30 Wonderful Benefits Of Methi/Fenugreek Seeds For Skin, Hair And Health ARSHI AHMED ON MARCH 23, 2013 We try to solve our skin and hair problems by using ready made cosmetics or medicines, but we forget that the best treatment lies in our own kitchens. With easily available ingredients, we can prepare some amazing remedies for treating many beauty concerns. Fenugreek or methi is certainly one among them. Fenugreek is truly a wonder spice that is widely used in Indian kitchens in different recipes like curries, dals and vegetarian dishes. The methi paratha is particularly famous in Indian households for its delicious taste. Methi seeds possess a strong flavour and are bitter in taste. Source: gettyimages Although the seeds and leaves of this plant are used as a culinary herb, it is also known to cure many health problems, and is an antidote for most hair and skin concerns. This is because methi is rich in medicinal properties. Its constituents include protein, vitamin C, fiber, iron, potassium, lysine, L- tryptophan and alkaloids. Due to the presence of a compound known as diosgenin, methi contains properties similar to oestrogen. It also contains steroidal saponins. Due to the presence of these constituents, fenugreek seeds are an answer to several health problems that we may face. Most of the fenugreek seed treatments are homemade and inexpensive, so you can easily try them out. Methi seeds are available widely and can be purchased from any grocery store. Click here to view an enlarged version of this infographic. Fenugreek Seeds for Skin: Fenugreek is known as the Asian beauty secret for acquiring beautiful skin. It has antiseptic and anti- inflammatory properties. Studies have pointed out that methi seeds serve as an effective topical treatment for a variety of skin-related problems. 1. Cure for Skin Inflammation: 7. Dandruff Trea 8. Anti Aging Pro 9. Best Hair Mois 10. Foods For Ha 11. Vitamins For 12. Frizzy Hair H Treatments It is an herbal cure for skin inflammation. It can treat boils, abscesses, eczema, muscle pain, burns and gout among other problems. It can relieve local inflammatory pain and swelling when used as a poultice. Method of application: a. Grind 1 tablespoon of methi seeds into powder b. Mix this powder with warm water c. Soak a piece of clean cloth in this mixture d. Apply this on the affected areas of the body like a poultice 2. Cure for Acne/ Blackheads and Wrinkles: Just add honey to the paste suggested above and apply this as a face mask on your skin to treat acne. This can effectively treat cystic acne as well. It can be useful against blackheads and wrinkles as well. It draws out toxins accumulated underneath the epidermis and tones the outer layers of the skin. Thus, both ingestion and external application of this is useful to help you get that desired glow on your skin. 3. Anti-Ageing Remedy: Fenugreek is a natural anti-ageing remedy too. It combats free radicals in the body; repairs damaged skin cells; and regenerates new ones, effectively. All of these together help delay the signs of ageing  like wrinkles, age spots, fine lines and blemishes. To use: Take two teaspoon of fenugreek paste Add a teaspoon of boiled milk to it. Now add a teaspoon of honey Mix it all well to form a smooth paste. Apply the paste on your face and leave it for 20 minutes. You can use this remedy twice a week to tone your facial skin. 4. Exfoliates Skin: Fenugreek can be used to prepare an effective skin exfoliator . It smoothly exfoliates your face to reveal the beautiful skin beneath. To use: Make a face pack using fenugreek paste, curd, gram flour and fenugreek water. Mix all the ingredients together. Apply on the face and leave it for 15 minutes. Splash your face with water and scrub in a circular motion. Rinse it off with cold water and pat dry. This scrub helps exfoliate the skin and removes dead skin cells, making your skin appear healthier and shinier. 5. Lightens Skin: Fenugreek can also be used to lighten your complexion. It can also be used to treat your under-eye dark circles. To use: Mix fenugreek paste with milk Apply it evenly to your skin. Also apply it on the under eye area Wash it off after 15 minutes. This paste improves complexion and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. [ Read: Prepare Aloe Vera Juice  ] 6. Prevents Sun Damage: Fenugreek can also help protect your skin from the sun damage. Consumption of fenugreek is said to work wonders in protecting skin against harmful radiation of sun and damage caused by sun exposure. 7. Tones And Cleanses Skin: Homemade fenugreek toner can nourish your skin. Fenugreek seeds benefits to make skin healthy from within. To use: Add a handful of fenugreek seeds to four cups of water Simmer this on flame for fifteen minutes. Strain the water and let it cool. Use this water for washing your face twice a day. Regular use of this toner will nourish and cleanse the skin. 8. Treats Blemishes: Blemishes can be very irritating. Even the most beautiful face can look ugly with blemishes on it. To banish skin blemishes fenugreek is a great remedy. To use: Grind one teaspoon of fenugreek into powder. Mix it with warm water. Soak a cloth or cotton in this solution. Apply it on your face. Wash it off after 15 minutes. Apply this twice daily to reduce blemishes and get a clear and flawless skin. Fenugreek Seeds for Hair Growth: Methi seeds are extremely effective against hair fall, dandruff and help to reverse baldness and hair thinning. Incorporated in your diet or applied directly on your hair in the form of a paste, fenugreek can be the ultimate solution for all your hair-related problems. Fenugreek seeds or methi contain proteins and nicotinic acid which are a great source for hair growth. It contains large amounts of lecithin which makes our hair healthy and strong, and hydrates the hair. It helps to reduce the dryness of the hair, cures dandruff, conditions the hair, keeps the scalp cool and treats a variety of scalp issues. It is highly effective against hair fall and provides strength from the roots. 9. Hair Loss: Methi is extremely effective in strengthening the hair from the roots and treating follicular problems. The seeds contain hormone antecedents that enhance hair growth and help in rebuilding the hair follicles. The herb also contains proteins and nicotinic acid; protein-enriched diets have always been known to encourage diminished hair loss and stimulation of hair growth. High concentration of protein in fenugreek partially explains the herbâ €™s curative effects on balding hair. The lecithin in methi helps in strengthening dry and damaged hair. The natural tonic helps in moisturising the hair and bringing back the lustre and bounce. This is why methi seeds for hair growth has been an ancient technique prevalent in India. Method of application: Here is how to use fenugreek seeds for hair growth. There are different ways of application: a. Soak methi in water for some time and make a paste. Apply coconut oil to the hair first, and then apply the paste on your scalp. For best results, allow the hair to absorb the mask for at least an hour before washing it. b. You can also mix powdered methi seeds with coconut oil to form a paste. Then massage the paste on your hair. You will notice positive results within 2 to 3 weeks of application. c. A paste of methi seeds mixed with coconut milk helps prevent hair loss, reduces dandruff and promotes hair growth. [ Read: Benefits of Coriander Seeds ] 10. Dandruff: Dandruff is a common hair ailment and it surfaces specially during the winter months. There are various treatments and procedures to treat dandruff and one of the most basic and an effective cure is using methi seeds. It is also effective against a dry scalp and dermatitis. Method of application: There are different ways of doing this: a. Take 2 tablespoons of methi seeds and soak them in water overnight. By morning the seeds will soften. Now ground them into a fine paste. Apply the paste on your scalp and leave it for half an hour. b. Soak the methi seeds overnight, make a paste and apply it in conjunction with curd. Rinse well with water after an hour. This prevents dandruff and other scalp irritations. c. Another treatment involves crushing one table spoon of methi seeds and mixing it with warm oil. After the mixture cools down, apply it on your scalp and leave it for 2 hours. Shampoo your hair thoroughly to remove all traces of the paste. d. Make a paste using methi powder and water, and apply the paste directly on the scalp and wash off after half an hour. People with severe dandruff problems can leave the paste for an hour before rinsing. e. Make a paste of ground methi seeds mixed with apple cider vinegar. Leave it for not more than 30 minutes. This mask is good for treating dandruff and a dry, itchy scalp. 11. Conditioning: Fenugreek seeds contain lecithin, an emulsifying substance. When soaked in water, the seeds produce a slippery substance which endows your hair with shine. This quality makes methi seeds for hair conditioning an optimal choice. Other natural conditioners like curd and oil do not give the slippery effect to the hair as methi does. The mucilage of fenugreek replicates that slippery effect. Method of application: a. Soak the whole ground seeds in boiling water and leave them overnight. When the seeds turn slimy to touch, grind them into a paste and apply the mixture on your scalp and roots, then to the whole length of the hair. Do not let the paste dry completely as it will be difficult to wash off then. Wash it while it is moist. Covering the hair with a plastic bag will keep it moist for a long time. Let it remain for 30 minutes and wash it off. b. Mixing ground fenugreek seeds or leaves with shoe flower will condition your hair and cool the scalp. c. You can also make an herbal tonic using methi seeds. Boil methi seeds and let them soak completely in coconut oil overnight. Strain the oil and massage this oil thrice a week to get shiny lustrous hair. It will even help to reduce hair fall to a great extent.  [Read: 12 Best Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Skin, Hair and Health ] 12. Reverses Baldness: One of the most popular uses of fenugreek for the hair is to reverse baldness. Fenugreek contains hormone antecedents that enhance the hair growth and help in strengthening and rebuilding hair follicles. To use: Mix powdered fenugreek with coconut oil Massage it on the scalp twice a week to notice new hair growth. 13. Repairs Damaged Hair: Rinse your hair with fenugreek soaked water to get smooth and manageable hair. Its natural moisturizing and conditioning properties nourishes the hair follicles  to repair damaged hair. 14. Prevents Premature Greying: Fenugreek can also help prevent premature greying of the hair. Boil a handful of fenugreek seeds with coconut oil and give your hair a hot oil massage with it. Leave it overnight and wash it off the next morning. This will prevent the premature greying of the hair. Fenugreek Seeds for Health: Fenugreek has a long history of treating several health problems. Read on to know the amazing health benefits that methi seeds offer. 15. Reduces and Balances Cholesterol: Research has proven that fenugreek seeds help to lower the cholesterol level, specially the ‘bad’ cholesterol or LDL in our body. In order to lower your cholesterol, it is recommended to intake 2 ounces of methi seeds daily. Alternatively, you can sprinkle these seeds on to your dishes and savour them as usual. You can also choose to have it in the powdered form with water. 16. Reduces the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Due to the presence of galactomannan (a polysaccharide), fenugreek possesses cardiovascular benefits. Its consumption can lower the risk of heart attacks. Due to its high potassium content, it counters the action of sodium to effectively control your blood pressure. 17. Controls Diabetes: Studies have pointed out that fenugreek is beneficial for people affected by Type 2 diabetes. It contains galactomannan which is a natural soluble fibre, and this decreases the rate at which sugar is absorbed into the blood. It has found from research that after eating methi, people with Type 2 diabetes had significantly lower blood glucose levels. Methi contains amino acids which induce insulin production. Hence, it is recommended for diabetics to intake 500 mg of methi twice everyday to control their problem. 18. Cure for Heartburn and Acidity: Fenugreek has a calming effect on the body. It is an effective treatment for heartburn and acidity. Due to the presence of high quantities of mucilage, its consumption helps soothe digestive inflammation by coating the lining of our stomach and intestine. Just take a teaspoon of methi seeds and gulp it down with some water or juice, but do this before your meal. Alternatively, as suggested above, sprinkle the seeds (about 1 teaspoon) on to your prepared dishes. 19. Aids Digestion: Methi seeds have a high content of Vitamin A and C. Together with these; they contain calcium, iron, proteins, carbohydrates and trace minerals. It is an effective treatment for gastritis and indigestion. It helps prevent constipation as well as digestive problems created by stomach ulcers. Ayurveda suggests people suffering from digestive fire or â €˜agni’ to soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight, make a paste out this the next day, mix this with grated ginger and consume some time before a meal. Moreover, fenugreek seeds are known to detoxify the liver. 20. Weight Loss: Fenugreek seeds are known to induce weight loss by suppressing your appetite. Soak methi seeds overnight and in the morning chew these on an empty stomach. Fenugreek contains natural fiber which swells inside and gives a feeling of fullness, thereby helping to suppress one’s appetite and in turn induces weight loss. 21. Remedy for Fever and Sore Throat: This is a well-known home remedy for fever. When taken with a teaspoon of lemon and honey, fenugreek is known to help reduce fever. Consume this thrice a day. Due to the presence of mucilage, it also has a soothing effect, helping to relieve the pain of a sore throat. 22. Breast Enlargement: Many women wish to enlarge their breasts. Well, for them here’s a natural remedy. Just include fenugreek in your diet. Having up to 3gms of this per day will balance the hormones with its oestrogen-like properties. 23. Increases Breast Milk Production: Diosgenin contained in methi seeds helps to increase milk production in lactating mothers. Hence, this is essential for nursing mothers. This herb contains phyto-estrogen, diosgenin which boosts milk production in lactating mothers. Several researchers have concluded that fenugreek can increase milk production by over 500% within 72 hours! A recommended remedy to increase milk production  is to consume one capsule of fenugreek seeds three times a day. You should stop taking the herb once youâ €™ve achieved the desired level of milk production. Fenugreek tea is well known to stimulate uterine contraction, which helps to speed up and ease childbirth. However, pregnant women should use this remedy for only after consulting their doctors 24. Eases Women’s Health Problems: Fenugreek is known to relieve menstrual cramps, hot flushes, discomfort and moodiness due to its calming effect on the hormonal system. 25. Protects Kidney: Fenugreek aids in the prevention and treatment of painful kidney stones . It reduces calcification in the kidney and flushes it out through urine. 26. Alleviates Menopausal Symptoms: The oestrogen like properties of the fenugreek seed is very effective in treating the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, insomnia and anxiety. To use: Add two teaspoons of fenugreek powder to one glass of water. You can also add sweetener if required as the herb has a bitter taste. Consume this concoction daily to get rid of the often overlooked menopausal symptoms. Or you can also drink fenugreek herbal tea  thrice a day and get the same results. 27. Prevents Cancer: Diosgenin, a compound found in fenugreek, is believed to have anti- carcinogenic properties, which may help to ward off cancer cells. The saponins present in fenugreek seeds inhibit bile salts re- absorption and toxins in the food to protect the colon mucous membranes from cancer. 28. Improves Blood Circulation: Fenugreek seeds are an amazing liver detoxifier. They purify the blood and prevent clotting of blood. It also benefits people suffering from hypertension. 29. Rich Source Of Antioxidants: The antioxidants  in fenugreek act as a scavenger to destroy the free radicals found in the body. 30. Prevents Respiratory Problems: Fenugreek disperses mucus from the respiratory tract to cure bronchitis . It also benefits people suffering from chronic sinusitis by clearing the sinuses. A gargle prepared from fenugreek seeds can be very helpful in treating sore throats. To use: Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in one litre of water and simmer on low heat. Leave it aside to let it cool Now gargle with the water several times a day to get rid of a sore throat. Side-Effects Of Fenugreek: Fenugreek is considered safe for consumption when used moderately, but there can be some minor-side effects too. Nausea is a common side effect associated with fenugreek consumption while other people have reported gastrointestinal discomfort like gastritis and diarrhoea. It may cause some side effects when consumed orally like bloating, flatulence and diarrhoea. It can also cause a mild skin irritation  if applied topically. People suffering from anaemia should avoid consuming fenugreek as it may interfere with iron absorption. It can also cause thyroid imbalance, so avoid taking fenugreek if you suffer from a thyroid problem. A Word Of Caution: Fenugreek contains mucilaginous fibre which has the potential to interfere with the absorption of oral medication. If you’re taking any medication, then consume this herb at least two hours before or after these medicines. Always consult your physician before taking any fenugreek supplement. Additionally, children under the age of two should not be given fenugreek in any form So what are you waiting for? Start benefiting yourself with the numerous benefits of fenugreek seeds.Hope you found the post informative. Stay fit, stay healthy!
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 15:16:02 +0000
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