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Fenugreek Seeds For Hair: Side Effects and Benefits

The need to have a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are very much needed to have that glowing beauty that many cosmetic brands showcases. Yet, we do the most unhealthy and restricted things that create an imbalance within our body that affects our physical and mental health. We do not eat proper meals at proper times, we rely too much on coffee/tea, we drink and smoke to destress, and we do not have a proper and restful sleep. The side effects of all these are seen in dull skin and damaged hair. We can reverse these effects. This article will talk about the methi benefits for hair and skin.

But are there any fenugreek seeds for hair side effects? Like the age-old saying that good and bad are two sides of the same coin, the plethora of benefits offered by fenugreek seeds does have some side effects, but those rely on certain conditions. All those will also be discussed below.

What is Fenugreek Seed?

Fenugreek seeds or methi seeds are a common spice that is found in Indian households. Fenugreek seeds have a sweet and slightly acidic smell, but the benefits of this seed for your overall health are immense. In Ayurveda, fenugreek seeds have been used to treat indigestion and are also known to promote weight loss. In fact, this ancient spice and the fenugreek herb have often been used in Ayurvedic remedies to treat conditions like blood pressure and diabetes. Let us now understand all about the benefits and the fenugreek seeds for hair side effects associated with this miracle seed.

The nutritional and phytochemical values of fenugreek seeds include:

Fiber
Phospholipids
Glycolipids
oleic acid
Linolenic acid
Linoleic acid
Choline
Vitamin A and its precursor beta-carotene
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B2
Vitamin C
Nicotinic acid
Niacin
Calcium
Iron
Zinc

Given that all these essential vitamins and minerals are present in fenugreek seeds, it is no wonder that fenugreek seed is used as the main ingredient in various Ayurvedic syrups and pastes. And ancient Egyptians have also documented its beneficial effects that make methi to be truly a very ancient and effective spice to help treat various conditions. Hence, fenugreek is becoming a trend for hair growth and skin care. But, fenugreek seeds for hair side effects should also be discussed, and we would do so.

Fenugreek Seeds Benefits for Hair

Given that fenugreek seeds are a great addition to the diet to enhance your overall health, you can rely on the various fenugreek for hair growth benefits that even consumption of this seed will provide. Apart from adding the seed to your daily diet, you can make hair oils and hair packs to help add external protection to your hair. That is if you feel that eating the seeds takes more time to show results. Hence, if you want to know how to use fenugreek seeds for hair growth, along with fenugreek seeds for hair side effects, read on!

The various benefits of fenugreek seed for hair include:

Helps Fight Dandruff

Dandruff is usually a condition where the scalp sheds too much dead skin as the cell renewal process is accelerated. The appearance of these white flakes is a source of embarrassment and can lead to various socially awkward situations to arise. To prevent that, adding fenugreek seeds to your diet will be helpful. The antifungal and antimicrobial effects of fenugreek seed, along with its rich iron content, help blood circulation to become better, and scalp health is restored to normalize the cell renewal process.

Hair Pack: to fight dandruff, you can make a hair pack by mixing fenugreek leaves or fenugreek seeds with yogurt and making a paste. You can apply this to your scalp for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water and natural shampoo. Applying this pack thrice a week will surely help you see the results. Do about the fenugreek seeds for hair side effects to know when you you should or should not apply the said pack.

Prevents Premature Greying of Hair

One of the greatest woes of everyone is the appearance of grey hairs while still in their early 30s. Greying of hair is a natural process when you grow old. Your hair pigment starts to reduce, which leads to the hair losing its color and turning ‘grey’. But stress, unhealthy eating habits, and improper liver functioning can lead to the hair turning grey even in your late 20s. Fenugreek seed helps prevent the same. The high potassium content of these seeds helps the hair pigment to last longer and prevents premature greying of hair.

Hair Pack: you can make a paste using fenugreek seeds and curry leaves. Apply this paste generously and evenly on your scalp and massage it in. leave it for 20 to 30 minutes and wash it off with mild natural shampoo and cold water. You can apply this pack thrice a week to see the results faster.

Helps Condition the Hair

Detangling hair is a major headache, especially when more strands break as you try to brush out the tables. This frizz and tangling of the hair is generally caused by the lack of protein that keeps the hair moisturized and well-hydrated. Even if you apply oil on a regular basis, if your scalp is dry, your hair will get tangled. And let’s face it, regularly shampooing and oiling your hair is a bit impossible given the hectic adult life that we are leading. Fenugreek seed contains lecithin and nicotinic acid. Both are known to nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair follicles. Iron helps in better blood circulation to your scalp. And, all these factors then lead to the hair staying conditioned for a long time.

Hair Pack: Take a handful of fenugreek seeds and soak them in water for over 8 hours (overnight would be better). In th morning, make a paste of these soaked seeds and apply it to your scalp. Massage it and leave the pack for 30 minutes. Wash it off with cold water.

Helps Hair to Grow Stronger

Weak hair follicles and a dry scalp lead to hair breaking and split ends forming. Your hair also becomes limp and dull, adding to the stress that further damages the hair. It is a very toxic cycle. You also end up having severe acidity and high blood pressure. Adding fenugreek seed to your diet and haircare routine can help you get rid of this toxic cycle. Fenugreek seed is a great source of protein, potassium, zinc, and vitamin C. All of these aid in helping the scalp to become healthier and the hair follicles to grow stronger. This strengthens the hair and boosts hair growth, adds volume to your mane, and makes your hair shiny and smooth.

Hair Pack: you can add fenugreek seeds to yogurt or lemon juice to make a paste. Apply this paste to your hair and leave it on for 40 to 50 minutes. Then wash it off with lukewarm water. This pack will give your hair that glossy look while preventing dandruff and excess sebum production. You can also try the coconut oil and fenugreek seed mixture to treat damaged hair.

Are There Any Side Effects?

When something is too good and has been mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic and medicinal texts, you might feel that there can be no side effects associated with it. But the fact is that there are certain side effects associated with fenugreek seed, especially when consumed in large quantities. The fenugreek seeds for hair side effects is primarily due to consuming the seeds in larger quantities as compared to applying it externally.

We tend to feel that if we double the prescribed dose, the results will be seen in half the prescribed time. Hence, if we are suggested to consume one teaspoon, we end up consuming two or even one whole tablespoons of fenugreek seed. Hence. The major fenugreek seeds for hair side effects are associated with overconsumption of this seed. These side effects include:

Triggering allergies:

If you are allergic to seeds and nuts, there is a chance that you will be allergic to fenugreek seeds too. In order to be sure, you can do the allergy skin test and have a detailed profile of the same. If you are unaware of your allergic profile and consume fenugreek seeds that lead to symptoms like choking or even the development of rashes on your skin, you need to consult with a doctor immediately.

Causing odor in urine:

Fenugreek seeds contain a compound known as stolon that can lead to a condition called the maple syrup urine phenomenon pr MSUP when the seed is consumed in excess. In this condition, the urine develops a strong odor that resembles that of the smell maple syrup. If you do not reduce the consumption of fenugreek, then prolonged MSUP can cause brain damage.

Affecting the unborn fetus: Doctors usually prescribe expecting mothers to reduce the fenugreek intake as it can affect the developing fetus’s condition leading to defects related to the brain or nervous system developing in the child during birth.

Triggering sinus reaction: Fenugreek seed is known to have a cooling effect, and while that is beneficial for treating heartburn and indigestion, applying a fenugreek seed hair pack at night or during the winter can set off your sinus to react or even set off an asthmatic reaction.

Conclusion

There are various methi benefits for hair, and we have also seen that certain fenugreek seeds for hair side effects are also present. But, when used correctly and with proper medical guidance, these side effects can be avoided, and only the beneficial side can be enjoyed. Apart from adding methi to the diet and applying pastes made from methi seeds and fenugreek seed oil extract, you should also try to change your lifestyle by adding regular workouts and proper detoxification processes to your routine.

FAQs

How to make fenugreek seed extract oil?

Fenugreek seed oil is really helpful when it comes to applying it as hair oil. To make this extracted oil, you need to add both fenugreek seeds and a preferred oil to a jar and seal it for at least 4 weeks. After this time period, you can simply strain the mixture to have the fenugreek seed-infused oil. Alternatively, you can bring to boil fenugreek seeds and oil to have an extracted version.

Can fenugreek seeds be eaten on an empty stomach?

Yes, fenugreek seeds can be consumed on an empty stomach. In fact, for the best results in dealing with heartburn due to acidity and to lose weight, you can have one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in water. Alternatively, you can add fenugreek seeds to your morning green tea so that the bitter taste is balanced by the honey and ginger that you definitely will add to green tea.

Does methi seed oil really help make the hair thicker?

Methi or fenugreek seeds help balance your overall body. The fenugreek seeds aid with detoxification and balancing your hormones. For your scalp, it helps in nourishing the follicles and improving blood circulation. Hence, your hair grows longer and it also gain more volume to become thicker and shiny. So yes, methi seed oil can help make your hair grow thicker.