Fenugreek leaves or Methi leaves are one of the most widely used green leafy vegetables. These aromatic, bitter leaves can instantly enhance the flavour of any food and are used in many cuisines, particularly Indian. The word “Fenugreek” is said to have been derived from the Latin language and literally means “Greek hay”. It is commonly referred with the names “Kasoori Methi” (Hindi), “Menthi Koora” (Telugu), “Methi Saag” (Bengali), “Venthikaya Keera” (Tamil) and “Menthya Soppu” (Malayalam). It is also popular with the names Bird’s foot and Goat’s horn in other countries. Fenugreek leaves are used widely for its medicinal benefits to treat diabetes, constipation and even kidney ailments. In this article, we shall discuss fresh and dried Fenugreek leaves benefits in detail.
Methi Leaves Nutritional Benefits:
Fenugreek leaves are rich in fibre and have high amounts of Vitamins and minerals. The following are the nutritional facts of Fenugreek leaves per 100 gm serving:
- Total Calories: 50
- Carbohydrates: 58 gm
- Total Fat: 6 gm
- Sodium: 67 mg
- Potassium: 770 mg
- Protein: 23 gm
- Iron: 186 % of DV
- Vitamin B6: 30 % of DV
- Magnesium: 47 % of DV
Evidence-Based Fenugreek Leaves Benefits:
Here we enlisted, 20 science proven fenugreek leaves health benefits regarding skin and hair also. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Treats Bowel Issues:
Any poor liver functioning and dyspepsia along with any gastric issues and intestinal problems can be treated with the consumption of some fenugreek leaves in the diet. Dysentery and diarrhoea can also stay away from these leaves. The powdered form of dried fenugreek leaves also helps in a great deal here.
Ingredients:
- Dried Fenugreek Leaves – 1 tbsp
- Water
Preparation Time: 5 min
How To Use Fenugreek Leaves:
- Take some dried fenugreek leaves in water.
- Bring it to a boil.
- Strain and serve the tea.
How Often Should I Do: Till Symptoms subside.
2. Mouth Freshener:
To prepare a natural mouth freshener, you can easily dry the fenugreek leaves and powder it well. Now add some lemon juice and heat this pot for some minutes before using the paste as a mouth freshener to treat bad breath. It is one of the best benefits to use for mouth freshener. This is not only effective but also natural and free from all sorts of chemical-based mouthwashes.
Ingredients:
- Dried Fenugreek Leaves Powder – 1 tbsp
- Water
- Lemon Juice
Preparation Time: 5 min
How To Do:
- Take some dried fenugreek leaves in water.
- Bring it to a boil.
- Strain and add lemon juice.
- Rinse your mouth with this liquid.
How Often Should I Do: Everyday
3. Respiratory Problems Cure:
Any kind of allergies or congestion in the respiratory tract can be easy cures with the use of fenugreek leaves in the dishes or else using the powder form made by drying the leaves under the sun. This powder is then made in the form of tea, which is to be had every day, especially in cold weathers to keep respiratory problems at bay.
Ingredients:
- Dried Fenugreek Leaves Powder – 1 tbsp
- Water
- Lemon Juice
Preparation Time: 5 min
How To Do:
- Take some dried fenugreek leaves in water.
- Bring it to a boil.
- Strain and add lemon juice.
- Serve this tea warm.
How Often Should I Do: Everyday
4. Keeps Cholesterol In Check:
The fenugreek leaves have a high capacity level for lowering the bad cholesterol in the body. Along with reducing the LDL and triglycerides in the body, it helps in increasing the good cholesterol to keep various heart problems and diseases away. The leaves should be soaked in a glass of water and then strained in the morning to consume.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Fenugreek Leaves– 1 bunch
- Water
Preparation Time: Overnight
How To Use Methi Leaves:
- Soak fenugreek leaves in water and leave them overnight.
- In the morning, strain the leaves and drink the water.
How Often Should I Do: Methi leaves benefits in treating respiratory problems when taken regularly.
See More: Fenugreek Seeds Benefits
5. Fenugreek Leaves Benefits For Diabetes:
The anti-diabetic element in fenugreek leaves is similar to cinnamon and it helps in controlling the levels of glucose metabolism in the right manner. Type II diabetes can also be treated through consumption of fenugreek leaves. Doctors recommend daily consumption of Fenugreek leaves either in the form of curries or dals.
Ingredients:
- Dried Fenugreek Leaves Powder – 1 tbsp.
- Water.
Preparation Time: 5 min.
How To Do:
- Take some dried fenugreek leaves in water.
- Bring it to a boil.
- Strain and serve warm.
How Often Should I Do: Everyday
6. Fenugreek Leaf Benefits For Reduction Of Blemishes:
Skin marks, blemishes, stubborn spots, and any other on the face can be treated with the use of fenugreek leaves. The paste of the leaves or seeds can be applied on the face for a few minutes and then rinsed with water for best outcomes. Use a wet cotton ball to wipe the face. This should be done at least 2-3 times in a week for maximum outcomes.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Fenugreek Leaves– 1 Bunch.
- Water.
Preparation Time: 5 min
How To Do:
- Make a paste with fenugreek leaves and water.
- Apply this paste directly on the blemishes.
- Leave for 15 minutes and wash off.
How Often Should I Do: Twice a week.
7. Cures Fever:
Fenugreek with lemon and honey combined is a good home remedy for bringing down the high temperatures. You can also include fenugreek seeds, lemon juice and honey in green tea to get the same outcomes. Not only does this tea help in bringing the temperature down, but also offer a soothing relief from digestive disorders like constipation and bloating.
Ingredients:
- Dry Fenugreek Leaves– ½ Cup
- Water
- Lemon
- Honey
Preparation Time: 5 min
How To Do:
- Boil Fenugreek leaves in water.
- Strain the liquid and add lemon and honey.
- Serve it warm.
How Often Should I Do: Till symptoms subside.
8. Long And Healthy Hair:
It is one of the topmost fenugreek leaves benefits regarding hair. Prepare a thick fenugreek paste with the leaves and water. This should be applied on the scalp for the next 40 minutes in an even manner. Rinse the hair with cold water. This should be done two times in a week for healthy, long and shiny hair. It also keeps the hair away from all kinds of chemical damage.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Fenugreek Leaves– 1 Cup.
- Water.
Preparation Time: 6 min.
How To Do:
- Make a paste out of fenugreek leaves and water.
- Apply this paste on the scalp and cover the entire hair region.
- Leave for 40 minutes.
- Wash with cold water.
How Often Should I Do: Once a week.
9. Fenugreek Leaves Cures Anaemia:
The high levels of iron and nutrition in fenugreek leaves are perfect for the treatment of anaemia and well as to prevent the problem. Including fenugreek leaves in the diet is all you need to do to fulfil the requirements of iron and increase the red blood cells and haemoglobin. It is also advised to use Fenugreek leaves in your daily cooking.
Ingredients:
- Dried Fenugreek Leaves Powder – 1 tbsp.
- Water.
Preparation Time: 5 min.
How To Do:
- Take some dried fenugreek leaves in water.
- Bring it to a boil.
- Strain and serve warm.
How Often Should I Do: Everyday.
10. Deals With Heart Problems:
Dealing with heart problems is one of the best fenugreek leaves benefits. These leaves can balance the blood liquid levels and make your heart heather. It also assists in lowering the LDL levels and that is why this organic leave is so beneficial for diabetes and cholesterol issues (discussed earlier). One of the best methi leaves benefits is that it can lower the chances of blood clotting. Since all this is somehow associated with the heart, it can be said this particular leave is good for the heart. By reducing the platelet reaction it keeps the heart-healthy. People with heart problems are often prescribed with fenugreek leaves.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Fenugreek Leaves– 1 Cup.
- Water.
Preparation Time: Overnight.
How To Do:
- Soak Fenugreek leaves in water overnight.
- Strain the leaves and drink in the morning.
- You can use the leaves in salads and dals.
How Often Should I Do: Everyday
See More: Fenugreek Powder Benefits
11. Deal With Heartburn and Acid Reflux:
Want to know about methi leaves benefits? This is one of the best uses of fenugreek leaves. It can combat the acid reflux which is also known as heartburn. The methi leaves should be soaked in water before consuming it for this purpose. The methi leaves benefits are never-ending and it can be said that once your body gets the touch of the extracts of this leaf gets inside your body, you will become healthy from the inside automatically.
Ingredients:
- Dried Fenugreek Leaves Powder – 1 tbsp.
- Cold Milk.
Preparation Time: 5 min.
How To Do:
- Add some Fenugreek leaf powder in cold milk.
- Drink this to curb acid refluxes.
How Often Should I Do: Till symptoms subside
12. Assist In Weight Loss:
One of the most popular uses of methi leaves is its application for weight loss. One can just chew the soaked methi leaves and reduce a substantial amount of weight within a very short period of time. It should be consumed on an empty stomach. It comes with soluble fibre which can keep the stomach filled and suppress the feeling of hunger. This is one of the best health benefits of methi leaves. Since you will not get any sensation of hunger you will not require food and this will assist in weight loss. So don’t forget to include methi leaves or fenugreek leaves in your diet if you’re willing to lose weight.
Ingredients:
- Dried Fenugreek Leaves Powder – 1 tbsp.
- Water.
- Lemon.
- Honey.
Preparation Time: 5 min.
How To Do:
- Take some dried fenugreek leaves in water.
- Bring it to a boil.
- Strain and serve warm with lemon and honey.
How Often Should I Do: Everyday, first thing in the morning
13. It Can Assist With Breast Milk Production:
Mothers who are about to have a baby will find this benefit of methi leaves suitable for them. Breast milk is one of the basic requirements of a newborn baby, hence, you should make sure that you can provide your baby with the required amount. Doctors recommend nursing mothers to consume this leaf on a daily basis. The spice is highly used because of the presence of diosgenin which further assists in breast milk production. It is one of the top 10 foods that can assist with breast milk production.
Ingredients:
- Dried Fenugreek Leaves Powder – 1 tbsp.
- Vegetable curry or dal of your choice.
Preparation Time: 5 min.
How To Do:
- Make your favourite dal or curry.
- Add one tbsp of Kasuri Methi at the end.
- This can not only aromatise food but also help in better lactation.
How Often Should I Do: Everyday
14. Methi Leaves Help With Increase In Breast Size:
One of the best uses of fenugreek leaves is that it can assist with natural breast enlargement. Without going through breast surgery, you can look attractive in a top by consuming this leaf on a daily basis. It balances the hormones and helps women with breast enlargement. Consuming fenugreek leaves have been rated as one of the best and easiest ways to increase the size of breasts naturally.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Fenugreek Leaves– 1 cup.
- Olive Oil
Preparation Time: 5 min.
How To Do:
- Make a paste out of Fenugreek leaves and Olive oil.
- Apply this paste on your breasts and massage regularly.
How Often Should I Do: Everyday
15. Methi Leaves Can Reduce Scars:
It has been proved that methi leaves can help with the removal of scars. It comes with Vitamin C which is actually an effective antioxidant. The leaf acts as an anti-inflammatory substance and can boost the process of scar and mark removal. So from now on don’t go for any artificial ointment. Choose fenugreek leaves from now on to remove scars effectively. This is one of the best uses of fenugreek leaves. For using it for removing scars, simply take a white piece of clean cloth and dip it in some methi paste and apply it on the affected area. This will surely remove the scars.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Fenugreek Leaves– 1 cup.
- Lemon.
- Water.
- Clean White Cloth.
Preparation Time: 5 min.
How To Do:
- Make a paste out of Fenugreek leaves, water and lime.
- Apply this paste on a clean white cloth and place it on the affected area.
- Leave for 20 minutes.
- Slowly peel off the cloth and wash with cold water.
How Often Should I Do: Everyday
16. Fenugreek Leaves Benefits For Kidney Problems:
Kidneys are the main organs to human body along with other organs. Diabetes and other health problems causing kidney diseases. According to recent studies, it has been proven that fenugreek leaves are actually good for fighting kidney issues. If you are suffering from kidney ailments, it is recommended to have at least one serving of Fenugreek leaves each day.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Fenugreek Leaves– 1 cup.
- Water.
Preparation Time: 5 min
How To Do:
- Boil fresh Methi leaves in a cup of water.
- Take this tea every day to reduce kidney problems.
How Often Should I Do: Everyday.
17. Stabilize The Body Temperature:
Fenugreek leaves are often used to stabilize body temperature. This is one of the best benefits of fenugreek leaves. By taking at least one time in the day in the form of potion or raw seed really helps maintain good body temperature. It also helps in distressing the patient and address stomach related issues caused due to medicines and lack of appetite.
Ingredients:
- Dry Fenugreek Leaves– ½ Cup.
- Water.
Preparation Time: 5 min.
How To Do:
- Boil Fenugreek leaves in water.
- Strain the liquid.
- Serve it warm.
How Often Should I Do: Till symptoms subside
18. Beriberi Diseases:
Mostly Vitamin B1 deficiency caused to beriberi diseases. Methi leaves can prevent the occurrence of beriberi disease through its natural vitamins and mineral elements. Adding fresh or dried forms of Methi Leaves can help in preventing and treating these diseases. The most effective form is to have Fenugreek leaf tea.
Ingredients:
- Dry Fenugreek Leaves– ½ Cup.
- Water.
Preparation Time: 5 min.
How To Do:
- Boil Fenugreek leaves in water.
- Strain the liquid.
- Serve it warm.
How Often Should I Do: Till symptoms subside.
See More: Fenugreek Side Effects
19. Good For Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis also knows as TB which is caused by bacteria and spread to others. Fenugreek leaves play a massive role in the process of the cure of tuberculosis. Taking one tablespoon methi seeds or leaves daily with water will be beneficial in control of TB. Also, people with chronic respiratory issues are advised to consume at least one serving of Fenugreek leaves per day.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Fenugreek Leaves– ½ tbsp.
- Water.
Preparation Time: 5 min.
How To Do:
- Chew fenugreek leaves and swallow with water.
How Often Should I Do: Everyday.
20. Fenugreek Leaves For Baldness:
Nowadays, Baldness is the most common problem of women and men. Dealing with baldness, Fenugreek leaves are very effective to treat the hair loss problem and stops baldness. It can stimulate hair follicles and help in stimulating the roots. Methi leaves also add shine and gloss to your hair.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Fenugreek Leaves– ½ Cup.
- Coconut Oil.
Preparation Time: 5 min.
How To Do:
- Make a paste out of Fresh leaves and coconut oil.
- Apply this paste all over hair and massage on roots.
- Leave for 40 minutes and wash.
How Often Should I Do: Once a week.
Side Effects Of Fenugreek Leaves:
Fenugreek leaves although have numerous benefits, do with certain side effects:
- The bitter taste of Fenugreek may trigger nausea or Vomiting. It is best to boil the leaves before consumption.
- Certain people may be allergic to Fenugreek leaves, which may cause rashes and itching.
- Methi leaf tea may induce premature labour. So, it is better not to consume in the early stages of pregnancy.
- If you are planning to use Methi leaves topically, better do a patch test to determine its allergic reactions.
Methi leaves are the best gift of nature to mankind. A small amount of these leaves in cooking can instantly uplift its taste and aroma. The benefits of these leaves to promote healthy body are numerous. From treating iron deficiencies to keeping heart problems at bay, these leaves help us in many ways. The best part of Fenugreek leaves is that even its dry form has almost the same nutritional benefits as that of the fresh leaves. You can just soak these leaves in warm water to enjoy the same taste and benefits. We hope this article helped you understand why your mother adds a little Methi touch in all her cooking!
