Fenugreek for Inflammation

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Fenugreek has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:

• Potency (Virya): Hot
• Post-digestive (Vipaka): Pungent
• Taste (Rasa): Pungent, astringent, bitter, sweet
• Qualities (Guna): Light, unctuous

Fenugreek is a food as well as a medicine, and at culinary amounts it is well tolerated by most people. At therapeutic doses, a few specific cautions apply.

Excess Pitta

Fenugreek is hot in potency and can aggravate Pitta, the body's heat principle. High Pitta is its main classical contraindication. If you have acid reflux, burning indigestion, heavy hot bleeding or inflamed skin, keep doses low, take it with buttermilk rather than water, or choose a cooler herb.

Pregnancy

Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy. The seed may stimulate the uterus, and it is traditionally said that it may cause miscarriage and promote vaginal bleeding. Normal amounts used in cooking are considered fine.

Diabetes Medication

Fenugreek is a known blood-sugar-lowering herb. Combined with insulin, sulphonylureas or other glucose-lowering drugs, the effect can add up and push readings too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely when you start, and never stop or reduce prescribed medication without your doctor.

Iron Absorption

At high doses Fenugreek appears to inhibit iron absorption. If you are anaemic or take iron supplements, keep doses moderate and separate them from your iron. Claims that Fenugreek interacts with warfarin appear to be mistaken, but mention it to your doctor if you take any anticoagulant.

Signs You Are Taking Too Much

Because the seed is heating, signs of excess are mostly Pitta signs: heartburn, a hot or sour stomach, or feeling overheated. Reduce the dose or switch to a cooling vehicle such as buttermilk if these appear.