Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is one of the oldest cultivated medicinal plants native to southern Europe and Asia. Nowadays, it’s also popularly grown throughout Mediterranean regions, Argentina, North Africa, France, India and the U.S. ¹

Fenugreek is mentioned in detail in Egyptian papyrus writings circa 1500 B.C.² Because it’s been used in so many cultures, this herb has amassed many different monikers such as methi, bird’s foot, Greek hay and bockshornsame,³ to name a few.

An annual plant about 2 feet tall, fenugreek is also considered a legume.⁴ It produces light green leaves similar to clover, small whiteflowers and long pods, each containing 10 to 20 small hard seeds. The seeds have a pungent aroma and fairly bittertaste, described as similar to burnt celery.⁵

While it’s also used for dying textiles,⁶ fenugreek’s many food uses and curative aspects indicate how versatile this plant and its derivatives can be, as previously noted. Here Rudy Mawer, MSc, CISSN, healthLine.com, reflects on the impressive health benefits of fenugreek:

“Fenugreek is an herb long used in alternative medicine. It’s a common ingredient in Indian dishes and often taken as a supplement.

This herb may have numerous health benefits.

This article explains everything you need to know about fenugreek, including its benefits, side effects, and uses.

Nutritional facts

One tablespoon (11.1 grams) of whole fenugreek seeds contains 35 calories and several nutrients (2Trusted Source):

• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 3 grams
• Carbs: 6 grams
• Fat: 1 gram
• Iron: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Manganese: 7% of the DV
• Magnesium: 5% of the DV

Effects on breast milk production

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your baby’s development (3Trusted Source).

However, some mothers may struggle to produce sufficient amounts (3Trusted Source).

While prescription drugs are commonly used to boost breast milk production, research suggests that fenugreek may be a safe, natural alternative.

One 14-day study in 77 new mothers found that drinking herbal tea with fenugreek seeds increased breast milk production, which helped babies gain more weight (4).

Another study split 66 mothers into three groups. One received fenugreek tea, the second a placebo, and the third nothing.

The volume of pumped breast milk increased from around 1.15 ounces (34 ml) in the control and placebo groups to 2.47 ounces (73 ml) in the fenugreek group (5Trusted Source).

These studies used fenugreek herbal tea instead of supplements, but supplements are likely to have similar effects (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).

Though this research is encouraging, you should discuss any concerns about breast milk production with your midwife or medical practitioner.”

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Read More … Article Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fenugreek#breastmilk