Fenugreek has very beneficial effects on hair growth, lustre and health.
It has
a unique mix of constituents, which contribute to maintaining healthy-looking
hair and a well-nourished scalp. The discovery that fenugreek helps encourage
stronger, fuller hair came about accidentally, after a German painter used
fenugreek seeds to treat his bronchitis.
After several months of use, he noticed
that besides easing his chest, his hair had also begun to improve and even
re-grow in some places.
Fenugreek belongs to the family Fabaceae and is
cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop. The leaves and seeds of Fenugreek are
used as herbs and spice.
Fenugreek is a good source of nicotinic acid. The
germinated seeds contain a-galactosidase. The young seeds of the Fenugreek plant
contain small amounts of low-molecular weight carbohydrates. The seeds contain
30 per cent protein.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) prevents hair
fall, contains lecithin and promotes hair growth. The seeds contain four
flavonoid components (2 glycosides and 2 aglycones) and two steroidal saponins.
An alkaloid, trigonelline, is present in the seeds. The leaves contain
xanthophyll and ß-carotene; they also contain neo-ß-carotene ß and
neo-ß-carotene. The leaves are a good source of choline. The seeds are aromatic,
carminative, tonic, and galactagogue. It is a mild diuretic and is effective in
reducing weight. vitamin K is also present in the leaves of Fenugreek. Fenugreek
has also being used to treat diabetes.
Also called Greek hay in English
and Methi in India, Fenugreek is an effective Herb proven to increase hair
growth and reduce male pattern baldness. The seeds of Fenugreek are extremely
potent and thus have a medicinal effect to reduce balding, hair fall, and hair
thinning. For hair fall and dandruff, the crushed or boiled seeds alone have
been found to restore the hair shaft. The seeds also contain hormone precursors
that replenish hair growth.
A natural emollient lecithin, known to
strengthen and moisturize hair, is present in abundance. Similarly, high
content of protein in Fenugreek explains its restorative ability on damaged and
falling hair.
Flavonoids are known to improve the health of blood
vessels. This can lead to an improved supply of blood to all parts of the body,
including the scalp.
The alkaloid trigonellin helps in the expansion of blood
vessels and the resulting increase of blood flow to the hair follicles.
Fenugreek, therefore, is thought to work by increasing the dilation of blood
vessels to the scalp, thereby improving blood circulation and nutrient supply to
this area.
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