Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds For Skin & How To Use It

Do you know that fenugreek, which is one of the most essential herbs in your kitchen, can also do wonders for your skin? Right from fighting acne to reducing dark circles, read on to find out the amazing benefits of fenugreek for your skin and the best ways you can use it.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

“As per Ayurveda, fenugreek pacifies the elevated Vata and Kapha doshas in your skin while it can slightly increase Pitta dosha. Hence, it can be ideal for people with Vata or Kapha-dominated prakriti. People with Pitta-dominated prakriti should use fenugreek in moderation.’’

Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Highlights:

• Are Fenugreek Seeds Good For Skin?
• Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds For Skin
• How To Use Fenugreek Seeds/Paste/Powder/Oil For Skincare?
• Side Effects Of Fenugreek Seeds On The Skin
• Frequently Asked Questions On Fenugreek Seeds For Skin

Are Fenugreek Seeds Good For Skin?

Fenugreek is rich in nutrients such as folic acid, niacin, vitamins-A, C and K, B6, riboflavin, thiamin, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, calcium, selenium, manganese, etc [1]. This nutritional combination of fenugreek helps in balancing your skin pH levels, fights free-radical damage, increases the natural radiance in your skin, and nourishes your skin excellently.

Also, fenugreek has natural anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that benefit your skin health extremely.

‘’As per Ayurveda, fenugreek pacifies the elevated Vata and Kapha doshas in your skin while it can slightly increase Pitta dosha. Hence, it can be ideal for people with Vata or Kapha-dominated prakriti. People with Pitta-dominated prakriti should use fenugreek in moderation,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds For Skin

1. Controls Acne

Fenugreek has powerful anti-bacterial qualities that help in controlling acne. The nutrient blend in fenugreek helps in regulating the sebum production in your skin. Thus, by preventing the overproduction of sebum, fenugreek reduces the chances of your skin developing acne.

In a study conducted by the Department of Science, College of Basic Education, Sumer University, IRAQ, it is revealed that fenugreek extracts contain stable and biologically active antimicrobial components that help to control acne.

2. Enhances Skin Glow

The excellent antioxidant properties of fenugreek help in eliminating the dead skin cells on your skin tissue that have accumulated over time. Also, the vitamin C present in fenugreek increases the natural radiance of your skin and makes it look brighter.

As per the research conducted by the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Alternative medicines, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan, fenugreek seeds are composed of galactomannans which promote glowing skin.

3. Lightens Dark Circles

Fenugreek contains vitamins C and K which aid in lightening the skin beneath your eyes by controlling the excessive production of melanin. Also, regular usage of fenugreek on the skin helps to fade away pigmentation spots, blemishes, and acne scars.

The studies conducted by the Department of Biochemistry, Mount Caramel college, Bangalore, India, revealed that fenugreek contains tyrosine ammonia-lyase enzymes which help to control the melanin activity and aid in depigmentation of the skin.

4. Treats Skin Damage

The polysaccharides present in fenugreek form a protective layer on your skin, which shields it against environmental damage.

Also, unhealed wounds, sun damage, and certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, etc. can cause inflammation in your skin. Fenugreek has effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which help in controlling the inflammation in your skin while it promotes faster skin healing.

Studies conducted by Tunisian scientists reveal that the novel polysaccharide (FWEP) extracted from fenugreek has strong wound healing potential due to its antioxidant activities.

5. Fenugreek Seeds For Anti-Aging

The free radicals present in your skin are responsible for your skin developing age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Fenugreek has a plethora of anti-aging chemicals that help in keeping your skin firm, vibrant and youthful by fighting the free radical damage in your skin efficiently. Fenugreek aids in the effective rejuvenation of your skin cells and prevents premature aging.

The studies conducted by the Department of Dermatoveneorology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia, revealed that phytoestrogens and estradiols present in fenugreek seeds have shown improvement in aged skin through antioxidant and emollient properties.

6. Fenugreek As A Skin Cleanser

Fenugreek contains natural saponins and phenolic compounds which makes it act as a wonderful cleanser for your skin. It not only cleans the accumulated dirt and oils from your face, but also makes it brighter and plump.

Studies conducted by Pharmacognosy and Chemistry of Natural Products, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan, show that steroidal saponin glycosides extracted from fenugreek seeds have effective anti-inflammatory and melanogenesis-suppressing properties, indicating its protection against skin damage and tanning.

7. Fenugreek Seeds As An Exfoliator

Fenugreek can be an excellent natural replacement for chemical-based scrubs to exfoliate your skin gently. It unclogs your skin pores effectively by removing the build-up of dead skin, sebum, product, sweat and other pollutants.

Research conducted by Satara College of Pharmacy, Satara, India, claims that skin peel-off gel prepared from fenugreek extract is safe and efficacious for treating different dermatological disorders and it is a safer alternative to synthetic anti-acne gels.

8. Fenugreek As A Skin Moisturizer

If your skin is flaky, dry, or has a rough texture, then your skincare arsenal needs fenugreek. These seeds contain lipids, mucus, and natural oils that help in hydrating and nourishing your skin greatly. Fenugreek is one of the best natural moisturizers for your skin and it makes your skin softer and smoother.

Researchers from the Department of Chemistry, SNDT University, and Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, revealed that herbal creams formulated with fenugreek seed extracts have effective moisturizing properties while it is found to have superior long-term effect and spreadability in the skin with zero side effects.

How To Use Fenugreek Seeds/Paste/Powder/Oil For Skincare?

1. How To Use Fenugreek Seeds For Skin Whitening/Lightening?

Prepare a smooth paste by adding a sufficient amount of milk into 2-3 spoons of finely ground fenugreek or methi powder. Apply the paste to your whole face or dark areas of your skin. Leave it for half an hour and then wash it off with normal water. Do this twice a week before your bedtime.

2. How To Use Fenugreek Seeds For Skin Moisturizing?

Soak 2-3 spoons of fenugreek seeds for at least eight hours in hot water. Later, add 1 spoon of honey and 2 spoons of curd or yogurt into the soaked fenugreek seeds. Grind the ingredients to form a fine paste and apply it to your face. Leave it for half an hour before rinsing your face with normal water. Do this on alternative days to keep your skin hydrated and well moisturized.

3. How To Use Fenugreek Seeds For Open Skin Pores?

Soak 2 spoons of fenugreek seeds overnight. Add 1 spoon each of grated ginger and grated cucumber into the fenugreek seeds. Now, grind the ingredients to form a smooth paste. Apply this methi mask to your face and wash it off after 1 hour. Do this once a week to tighten your open skin pores [3].

4. How To Use Fenugreek Seeds For Skin Peeling?

Prepare a scrub by adding half a spoon of coconut oil into 2-3 spoons of fenugreek powder and apply it to your skin. Massage your skin using this scrub gently in circular motions for a few minutes. Later, wash it off with normal water. Do this twice or thrice a week to exfoliate dead skin from your skin efficiently.

5. How To Use Fenugreek Seeds For Oily Skin?

Mix aloe vera gel (3 tsp), gram flour (1 tsp) and fenugreek powder (2 tsp) to form a paste. Apply on skin and let it stay for an hour. Cleanse face with regular water. You can use this paste once a week to deal with your oily skin issues.

6. How To Use Fenugreek Paste For Pimples?

Soak 2-3 spoons of fenugreek seeds into 5-6 spoons of rose water overnight. The next morning, add a pinch of turmeric into the fenugreek seeds and grind them into a fine paste. Add 3-4 drops of tea tree oil into the paste and apply it as a face pack. Leave it for 45 minutes before washing it off using normal water. Do this once or twice a week to control the acne breakouts [4] on your skin.

Vedix Tip: Add a spoon of fenugreek seeds into a glass of water. Drink it every day first thing in the morning to keep your skin healthy. This will also help balance your aggravated doshas.

Side Effects Of Fenugreek Seeds On The Skin

Generally, fenugreek is safe when consumed in little amounts. However, it can have potential side effects [5] as below, when taken in larger amounts for a long time. These include:

• Drop in blood sugar levels
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Stomach upset

When applied topically, fenugreek can result in side effects such as coughing, facial swelling, wheezing, nasal congestion along with severe allergic reactions in people with hypersensitive skin.

Important Note:

Seek medical help immediately if you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms or any other side effects after using fenugreek.

Frequently Asked Questions On Fenugreek Seeds For Skin

1. Can You Apply Fenugreek Paste On Your Face Daily?

No. There is no need to apply fenugreek paste on your face every day. Dr. Zeel recommends applying the paste once a week if you have oily skin, twice a week if you have normal or combination skin, and thrice a week if you have very dry skin.

2. When Should You Take Fenugreek, In The Morning Or At Night?

Topically, you can apply fenugreek to your skin at any time. When you are taking it orally, Dr. Zeel recommends taking a spoon of overnight-soaked fenugreek seeds on an empty stomach in the morning.

However, ensure that your dosage of fenugreek is not more than 5 grams a day. After consuming it orally for a month, consult your doctor to review the status and decide on how long you can continue to use fenugreek.

Important Note:

Always consume fenugreek as an oral supplement only under the guidance of your doctor as it can lower your blood sugar levels. The doctor will prescribe you the right dosage as per your body’s needs.

The Last Word

No matter what skin type you have, fenugreek can be an ideal herbal remedy for you to deal with a variety of skin concerns when used in the right way. For best results, it is recommended to use organically grown fenugreek seeds.

At Vedix, we analyze your skin and customize an Ayurvedic skincare regimen that resolves your unique skin issues.