Other popular uses for fenugreeks seeds include use as a topical treatment for skin conditions such as abscesses, boils, burns and eczema and as treatment for heartburn and acid reflux. As with any home remedy the use of fenugreek seeds should be done with caution (Izzo, 2009). Although its general use is considered to be safe when used as directed by the manufacturers there have been some reported side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are nausea and gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and gas. When used topically, some users have complained of skin irritations and rashes. It should be noted that some prescription drug users have warned users of fenugreek seeds that the taking of the seeds should be done at least two hours in advance of the taking of prescription dosages. This warning is generated due to the fact that fenugreek seeds can interfere with the absorption of certain types of oral medications.

Until very recently fenugreek seeds were difficult to obtain except in large cities with large Indian populations. As the product has become more popular and the use of herbal remedies, in general, have increased in popularity its availability has become more widespread. Presently, fenugreek seeds can be purchased in nearly any health food store or specialty grocery store. It is available in seed form, as a powder, or as a capsule. Its overall cost is similar to other herbal remedies.

Because fenugreek seed is considered a herbal remedy its use is not regulated as closely as prescription and non-prescription drugs. It can essentially be marketed without...

Therefore, users must be cautious in its use. Like any product that is free from government regulation, purchasers must be careful that they are dealing with a reputable producer. There are other concerns that have been raised by industry experts such as its tendency to "thin" the blood and, therefore, any use of fenugreek in conjunction with other medications must be done with caution. Also, users with Type 2 diabetes should be aware that use of fenugreek seeds in conjunction with other medications may result in dangerously low blood levels.
Overall, fenugreek seeds have many valuable uses. While it may not be known how the seeds perform, the fact that they have been used for so long by so many different cultures indicate that there is legitimacy to the claims. Until its use can be demonstrated to be dangerous or unhealthy, moderate and careful use has its benefits.

References

Acharya, S.N. (2008). Fenugreek, an Alternative Crop for Semiarid Regions of North America. Crop Science, 841-853.

Gupta, A. (2002). Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds on glycaemic contral and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double blind placebo controlled study. Alternative Medicine Review, 1057-1061.

Izzo, E.E. (2009). Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: an updated systematic review. Drugs, 1777-1798.

Sharma, R.D. (1996). Use of Fenugreek seed powder in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Nutrition Research, 1331-1339.

Fenugreek