Fenugreek – what is it?
Fenugreek (lat. Trigonella foenum-graecum L), also commonly known as Greek clover, is one of the oldest plants used in medicine.
An annual herbaceous plant from the legume family, originally from the Caucasus region. It is now found in many other places in Europe and Asia.
Fenugreek is valued mainly for its seeds, which have been used in natural medicine and herbal medicine for many years.
Fenugreek has a healing effect, blooms in June and July, exuding a spicy, slightly sweet smell. It looks like a clover, and its fruits are long pods containing 15 seeds each.
For medicinal purposes, the plant is harvested when the fruits are ripe, then dried and threshed to obtain seeds. Fenugreek seeds are tiny yellow grains with a curry scent. This characteristic smell is due to the high content of essential oils.
Properties of fenugreek
Fenugreek has a healing effect, so it is used in pharmacology:
- as an anti-inflammatory agent;
- against acne;
- decongestant.
The caring properties of fenugreek are due to the presence of saponins, vegetable proteins, trace amounts of essential oils, flavonoids, lecithin, vitamins PP, F, D and fats, as well as minerals such as silicon, magnesium, iron, potassium and selenium. The main reason for obtaining fenugreek seeds is polysaccharide mucus, the content of which reaches up to 40%.
Fenugreek has a diuretic, milk-forming, antispasmodic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect, and also stimulates tissue regeneration.
Fenugreek strengthens the digestive and immune systems. It has a protective and anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. Due to this property, fenugreek can be used as an aid in peptic ulcer disease. The plant also has a choleretic effect, stimulating the secretion of pancreatic, gastric or intestinal juice. All this makes fenugreek useful for constipation, diarrhea and improves digestion.
Its ability to lower blood sugar levels has long been known. The galactomannans contained in the plant are responsible for this, which slow down the rise in insulin levels after a meal. Fenugreek also contains amino acids that support insulin secretion.
It is also good for itching, spasms and improves mood and is useful in the fight against colds.
Due to the content of saponins, fenugreek lowers blood cholesterol levels, preventing the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Properties of fenugreek seeds for hair
Fenugreek seeds are the most valuable part of the plant and are used in cooking, natural medicine and as a raw material in cosmetology.
Warm compresses with fenugreek seeds relieve skin inflammation, speed up the healing process, and reduce swelling and bruising. They can also be used to treat and soothe acne and pimples.
Fenugreek for hair how to apply?
In addition to the health benefits, it is also recommended for scalp and hair care, useful for hair loss problems.
This is a cheap, easy and effective way to prevent hair loss. Regular use of the herb improves the overall condition of the hair and scalp. It nourishes dry and damaged strands, closes the hair cuticle, smoothes dull and frizzy strands.
Hair will become more manageable, soft and shiny, thicker and more voluminous.
The effect is visible very quickly, it can often be observed that due to rubbing fenugreek into the scalp, the hair begins to grow faster.
Note! The polysaccharide mucus contained in fenugreek makes the strands more hydrated, which means more elastic, shiny and smooth. Fenugreek will especially help damaged, dry and weakened hair.
Due to the high concentration of active ingredients, fenugreek is used in the fight against their fat content, dandruff. Soothes scalp irritations. Regularly rubbed into the scalp, it provides the bulbs with nutrients and supports their regeneration.
To strengthen hair and reduce hair loss, a lotion is prepared, the main ingredient of which is fenugreek seeds. You can buy them at a pharmacy or herbal store.
Rubbing the extract into the scalp provides it with valuable ingredients. The infusion can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. With such storage, it retains its properties.
Fenugreek should be used daily or at least every other day. The main thing is regularity, without it there will be no desired results. The minimum duration of treatment is a month, and the optimal one, after which the best results are obtained, is 3 months.
You can make your own fenugreek hair growth lotion. Pour a teaspoon of seeds with a glass of boiling water and leave for a few minutes.
How to use fenugreek? The prepared infusion should first thoroughly moisten the scalp. Leave the infusion to soak. It should be left on the skin for at least an hour.
Note! It is best to apply fenugreek lotion at night. This will give the active ingredients enough time to work. Heat will contribute to their penetration, therefore, after applying the solution to the head, put on a cap or a plastic bag and spend at least 2 hours in this form.
Fenugreek not only helps in hair care, but also has anti-acne, anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, great for the immune system and the nervous system. A healthy body means healthy and beautiful hair.
It can be used without fear, especially in autumn, when we want to strengthen the immune system. Pour a tablespoon of ground fenugreek with a glass of boiling water, wait 10 minutes until the fenugreek is infused, and drink the infusion.
Additional Information! You can also make a face mask using fenugreek seeds by adding linseed oil to them. Pour two tablespoons of ground fenugreek seeds with a tablespoon of linseed oil. This is the simplest and cheapest treatment.
Hair loss and other hair and scalp problems can be related to health issues such as:
- diabetes;
- chronic stress;
- hormonal imbalance;
- avitaminosis, etc.
Therefore, if the situation does not change after treatment with fenugreek, a thorough examination should be carried out under the supervision of a physician. There are no contraindications to the use of fenugreek. However, it is recommended to maintain healthy moderation in its consumption.
