Fenugreek Side Effects

Fenugreek is a herbal supplement renowned for its benefits for treating various ailments, including high cholesterol and hyperglycemia. The herb has its own benefits as well as side effects. Being a herb, fenugreek has not yet been subjected to extensive research, and hence the benefits and the side effects of fenugreek accepted worldwide are mostly based on theoretical knowledge about the herb and some case studies related to it.

What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is a plant belonging to the Fabaceae family of flowering plants. Its scientific name is Trigonella foenum-graecum. This economically important plant has multiple uses. The leaves of the plant are used as herbs, while the seeds are used as spices in the kitchen. The major producer of fenugreek is India, followed by countries such as China, Egypt, Argentina, France and Morocco. The herb has been in use since ancient times. Records suggest that fenugreek was used since the period as early as 1500 BC. Although people were aware about the benefits of fenugreek long ago, more recently the herb has been in news for its various side effects.

General Side Effects of Fenugreek
There are many fenugreek side effects which are known to medical professionals, while the others are yet to be ascertained. People allergic to fenugreek can experience swelling of the face, breathlessness, bloating, heartburn and diarrhea when they consume it. It's also known to cause irritation when it comes in contact with the skin. Fenugreek should not be used simultaneously with any other medication. Being high in fiber content, it tends to coincide with the absorption of other drugs, and can eventually lead to negative reactions within the body. It tends to lower the levels of blood glucose, and therefore should be avoided by people, especially nursing mothers, suffering from diabetes or heart diseases. Fenugreek contains sotolone, a compound with strong aroma, which passes through the body without changing, and causes the color of the urine to change. Girls with a history of abnormal menstrual cycle should avoid using fenugreek, as it tends to promote menstrual flow. Although fenugreek is used to curb asthma, at times, inhaling fenugreek itself can trigger an asthma attack.

Fenugreek Side Effects During Pregnancy
More importantly pregnant women should completely refrain from consumption of fenugreek as herb or spices. Fenugreek can lead to uterine contractions, and hence should be ideally avoided by pregnant women. Traditionally, fenugreek was used to stimulate labor, and therefore, it is assumed that consumption of the herb during pregnancy in any form can lead to preterm labor or even miscarriages.

Fenugreek Side Effects on Baby
Side effects of fenugreek can be witnessed in those babies whose mothers consume the herb in excessive amount. Fenugreek has been traditionally used to increase milk production in nursing mothers. Excess consumption may result in watery stools, diarrhea and upset stomach in babies. The increase in milk supply due to fenugreek consumption can also have some adverse effects on the baby. In fact, oversupply of milk may also result in watery stools and upset stomach.

These were some of the known fenugreek side effects, but experts feel that there are many more fenugreek seed side effects than the once that are known. The Food and Drug Administration, doesn't approve the use of herbal medicine for health benefits, and hence it is wise to use herbal supplements such as fenugreek only after consulting a medical professional.