There are remedies that are often little known, whose fame has been lost over the centuries but which are small concentrates of beneficial properties for the entire body. Such as fenugreek, or Trigonella foenum-graecum. Fenugreek, in fact, as we will see in the course of the article, comes to the rescue of skin and hair, strengthens the body by counteracting fatigue but is also useful against diabetes and weight gain. In short, a small green remedy to always have at home, but let's try to understand better.
Fenugreek against fatigue and loss of energy
Fenugreek provides proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, such as B, A and C groups, mineral salts, such as calcium, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus and iron, and antioxidants. Given these characteristics, fenugreek proves to be a valid remedy in case of fatigue and loss of energy, such as often happens at the change of seasons or in case of heavy periods (Younesy et al, J Reprod Infertil, 2014). Thus, fenugreek acts as a tonic but without exciting the nervous system. On the contrary, as the great French herbalist Messegue states, this remedy calms and stimulates the body's functions and the production of red blood cells.
Fenugreek and heart
Fenugreek protects the cardiovascular system since it works by counteracting high blood glucose values (Younesy et al, J Reprod Infertil, 2014). In fact, fenugreek reduces insulin resistance and stimulates its release, thus helping to keep blood sugar levels under control. Not only that, fenugreek, thanks to its saponin content, is also able to reduce cholesterol values (Alrumaihi et al, J Inflamm res, 2021).
Fenugreek and stomach
Fenugreek, being rich in soothing mucilages, protects the mucous membrane of the stomach, even in the case of bacterial infections. Fenugreek thus helps to counteract gastritis and gastric ulcers (Younesy et al, J Reprod Infertil, 2014).
Fenugreek against weight gain
Fenugreek helps fight obesity. In fact, studies have made it possible to observe that fenugreek extracts have helped to reduce the accumulation of fats, regulating their intestinal absorption, improving the metabolism of lipids and glucose, increasing antioxidants and downregulating the enzymes responsible for lipogenesis, namely lipid formation (Kumar et al, Biomed Res Int, 2014).
Fenugreek against dark circles and wrinkles
Fenugreek is a highly antioxidant and anti-aging remedy, also thanks to its rutin content, and acts by counteracting skin wrinkles. Indeed, fenugreek extracts have been observed to inhibit the collagen-degrading enzyme collagenase, with an action that is 2.6 times more powerful than vitamin C (Eaknai et al, Pharmaceuticals (Basel). , 2022). Fenugreek is also a cosmetic for the eye area. In fact, this remedy contains vitamins A and C, which have been shown to reduce dark circles and bags under the eyes, decreasing dark coloring and stagnation, as well as the wrinkles that can easily form in this delicate area (Mitsuishi et al, J Cosmet dermato, 2004).
Fenugreek against premature graying and hair loss
Fenugreek proves to be antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and therefore capable of prolonging the various phases of the hair's life cycle, delaying its fall (Umar et al, Case Rep Dermatol Med, 2021). Fenugreek applications have also been shown to improve blood circulation in the scalp, thus protecting the health of the hair follicle. Not only that, fenugreek also counteracts dandruff and itching, leaving a healthy and luminous hair (Kulkarni et al, Assay Drug Dev Technol, 2020). Finally, fenugreek, being an antioxidant, helps to counteract the aging of tissues that, when subjected to an excess of free radicals, due, for example, to UV rays or pollution, can also lead to premature graying of the hair. (Trueb et al, Clin Interv Aging, 2006).
Fenugreek, herbal teas and cosmetics
So let's see how to take or use fenugreek to exploit its benefits. You can prepare a herbal tea based on fenugreek with a tonic action to counteract the drop in energy and with hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and gastroprotective properties. Bring a cup of water to a boil, remove from heat and add a teaspoon of fenugreek, leave to infuse for ten minutes, then filter and drink. Fenugreek is generally considered safe but always ask your doctor for advice before taking it to check for any interactions with medications you are using. As for cosmetic use, boil a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water for 5 minutes, let it rest for ten minutes, then drain the seeds and blend them in a blender. Add a little water to the seed paste to create a cream and apply to the eye contour or face for fifteen minutes. Then rinse and continue with your usual treatments. The liquid left over after preparing the fenugreek seed decoction can then be used as a hair rinse after shampooing, taking care to rub the scalp as well. Alternatively, as a remedy for the eye contour, if you have already prepared a herbal tea based on fenugreek, you can wet two cotton wool discs with this infusion and place them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, then apply the pads to closed eyes.
