Do you know the benefits of fenugreek for your skin, hair and health?
Looking for something that helps to undo all the damage caused due to the neglect to your health?
Need a one stop solution to all your hair, skin and health issues?
If you are seeking answers to the above, then your answers are in today’s post.
Fenugreek is a marvel, for it may be bitter, but it makes a lot of things better. Fenugreek is used to improve the skin, hair and overall health. In fact, back in the days, a lot of people credited their beautiful hair to fenugreek.
You know fenugreek as a spice that is used in various dishes, but did you know its benefits?
Today’s post is about the wonders, fenugreek can do for you.
Keep reading because there are some amazing beauty recipes that are waiting for you in this post!
Benefits of fenugreek for health:
Before we start with the beauty aspect of fenugreek, let us see how it will help your health. If you really want to look your best then you need to take care of your body. If you are healthy, then the results will start to show on your skin and hair. Adding fenugreek to your daily diet will definitely give you amazing results. So let us see what they are-
- Helps the digestive system
Starting from loss of appetite to curing an upset stomach, the fenugreek can help your gut in many ways. Be it constipation or gastritis, this common household ingredient can soothe it all. The fiber content in fenugreek helps in the smooth movement of the bowels and also aids in getting rid of all the toxins in the system.
If it is heartburn that is bothering you, then chew on some fenugreek seeds. This helps in coating the lining of the stomach and the intestine, thereby soothing it. The mucilage is what does the trick in this case. To enhance the benefits, make sure you soak the seeds in water.
- Aids weight loss
Yes, you read it right!
Fenugreek can help you in your weight loss journey. As you know nothing can beat healthy food and exercise when it comes to weight loss. If you have been following a healthy routine, without much results, then this can help. Munch on a teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds on an empty stomach.
The fiber present in fenugreek will expand on reaching the stomach, making you feel full. This, will prevent you from binge eating. This is a healthy alternative to weight loss pills and powders available in the market as the side-effects are little to none.
- Helps to control type-2 diabetes
Fenugreek slows the rate at which sugar is absorbed into the blood stream, which makes it a must have for diabetics. It is also said to be beneficial for the production of insulin. So unless your sugar levels are low, you should have a bit of fenugreek every day.
- Keeps your cholesterol levels low
Fenugreek is one of the foods that helps to bring the cholesterol levels. Adding fenugreek to your regular diet can help.
To know about the other food items that help to curb cholesterol, read- How to lower cholesterol naturally with these 7 foods?
- Keeps the kidneys healthy
Fenugreek promotes the flow of urine, thereby getting rid of toxins and keeping the kidneys active.
- It helps to cure fever and cures ailments of the respiratory tract
Fenugreek is also good to bring down fevers and curing diseases of the respiratory tract. The quinine present in fenugreek is what helps in curing fever. Fenugreek is also credited with relieving chest congestion.
- Helps in relieving menstrual problems
Fenugreek has hailed as a potent ingredient for reducing discomforts related to periods. If you dread your periods, then fenugreek can help you find relief. Apart from solving period problems, fenugreek is also said to increase the breast size.
- Boosts milk production in lactating mothers
Being a galactalogue, fenugreek is good for lactating mothers as it promotes milk production. This why new moms are encouraged to have fenugreek.
- Helps in preventing anaemia
Fenugreek is a good source of iron. Consumption of the leaves of fenugreek will help to reduce the chances of anaemia.
- Brings down inflammation
If you need to tackle inflammation and swelling, a poultice made with fenugreek seeds can help you get quick relief.
How to use fenugreek for good health?
You can consume it the following ways:
- Add it to curries:
No matter which part of the country you are from, you would have a regional dish that involves the use of fenugreek. This just goes on to show that our ancestors knew about the benefits of fenugreek.
You can have fenugreek by adding it to dals, sambar, pulissery, methi chicken, fish curry etc.
- Make methi theplas and rotis:
Theplas and rotis are a great way of adding fenugreek to your diet.
- Soaked in water
Soak half a tsp of seeds overnight in water, consume it in the morning on an empty stomach. It helps to improve digestion and also keeps the body cool.
Soak a tsp of seeds overnight in water and consume it to counter menstrual problems.
- Make tea
Have it as fenugreek tea to fight fever. A dash of honey will bring relief to sore throat as well.
And it is not just for fevers. Did you know that consuming fenugreek tea has many other benefits too? If you didn’t, read 8 reasons why fenugreek tea is good for you.
- Poultice
As mentioned above, a poultice made with fenugreek is effective and doesn’t have any side-effects.
Method
- Take some fenugreek powder or powder some seeds.
- Mix it with warm water.
- Apply it on the affected area directly and cover with a cloth or keep a cloth between the skin and the poultice and then cover it.
Must read: 10 effortless ways for a healthy lifestyle
Note: Pregnant women and patients with low blood sugar should exercise caution while consuming fenugreek.
Benefits of fenugreek for hair:
Most of us complain of damaged hair. Fenugreek is abundant in nutrients that help reverse the damage done by chemicals and pollution to your hair. It contains proteins, nicotinic acid and lecithin that makes it good for your hair. Let us look at the benefits of fenugreek on our hair.
- Strengthens and nourishes hair
- Conditions hair and scalp
- Promotes hair growth
- Reduces dandruff and other scalp issues
- Helps prevent premature greying
Must read: 9 Hair care tips that works wonders
How to use fenugreek for hair?
You have seen the benefits of fenugreek so now I am sure you are impatient to try it out. So without wasting your time, let us get to it.
#1. Hair mask for dandruff
Fenugreek is an excellent remedy for combating dandruff. Fenugreek helps in removing the dandruff without drying out your hair as it has anti-fungal properties.
Method:
- Soak fenugreek seeds overnight.
- Grind it to a fine paste.
- Add some curd (optional).
- Apply and let it stay for an hour.
- Wash it off while it is still a bit moist.
#2. Hair mask for dry hair
If you have dry hair, then you can try out this mask that will give you stronger and lustrous locks.
Method:
- Soak fenugreek seeds overnight.
- Grind it to a fine paste.
- Add a teaspoon of olive oil and mix to make the mask.
- Leave it on for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Wash it off well.
#3. Mask for strengthening hair follicles
This mask is the best thing you could do for your scalp. It helps to relive itchiness and get rid of scalp infections. This mask also makes the hair stronger by working on the roots.
Method:
- Powder some fenugreek seeds
- Mix it with some coconut oil.
- Massage it well on the scalp.
- Wrap with a hot towel.
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash it off.
Also read: Benefits of Neem for your skin and hair (with DIY skin and hair masks).
#4. Hair tonic for scalp issues
Don’t let scalp issues bother you anymore. Try this hair tonic for a healthy scalp. You can use this tonic 2-3 times a week.
Method:
- Crush a handful of tulsi leaves, extract the juice. Add it to sesame oil.
- Heat this and add half a tsp of fenugreek seeds.
- Once the seeds splutter take it off the heat.
- Apply it to the scalp, leave it on for some time.
- Wash it off thoroughly.
Note: Make only what is required for one time application.
You can also try out the Curry leaves hair tonic for hair fall.
#5. Hair oil for strong hair
Who doesn’t want strong and healthy hair? My mom used to complain about the trail of hair I left behind, every time I visited her. It is disheartening to see my lovely hair getting affected and that’s why I tried this fenugreek oil for hair. And it has been a relief to see that the hair loss has reduced.
Method:
- Fortify some coconut oil by adding fenugreek seeds.
- Heat coconut oil, add fenugreek seeds, and wait till they splutter.
- Let it cool.
- Use as your normal hair oil.
Note: Add some curry leaves this for better results.
Benefits of fenugreek for skin:
If it is not your hair but your skin that is need of a savior, then don’t worry, we have got you covered. Fenugreek contains Vitamins A, B1, C & K and minerals calcium, zinc, magnesium and iron that ensures healthy skin.
- It treats acne and other skin diseases.
- It helps to reduce acne scarring.
- It is used lighten skin
- It can be used to treat burns
- It can be used reduce fine lines, stretch marks etc
- It protects the skin from sun damage
#6. Exfoliating face pack
Dull, lifeless skin is something most of us have. Lack of proper and timely intake of a balanced diet is one reason for this. The other cause of dull skin is the buildup of dead skin cells. You can combat this problem by exfoliating your skin regularly. While there are many exfoliating face packs available in the market that does the job, it is always better to turn to nature. So try out this easy, homemade exfoliating face pack for gentle exfoliation.
Method:
- Mix curd with fenugreek powder in the ratio 1:2.
- Wash your face and neck.
- Massage the paste on your face and neck.
- Leave till on it dries.
- Wash it off.
#7. Fenugreek leaf face pack
It is not just the seeds that are used for beauty treatments. This face pack uses fenugreek leaves and is really good for the skin.
Method
- Take a handful of fenugreek leaves.
- Make a paste.
- Apply on clean face.
- Wash it off after 30 minutes.
#8. Fenugreek-Honey face pack for acne scars
Fenugreek is good for lightening acne scars and with regular use, you will see good results.
Method:
- Mix fenugreek powder and honey.
- Apply on clean face.
- Wash after 15- 20 minutes.
#9. Fenugreek-Milk face pack for skin lightening
Fenugreek helps in lightening the skin.
Method:
- Mix fenugreek powder and milk.
- Apply on clean face.
- Wash it off after it dries.
#10. Fenugreek anti-tan and sunburn relief skin tonic
If your skin needs some TLC after a harsh bout of sun exposure, you can use some concentrated fenugreek tea for relief.
Method:
- Boil 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of water.
- Once the water turns yellow, remove from the stove and allow it to cool.
- Apply this liquid on the face and neck for relief from sun burn and getting rid of sun tan.
Also read:
- Banana face mask- 4 ways to use bananas for glowing skin
- Eliminate black heads on the nose with these 30 home remedies
Hope you found these tips and beauty recipes helpful. Mommies how do you add fenugreek to your daily diet and beauty regime? Have you tried out any of these before? If yes, let us know how effective it was, for you.
If not, what are you waiting for? Fenugreek is a kitchen staple, so rush to the kitchen and try these out!
Till next time, take care mommies!
Leave a Reply