Fenugreek oil is obtained from the seed of fenugreek. These seeds are quite nutritious and have a plethora of health benefits. Fenugreek seed oil has some really powerful health benefits, especially for common health conditions. This makes the oil quite useful, even though it is not as popular as other oils. It is generally not a cold pressed oil, like most other seed oils. So, it contains volatile organic compounds and is used in aromatherapy.
Properties
Fenugreek oil, just like the seeds has tremendous healing properties.
Anti-Viral – fights certain viruses.
Anti-Cancer – This oil has some anticarcinogenic properties.
Antioxidant – It prevents the cells from free radical damage.
Hypoglycemic – lowers blood glucose.
Phytoestrogen – It mimics the female hormone estrogen.
Circulant – It boost blood circulation.
Anti-Inflammatory – It reduces inflammation on the skin.
Expectorant – It promotes the release of phlegm from the throat.
Neuroprotective – It protects the nervous system.
Immunomodulatory – It helps to modulate the functioning of immune system.
Beta cell stimulant – It is one of the few substances that stimulate beta cells of the pancreas.
Hypotensive – It alleviates hypertension.
Antispasmodic – It prevents muscular spasms.
Galactagogue – It promotes lactation.
Blends Well With
Fenugreek essential oil goes brilliantly with the essential oil of cinnamon in aromatherapy.
Health Benefits
Because of its healing properties, fenugreek oil can be used in a number of home remedies through which one can avail health benefits.
- Acne
Fenugreek essential oil helps in acne. Put about 5 drops of essential oil in 5 ml of base oil, for which jojoba oil is ideal choice. Massage this oil on the face and skin covered with acne pimples. It reduces inflammation and redness around the pimples. It also alleviates swelling and the pain that comes with these pimples. This application also prevents formation of new blackheads. This is because blackheads are formed by oxidation and fenugreek oil is an antioxidant, so it prevents the pimples from oxidizing.
- Boils
Fenugreek oil is great for getting rid of boils and similar conditions like carbuncles, cysts, furuncles, ingrown hair and folliculitis. It is simple to apply. One just has to add a few drops of fenugreek essential oil to a herbal poultice made for any of these conditions. Its presence in the poultice improves the efficiency of the home remedy.
- Irritated Skin
Many a times, our skin is irritated because of some environmental stress. It can be extreme dry, harsh cold weather or some allergen that makes the skin irritated. One can add a few drops of fenugreek oil to olive oil and massage it on the skin. This provides relief from swelling, like that from hives and itching.
- Massage
Fenugreek essential oil is a great additive to a massage treatment. It can be added to a massage oil, like sweet almond oil and massaged onto the skin. This massage soothes the skin, relieves inflammation and makes the skin perform better.
- Expel Mucus
Fenugreek essential oil is used as an expectorant. One can take it in the form of a steam. Add about 10 drops of fenugreek oil to a pan of boiling water. Inhale steam from this mixture. It aids the body in expelling out the phlegm. This is quite helpful in conditions that cause a productive cough, like bronchitis.
- Aromatherapy
Fenugreek essential oil is used in aromatherapy for ushering in many therapeutic actions. Add about 4 – 5 drops of fenugreek oil to a vaporizer, diffuser or an oil burner to spread its aroma in the air.
Its aroma reduces high blood pressure.
It exerts a calming influence on the nervous system.
If the environment inside is hot, then it stimulates sweating. This helps to alleviate a fever.
- Diabetes
Fenugreek oil is quite helpful in diabetes. Fenugreek oil improves the glucose intolerance and and can lower blood glucose levels. It also stimulates the pancreas and reduces damage to beta cells. Fenugreek essential oil stimulates insulin as well, which is a powerful health benefit. One can take fenugreek oil by diluting it in a base oil. One can add about 2 -3 drops to 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and drink it.
- Kidney health
Fenugreek oil helps to restore normal kidney health. It exerts a protective influence on the kidneys and the pancreas.
Uses
There are not many uses for fenugreek oil apart from its health benefits
It is used in products that stimulate lactation.
It is used in solutions to kill mosquito larvae. Side Effects, Safe Dosage and Toxicity Issues Fenugreek oil
It is as an essential oil an as such should not be applied directly, undiluted on the skin or ingested.
It should not be taken by pregnant women.
There is not enough information about the safety and interaction of fenugreek oil with medication, especially for diabetes.
One should definitely consult with a doctor before taking fenugreek oil as a supplement. Nutritional and Medicinal Information From a nutritional point of view, fenugreek essential oil and the seed oil are quite different. The cold pressed seed oil is somewhat like other edible oils. It has a different chemical composition that fenugreek essential oil.
Why is fenugreek seed good for hair?
The benefits of fenugreek are innumerable. Check out the top five benefits of fenugreek seeds for hair:
It is a natural solution to dandruff.
It is effective in combating hair fall by strengthening and nourishing the hair roots.
It contains nicotinic acid as well as proteins that stimulate hair growth.
‘Lecithin’ contained in fenugreek seeds helps by imparting shine to your hair and also allows your tresses retain its natural colour. It efficiently treats problems related to sensitive scalp.
It conditions hair naturally and improves the texture of your hair.
