4. Diabetes
The fenugreek oil can be used to treat diabetes also. Research has shown that the oil helps in controlling Type 2 diabetes.
The oil decreases the rate at which the sugar is absorbed into the blood thereby decreasing the blood glucose level. It also energizes and boosts the activity of the pancreas and hence increases insulin production which controls diabetes.
If you are a diabetic person suffering from Type 2 diabetes then you can add fenugreek oil to your diet.
You can consume 2-3 drops of the oil mixed with the base oil (preferably sesame oil) daily to keep a check on your blood glucose level.
5. Digestion
The fenugreek oil helps in digestion. It is rich in vitamin A and C and other minerals like iron, proteins, calcium, carbohydrates etc which help in digestion.
The oil is a good cure for gastric problems like acidity and constipation. Consumption of the oil in little amounts daily with your diet can help in digestion and clear bowel movement.
6. Curing Respiratory Problems
If you are suffering from bronchitis, sinusitis or even a common cough and cold then using fenugreek oil can help you. In such respiratory diseases, the nasal passages and the lungs get blocked due to excess mucus/phlegm formation. To gain relief at such times inhaling the steam from the oil can help greatly.
The fenugreek oil is expectorant (any substance that induces expelling of phlegm from the lungs). The oil clears the sinuses and bronchitis by expelling the phlegm from your body.
You can take a little amount of the oil (10 drops) and add it to boiling water. Inhaling the steam from the oil will help clear your nasal passages and help in breathing.
7. Prevents Kidney Stone Formation
The fenugreek oil helps in maintaining your kidney health. It also prevents kidney stone formation.
The oil aids in the effective removal of toxins from your kidney thereby keeping your kidneys healthy. It also reduces calcification in your kidney which reduces the chances of the renal stone formation.
8. Cancer
The fenugreek oil contains a compound known as Diosgenin, which is believed to have anticancer property.
It helps inhibit and kill any cancer cells that maybe present in your body. The oil helps effectively remove toxins from your body thereby reducing the chances of cancer.
Turmeric essential oil is also an anti-cancer oil, it can also be used by the diabetic patients.
9. Aromatherapy
Fenugreek oil is an essential oil hence it can be used for aromatherapy. It is very effective in healing bodily illnesses and helps you relax after a hard day of work.
For aromatherapy with fenugreek oil, you can use about 4 – 5 drops of fenugreek oil in a vaporizer, diffuser or an oil burner to spread its aroma in the air.
Its aroma helps decreases high blood pressure, relaxes the nervous system and can also help in fever by inducing sweating.
10. Fenugreek For Breast Enlargement
Fenugreek oil is commonly known to be used for breast enlargement. It is one of the main ingredients in many breasts enlarging creams and products.
The oil can be used to massage the breasts. This will help in breast enlargement and firm and healthy breasts.
Side Effects And Warnings For Fenugreek Oil Use
Fenugreek oil is versatile oil with numerous health benefits! Like the two faces of a coin fenugreek oil use, though very beneficial for your health, does come with some side effects.
The side effects are usually very mild. But most of the time these side effects show only when you use an excess amount of the oil since too much of anything is bad!
So below I have listed the side effects of using fenugreek oil for your complete knowledge on the subject!
1. Allergic Reactions
Using fenugreek oil by some may cause allergic reactions in their body. If you are using fenugreek oil for skin treatments it has to be diluted to a avoid skin allergic reactions like rashes, swelling etc. While consuming the oil,be sure to check for the right dosage.
If you find that you feel unwell and suffer from diarrhea and other gastric problems, your body may be trying to adjust to the fenugreek oil in its system. But, if these symptoms persist then stop taking the oil and consult your doctor!
2. Not For Pregnant And Breastfeeding Women
Care should be taken that if you or anyone who you know is pregnant then its best to avoid this oil in their diet. The fenugreek oil has been said to initiate premature contractions in pregnant women leading to premature birth or even stillborn.
Also, breastfeeding women should avoid taking this oil because the oil can be transferred to the baby through the breast milk.
And fenugreek oil is very detrimental to infants and small children. The oil may cause severe diarrhea and dehydration in the baby.
3. Not Safe For Infants And Small Children
Fenugreek oil should not be given to Infants and small children. The oil causes diarrhoea and severe dehydration in children.
Also, some children have been found to lose consciousness on drinking fenugreek tea. So it’s best to avoid giving children under 2 years of age fenugreek oil in any form.
4. Hypoglycaemia
Although fenugreek oil is beneficial for Type 2 diabetes taking too much of the oil can lower your blood glucose level to dangerous levels.
So if you are using fenugreek oil for treating diabetes, be sure always to keep a tab on your blood sugar level. And stop using the oil if your sugar level becomes too low. Always consult a doctor!
5. Other Side Effects
Other side effects of fenugreek oil may include the negative interaction with medications. If you are taking prescribed drugs for any health problem consult your doctor for the safety of fenugreek oil use along with the medications.
Also, people who have thyroid problems and anemia should avoid using this oil as it can deteriorate these conditions further.
Other common side effects could be diarrhoea, bloating and gastric problems. If these persist go see your doctor.
Safe Dosage Of The Oil
Fenugreek oil is safe for use as long as it is taken in small dosage. 2-3 drops for direct consumption and five drops for topical (skin) use and always mixed with base oil is safe. If it is used or consumed directly chances of side effects are more. So always use diluted.
Also, totally avoid giving it to small children, pregnant and breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before using the oil and you can surely benefit from using fenugreek oil.
So go ahead and include fenugreek oil in your diet and exploit its wonderful health benefits. But always remember to consult your doctor before any sort of self-medication. Follow the safe dosage and you can be free of the side effects and gain a healthy body.
