Diabetes: Can Fenugreek Treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

What's Fenugreek?

Fenugreek is an aromatic and gross annual plant which includes both therapeutic as well as culinary attributes that grow up in North Africa, South and Western Asia, and Mediterranean locations. It has a long history to treat different kind of diseases including diabetes mellitus type 2. Its seeds and leaves are being used both in medicine and cooking. Most likely the story of Indian kitchen is incomplete or imperfect without it. 

It is associated with pea family but the taste of its seeds is quite bitter. Because of their pungent and strong taste, most people dislike it. Despite its bitter taste, fenugreek has been used to take care of diabetes for centuries. Many medical reviews have proved that it enhances metabolism worried to diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels. It owns different kinds of ingredients such as vitamin-A,  vitamin-C , thiamin, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, gitogenin, trigonelline, fibers, tigogenin, yamogenin, chlorine, calcium, copper, potassium, carbohydrates, manganese, iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, and many others. It is known by many names among people like Methi (Hindi/Sanskrit), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Scientific Name), Greek hay, bird’s foot, Greek clover (other English names) and many others.

How can fenugreek work, help, & have an effect on Diabetes

Many pieces of research have been conducted on fenugreek for diabetes treatment and through the studies, it was discovered that it can help to promote insulin secretion credited to the presence of the amino acid 4-hydroxyisoleucine in it. It is stuffed with soluble fibers that decrease the absorption of glucose in the intestine, improve most metabolic symptoms, enhance glucose tolerance, and reduce insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes sufferers. It also helps your body to utilize sugar.

In this way, we can say that it's not just a treasure for your daily diet but also for the condition of diabetes.

Where Can You  Find or Buy Fenugreek?

Many forms of fenugreek are available in the market like natural powder, spice, tea, skin cream, pastes, decoctions,  extracts, capsules etc. which you can buy from the supermarket, health food outlets, grocery stores, vegetable vendors, food market etc. In India, its seeds and leaves are used abundantly.

What exactly are the possible side effects of fenugreek?

Despite the use of fenugreek seeds in many diseases, there are side effects too. So it is very important for you to know about side effects associated with fenugreek. Its use in excessive amounts is not completely safe. However, any side effects or complication associated with fenugreek has not been proven to be fatal. Therefore, it should always be used in small quantities to avoid side effects. By consuming it in excessive amounts gives rise in peripheral neuropathy including sciatic nerve problems. And due to this, the nerve sensation disappears.

Sometimes excessive consumption may produce stomach-related symptoms like loose motions, flatulence, gas formation, bloating etc. in certain individuals. In addition, breath-related problems such as a cough, pulmonary congestion, wheezing sound also arise.

It should not be used for more than 6 months. Make sure to consult a doctor if you need to take more than 6 months.

Do not give fenugreek seeds to children. Because in some cases this triggers children to become unconscious.

Fenugreek seeds may deliver allergic reactions. So it is very important to contact the doctor if there is a history of food allergy with fenugreek.

Pregnant women should stay away from usage of fenugreek. Actually, it can cause miscarriage. Apart from this, it may induce preterm delivery in a pregnant woman. Therefore, make use of it just for cooking purpose during pregnancy period.

Fenugreek interacts with antidiabetic drugs like Metformin that may cause severe hypoglycemia. So check with your diabetologist for medicinal adjustment.

Fenugreek is also contraindicated in patients who take anticoagulants such as heparin, warfarin etc.

 Some people experience maple syrup-like smell from their armpits due to the presence of dimethylpyrazine named chemical constituent in fenugreek.

Methi powder is quite bitter in taste. So for this reason, many people dislike it. If you are one of those who does not like the taste of fenugreek then mix half a teaspoon of its powder in a cup of soup and drink. There is no other way to avoid a bitter taste.

Once again, reminding you that medical consultation is very important before using fenugreek.

How Much Fenugreek To Use For Diabetes?

Generally, the Ayurvedic physician advises  2.5  to  15 grams of fenugreek daily in divided doses which are dependably related to the patient's age, body weight, the intensity of the disease, and other physical factors. In most of the diabetes cases, it has been observed that 2.5  grams of fenugreek seeds often offer good results.

People who do not like fenugreek's pungent taste can be taken in the form of capsules. Many Ayurvedic pharmaceutical manufacturers make capsules of fenugreek powder and sell them in the market.  When buying fenugreek capsules, only keep in mind that it should be a trusted brand and established company. Taking of 500 mg of capsules twice a day can reduce blood glucose. Remember, do not set the dose of this capsule without doctor's consultation. Also, keep in mind that lone fenugreek does not yield great results. By giving it as a combination therapy with other Ayurvedic medicines gives surprising results in diabetes.

For combination therapy, Aloe vera, Bitter melon, Alsi, Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Hibiscus rosa-sinesi, Chirata, Anar, Turmeric, mango leaves, etc. can be used.

Blood sugar is not handled only by fenugreek. Apart from this, diet, exercise, frequent meeting with the doctor etc. also have a lot of importance. Therefore, the patient has to take care of his diet because the importance of diet in diabetes is not less than medicines.

How to Use Fenugreek for Diabetes Treatment?

What exactly are the best ways of intaking fenugreek - After making the powder of roasted fenugreek seeds can be utilized it with curry. Or can be used by sprinkling it in a salad or stir-fried dishes.

The person who can withstand the bitter taste of the fenugreek they can intake it in sprouted form.  Other than this, sprouted fenugreek can be taken with any kind of salads.

Fenugreek leaves - Its leaves can be used in bread, green vegetable, dosa etc.

Herbal tea - Diabetics can drink its tea.

Traditional Diabetes Treatments & Tips

It is a stupid move to rely only on fenugreek treatment of diabetes. Along with this, take help of other available options regarding diabetes management. Changing the lifestyle is also an integral part of the treatment. 

Following the dietary guidelines carefully is considered as first and most important part of treating and controlling increased blood sugar levels. Apart from fenugreek treatment, other available options for the treatment of diabetes are also present.

You can follow the next options -

Always try to keep blood sugar at normal levels.

You need to keep up a high-quality lifestyle.

Keep screening blood sugar from time to time as closely as possible.

Avoid luxurious or sedentary life patterns. Be active and set a time for regular physical exercise.

Add green vegetables, fibers, organic fruits, whole grains in your diet and cast aside of processed and tinned foods, sweetened drinks etc.

Through the use of only fenugreek alone does not cure diabetes properly. According to herbal experts, fenugreek offers more miraculous results with other natural herbs like better melon, Indianlilac leaves, Madhunaashini, mango leaves, Chirayta, and many others as a blended treatment. Allopathic medicines can also be helpful and useful when needed. 

Sometimes in the emergency conditions of diabetes, antidiabetic drugs or insulin is shown to be a life-saving solution. So antidiabetic medicines can be intaken without any hesitation but after taking an advice from the diabetologist.

What are other health benefits there?

The fenugreek, a precious herb found in India has many health benefits including different vitamins, minerals and abundant in antioxidants who defend the body from free radicals.

 It is considered a great medicine for the woman who has less milk-secretion during the lactating/breastfeeding period as it has a galactagogue property.

Its hair benefits cannot be ignored because it prevents hair loss, hair thinning, and early graying, increase shining of hair, treat dandruff, and baldness.

Regarding erectiledysfunction, it has been used from eras because it increases secretion of testosterone levels, and improve sex drive in male being.

Fenugreek can be considered a goldmine for skin that treats pimples, eczema, ulcers, boils, skin rashes, abscesses, wounds etc. It has a distinctive place in the form of Moisturizer.

It can be used as a painkiller in poultice form for gout, sciatica, arthritis etc.

It is also mastered in eliminating inflammatory conditions of respiratory systems like cold, cough, bronchitis, tuberculosis etc.

Apart from these, it may be useful in kidney issues, carcinogenic problems, raised cholesterol levels, digestive disorders (constipation, heartburn, upset stomach etc.)

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WRITTEN  BY  RAJESH  KUMAR