Fenugreek is an annual flowering herb related to fennel, cumin, and coriander.
The fenugreek plant looks like lovage. It has fern-like leaves and yellow flowers, which are followed by small brown seed capsules.
Fenugreek can be eaten as a leafy vegetable or turned into a spice used in many Indian dishes or to flavor things such as yogurt or masala chai.
Fenugreek is a plant that, when consumed, can provide benefits to the hair. It increases the quantity of hair generated from follicles and also stimulates hair growth.
Fenugreek also decreases skin inflammation that may result in scalp itchiness and flaky skin caused by psoriasis or eczema.
Fenugreek has been used by women for centuries as a treatment for various personal care problems too.
It is mainly used to promote hair growth, but fenugreek benefits have also been demonstrated in treating skin allergies and digestive issues.
Benefits of Fenugreek For Hair
1. For Dandruff Treatment
One of the fenugreek’s main components is the furocoumarin which can fight fungi present on the scalp. Fungi release substances that are toxic to hair follicles, which may disrupt the hair growth cycle.
When fenugreek is applied externally, furocoumarins can prevent this from occurring (source).
It is also shown that furocoumarins can be present in concentrations large enough to inhibit fungal growth. Another benefit of fenugreek for dandruff treatment is it can aid in treating scalp dryness and psoriasis without causing additional irritation to the skin (source).
2. Promotes Lipid Production
Fenugreek also contains high levels of saponins, an active component that stimulates lipid production in skin cells.
This action can help regenerate the scalp and promote the growth of healthy hair follicles, which will produce a thick and beautiful mane.
The fenugreek seed oil possesses strong antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria that cause scalp infections.
3. Fenugreek Oil For Hair Growth
Fenugreek oil has been used as a stimulant to promote hair growth for generations. The fenugreek seed contains an essential oil that is rich in furocoumarins, terpenoids, and polyacetylenes.
These components are known to stimulate hair growth by increasing the activity of certain enzymes in the body.
Hair loss can be caused because of many factors, including poor diet, stress, or illness. It takes time before fenugreek benefits will be seen as fenugreek is not a quick fix.
It is recommended to use fenugreek for at least three months before deciding if it is effective or not.
4. Improves Scalp Health
Fenugreek also contains properties that can reduce scalp itchiness because of its anti-inflammatory effects.
The furocoumarins in fenugreek can also work as insect repellents that can protect the scalp from getting bitten by insects.
Aside from fenugreek’s benefits for dandruff, fenugreek is also a natural treatment for head lice since furocoumarins are also effective against this problem.
5. Fenugreek Seeds as Hair Conditioner
Fenugreek seeds can be used as hair conditioners to enhance hair growth and prevent hair loss. To prepare a fenugreek seed hair pack, fenugreek seeds should first be crushed into powder form, then mixed with yogurt or coconut milk.
The mixture is then applied to the scalp and left on for at least 45 minutes before rinsing it off with shampoo.
6. Fenugreek Seeds for Curly Hair
Fenugreek seeds can be used to stimulate hair growth and hair loss prevention.
This fenugreek seed is an excellent choice for people who have problems with frizzy, dull, and dry hair that hasn’t been appropriately moisturized.
Related: 10 Tips & Tricks on How to Take Care of Curly Hair
How to Use Fenugreek For Hair Growth
Fenugreek can be brewed as tea or turned into a paste that can be applied to the scalp.
Making fenugreek for hair growth is simple as boiling fenugreek seeds in water and allowing them to sit for 5-7 minutes before straining them.
Once fenugreek has been fully strained, apply the fenugreek liquid to the scalp. You can use fenugreek leaves that have been boiled to make fenugreek tea for this purpose as well.
Fenugreek should be applied to the hair and left overnight so it will work its magic while you sleep. It should not be kept longer than 12 hours, though, because fenugreek may cause dandruff as a side effect.
Fenugreek mixed with fennel seeds or olive oil can also stimulate hair growth.
Read More: Top 17 Natural Hair Masks For Your Hair Growth
Side Effects of Fenugreek Seeds
While fenugreek benefits the hair in so many ways, fenugreek can also have some side effects when not used in moderation. Some fenugreek side effects include excessive dryness in the scalp, leading to dandruff, skin rashes, and itchiness.
Fenugreek seeds are not advised for pregnant women or lactating mothers because fenugreek can induce labor.
Fenugreek seeds may also result in fainting for people who are using them as medicine.
Fenugreek seeds should not be consumed for more than 12 hours which will already cause fenugreek side effects.
People with allergies to fenugreek can also experience fenugreek side effects.
Conclusion
The fenugreek seed oil possesses strong antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria that cause scalp infections. Fenugreek oil stimulates hair growth by increasing the activity of certain enzymes in the body.
Hair loss can be caused by poor diet, stress and illness. It takes time to be seen as fenugreek is not a quick fix. It is recommended to use fenugreek for at least three months before deciding whether it is effective.
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Fenugreek oil can also be mixed with any hair conditioner to make it more effective. Fenugreek oil is perfect for people who want to grow their hair longer, and fenugreek oil has also been used as a natural treatment for head lice.
FAQs
How to wash a fenugreek hair mask?
Fenugreek mask for hair growth is best when used overnight and allowed to remain on the scalp and rinse it in the morning with cold water.
How to make fenugreek hair oil?
Fenugreek oil requires skinned fenugreek seeds. The fenugreek seeds are dried in the sun or under a dryer until completely dried. Then fenugreek seeds should be powdered and mixed with three tablespoons of lavender oil, coconut milk, olive oil or fennel seeds.
How does fenugreek help with hair loss?”
Fenugreek benefits are great for preventing hair loss, especially. Fenugreek seeds act as an excellent home remedy for hair loss by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp, preventing bacterial infections and regulating the pH levels of the scalp.