Trials and Trimphs

1. “Fenugreek seeds” …  does it sound greek/ latin? Its not . It is an ancient elixir.  These are magical, tiny little power packed seeds that do wonders.

A fistful of these seeds when given a place in your daily life, can restore and built so many lost constituencies of good health.  It may sound a bit crazy… so let me explain you.. what are these magical health powers.

Fenugreek is an annual herb belonging to the pea family (fabaceae), also known as Greek Hay (Trigonella Foenum- graecum). The fenugreek plant is a 2-3 feet tall plant and contains 10-20 yellow- brown pungent and aromatic fenugreek seeds.

Also simply called methidana, these seeds have a high antiinflammatory property. Traditionally, fenugreek seeds have been used as a condiment to promote better health and as a potent hair potion. But recent research indicates that they can do much more than that.  Let it be its anti-diabetic effect, reducing insulin resistance or lowering choelsterol effect or be it the shine and shimmer to your hair and skin, these seeds know it all.

I am writing few of these known health benefits and how you could incorporate them easily in your daily routine without getting overwhelmed. So as to not get or make you feel overwhelmed, lets keep it to 5 major arenas and a recipe each for them.

1.Skin

2. Hair

3. Weight loss

4. Cholesterol metabolism

5. Insulin resistance

Skin: The largest organ of our body, we defintely want it to be benefited, isn’t it?

Benefits: Anti-ageing, cure acne, excellent moisturiser.

Home remedy: Anti- ageing fenugreek facepack:

1. Soak a handful(1 table spoon) of fenugreek seeds overnight.
2. Blend the fenugreek seeds and yogurt (1 table spoon) till a smooth paste is formed.
3. Apply this paste on your face.
4. Keep it on for 30 minutes and then rinse with cold water.

Mechanism of action: Soaked/ germinated fenugreek seeds are very rich in antioxidants, preventing free radical damage to your skin cells and thus preventing premature aging of skin. Yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that dissolves dead skin, reduces fine lines and is a natural skin softener.  The combination of both these agents causes gentle exfoliation that not only helps to create a natural glow and prevent breakouts, but also works to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Hair: 

Benefits: Prevent hair loss, enhances the natural shine of hair, Reduces premature graying of hair, Anti dandruff are a few to name.

How to include in hair care and rituals:

• Promote hair growth: Add 1 tablespoon methi seeds to a cup of coconut oil. Place the coconut oil in a mason jar. Seal the jar and store it for 2-3 weeks before use, in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. Strain the oil and use it for oil massage.
• Mechanism of action: Fenugreek is extremely effective in strengthening the hair from the roots and treating follicular problems. The fenugreek seeds have a content called lecithin and hormones that promote hair growth /follicles. They are a good source of protein and nicotinic acid that nourishes the roots and strengthen the hair shaft and prevent breakage.

• Shine and shimmer: Cut open one or two aloevera leaves from the centre making a vertical slit. Sow fenugreek seeds in the aloevera leaf and cover the slit back and let it germinate. leave the aloevera leaves and fenugreek seeds in a cool place, away from direct sunlight fr 1-2 days. Once the fenugreek seeds sprout, scoop the aloevera gel and sprouted seeds and grind them together to a paste. Add coconut oil and apply the hair mask well to scalp and the length of hair. Leave it for 30 min- 1hour. Wash it off and see the results for yourself.   You can preserve this pack in a refrigerator for a few days, however, better to use it fresh.
• Mechanism of action: Aloevera gel contains proteolytic enzymes  that remove the dead cell build-up from your scalp and also stimulate your hair follicles. Aloe vera is packed with nutrients that improve hair growth and texture and hydrate your hair and scalp. Sprouted fenugreek seeds are excellent source of protein to hair shaft, antimicrobial agent. They contain lecithin and nicotinic acid that helps combating against the dull hair issues.

Weight loss/ Antidiabetic / Lower Cholesterol level:

• Methi water: Consuming Methi water  first thing in the morning empty stomach helps to boost metabolism , improve the basal metabolic rate and thereby also reduces apetite till mid morning , thus collectively helping to loose weight. It is good for liver, kidneys and gut metabolism. Fenugreek is rich in fiber and antioxidant, methi water thus helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body and aids digestion.
• How to prepare Methi water: Soak a handful (1 teaspoon) of fenugreek seeds in a a glass of water at night. Let it soak overnight. Next day morning, boil this water with the seeds in for 4-5 minutes and strain the water. Drink the water while warm on an empty stomach.
• Mechanism of action: In recent years, the role of fenugreek seeds has been evaluated by multi center trials  for its antidiabetic effect, similar to Metformin (Oral hypogycemic medicine)  in form of a herbal drug. The seeds of fenugreek have been reported to have anti-diabetic and hypocholesterolemic effects in both animal models and humans. In addition, fenugreek administration has not been reported to cause any toxicological effects. It lowers insulin resistance of cells, decreases the hepatic gluconeogenisis.  It is of proven help in cases of polycystic ovarian syndrome, helping by improving insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and thus hyperandrogenic effects on ovaries and ovarian follicles.

• To bear in mind: Fenugreek seeds being hot by nature, a teaspoon  is enough for oral consumption. Also , caution to be exercised / skip consumption for those who have gastric or intestinal ulcers . Excessive intake may cause skin dryness.

Ancillary benefits: I could still go on writing about fenugreek seeds and their magical powers, but trying to restrain my fingertips from writing too much.. Just a few additional ones I can’t finish this blog without : Fenugreek is a rick source of magnesium, helps body to relax, helps alleviate menstrual cramps, helps lactating mothers, helps reduce water retention and bloating.

I would like to conclude just saying one thing…..If those tiny little fenugreek seeds are breathing shallow in a remote corner in your kitchen jars, it is time to open the lids and let them walk into your life, shower on you their wondrous powers and help and heal you from head to toe.

Live the fenu”greek” way!!!! Happy, healthy and wise.

Love,

Trishna.