In this post, you are going to learn about the most dangerous fenugreek side effects and how you can avoid them.
Fenugreek is an amazing plant; it has many benefits such as lowering blood cholesterol levels, helping with diabetes and increasing milk production in nursing mothers… however, it has also many side effects that can range from harmless to even dangerous!
Table of Contents
Is Fenugreek Good Or Bad For You?
This doesn’t mean that fenugreek is a dangerous food/spice/herb, it’s very safe to consume every day, it’s very helpful for your skin, gaining muscles, improving the immune system, and even cancer prevention.
however there are many side effects you should be aware of, these are for the most part harmless, but the overconsumption of fenugreek can have dangerous effects on your health.
How Much Fenugreek Is Safe?
These side effects are only going to happen when and only when you consume high amounts of fenugreek, for most people, more than four tablespoons of ground fenugreek seeds a day, or fenugreek powder.
If you stay below this amount, your body is certainly going to cope extremely well with it, however, if you take more, you may start encountering some side effects, and some can be very serious.
So, you can think of these side effects as fenugreek “overdose” symptoms so to speak, meaning that when you take a lot, you’ll encounter some or maybe all of these side effects.
One more very important fact most people seem to forget, it’s the idea that if you consume fenugreek alone, on an empty stomach, you are going to have some nasty side effects, even if you have less than six tablespoons.
I know that this idea may seem strange, but it’s the truth, for some people, consuming fenugreek on an empty stomach, even very small amounts, can be quite problematic and is going to cause different stomach problems.
We are going to talk more about this later in this post, and this is also the reason why I have always advised my readers to consume fenugreek after a nice meal, preferably breakfast.
A nice meal can be some few bites of bread or an apple, for example; the idea here is never to consume fenugreek on an empty stomach.
This is what this post is about, informing you on the most annoying and also dangerous side effects of fenugreek overconsumption.
First, let’s talk about:
Does Fenugreek Cause Breast Cancer?
Fenugreek is an excellent anticancer herb according to many studies.
I’m not trying to scare you or force you to read this article, what I’m trying to do is make you aware of this very important subject, and here, we are not only talking about breast cancer but other cancers including ovarian cancer as well.
You see, I keep receiving many e-mails every single week from scared women, some have been taking fenugreek supplements or pills or ground fenugreek seeds for some few times and they are scared this may cause them cancer development.
I’m not going to answer you emotionally, I love fenugreek seeds, and I believe that they are a powerhouse of nutrition, but what I’m going to do is give you the latest scientific research on the subject, and I invite you to read the following articles, the first one is paid, the second one can be freely downloaded as PDF:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0753332217300070
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3095649/pdf/nihms283130.pdf
If you read these articles, you are going to find that it’s mentioned clearly that fenugreek is a very powerful anti-cancer food.
it contains organic compounds which are responsible for reducing cancer risks, and here, scientists are not just talking about breast cancer, but different kinds of cancer.
Does Fenugreek Cause Breast Cancer?
Absolutely not, fenugreek is very safe to consume even if it contains very powerful phytoestrogens, yes; they may mimic human estrogens.
However, in our bodies, they act as protection against hormone excess, in other words, they regulate the use of these hormones in the body which act as a barrier that lessens the effects of such hormones which reduces the risk of cancer.
This brings me to one of the most important subjects:
Fenugreek Side Effects On Women
In other words, are women who are taking fenugreek going to suffer any side effects?
The answer is yes, there are many side effects related to fenugreek intake by women, and most particularly when taking fenugreek for breast enlargement and enhancement, here they are:
The first one is:
Heavy Bleeding
Heavy bleeding is going to occur in the first few cycles; in fact, from my own experience, this has occurred in the first three cycles after starting to use fenugreek to increase my breasts size.
First of all, this is not dangerous and can be easily explained.
I have already told you about fenugreek being very rich in phytoestrogens, well, these are going to act as your estrogens.
In other words; they are going to increase the lining of the uterus which is going to produce much more flow during menstruation.
The second one is:
Delayed Periods
The same phytoestrogens found in fenugreek seeds that are responsible for heavy bleeding are also responsible for delaying your period.
And here, I’m not talking about weeks of delay; it can range from 1 to 5 days, however, rest assured, these side effects, heavy bleeding and delayed period, are not dangerous in any way they are a completely normal reaction to fenugreek intake, especially if you are taking large amounts every single day, more than three tablespoons.
And this is also the reason why I have always advised my female readers to start very slowly with fenugreek, as little as one teaspoon of ground fenugreek seeds every day should be more than enough to get your breast growth started.
The third one is:
Nipple And Breast Sensitivity
When taking ground fenugreek seeds or even fenugreek water or tea on a daily basis, your nipples and breasts are going to become very sensitive, this is due to hormonal changes, and most of the time, it’s not going to persist very long, one or two weeks, because your body is going to adapt.
What About Fenugreek Causing Breast Pain?
Breast pain is a known side effect of high fenugreek intake.
Although fenugreek is one of the best herbs to take for breast cysts and other breast issues, some women may have breast pain when taking it daily for the first few weeks; after all, not all women react the same way to fenugreek daily intake.
Click the button bellow to download now!
Yes, fenugreek intake may result in breast pain, but only temporary.
This is very important for you to be aware of because most women are going to be freaked out during the first weeks of fenugreek intake.
some have even e-mailed me with some very scary subject lines such as these: “my period has disappeared” or “the bleeding won’t stop”…
During the first few weeks of fenugreek intake, especially if you’d like to increase your breasts size.
You are going to notice that your breasts and nipples are going to become very sensitive, your period is going to last much longer, and you may even feel discomfort in your breasts or pain.
Please, if any of these side effects persist, check with your doctor.
The fifth one is:
Increased Period Pain And Cramps
If you have been suffering from PMS in the past, then let me tell you that with fenugreek intake, the symptoms are going to be lessened dramatically.
I used to suffer from very painful periods in the past, of course, after giving birth, they have lessened dramatically in pain; however, things improved when I started to take fenugreek daily.
Of course, I’m not saying that fenugreek is medicine for PMS, you need to consult with your doctor before attempting to do anything if you are suffering from period pain or cramps, however, for me, it improved my situation a lot.
On the other hand, not all women are alike; a lot of my readers have experienced period pain and cramps while taking fenugreek, again, this is due to the amount they are taken and most importantly, to their tolerance of phytoestrogens.
The sixth side effect of fenugreek intake is:
A Strong Smell
Sometimes it’s referred to as maple syrup odor.
Both men and women who take fenugreek regularly are going to experience a pungent and very strong smell after a few hours.
This side effect is nothing to worry about; in fact, it’s a sign that fenugreek’s nutrients and antioxidants have spread throughout your body.
It’s normal for your sweat to become pungent and smelly because it will contain many aromatic compounds that act as antioxidants and protect your body from infections and free radicles.
There aren’t many ways to get rid of this odour other than taking a shower or using a good deodorant!
I repeat, this side effect is nothing to worry about, it’s harmless, and it’s going to disappear once you stop consuming fenugreek.
I have no issues with fenugreek body odour because it’s a clear sign that its amazing compounds and antioxidants are working and are spreading throughout my body.
however, if this is a problem for you, which is completely understandable, then, I highly recommend that you take daily showers and use a very good shower gel and deodorant, that’s what I use, and it works just fine.
What About Fenugreek Urine Smell?
This can happen in some people, it’s like, in my opinion, asparagus smell, some people are going to notice it while others aren’t.
I don’t suffer from fenugreek urine smell, but my sister does and a lot of women I have talked to have reported their urine smelling like fenugreek, maple syrup!
If you are experiencing this side effect, don’t worry, it doesn’t mean that you are suffering from urinary tract infection or other bacterial issues. However, I highly recommend that you check with your doctor if you have any doubts.
But if you are taking large amounts of fenugreek seeds on a daily bases or fenugreek supplements, then, experiencing fenugreek urine smell is normal.
Fenugreek Side Effects On Your Hair
First of all, fenugreek is very rich in phytoestrogens; these organic compounds are going to act as DHT blockers, in other words, they are going to lower testosterone concentration in your skin, especially your scalp, which is not only very beneficial for your whole body, but it’s also extremely powerful if you would like to increase hair growth.
So, as a nice side effect of fenugreek, you are going to experience hair growth, of course, here, I’m talking about generalized hair growth, so, even if you are going to have a thick and very beautiful hair on your scalp, this can be problematic if you are suffering from facial hair for example and you are a woman as myself, then, you will find that you need to wax once every four days instead of once every week!
This is the truth; there is no denying, you are going to have thicker hair on your scalp, and also in other areas of your body.
The ninth one is:
Skin Problems
The overconsumption of fenugreek can be associated with different skin problems, ranging from rash, hives and even hair issues.
Is Fenugreek Hot Or Cold For The Body?
You need to understand that fenugreek is very cold on our body, unlike most spices when you consume a large amount, it’s going to decrease your body’s temperature, this is the reason why it’s often used in bringing down fevers in many parts of the world, and it’s also the reason why fenugreek has been used to treat sinus problems, it lowers infections and is, in fact, a very powerful antibacterial herb.
This same effect can lead to rash and hives forming on the skin, this is very rare, but it can happen since our body uses higher temperatures to defend itself from invading bacteria and germs.
As mentioned, this is rare, but it can theoretically happen since fenugreek will reduce body temperature and thus increase infections in some parts of the body.
Does Fenugreek Cause Acne?
Acne is caused by many factors; the most important one is bacterial, Propionibacterium acnes, and as mentioned in many of my previous posts, fenugreek contains powerful antibacterial properties, so, it doesn’t cause acne, in fact, it can lower it when used topically.
Fenugreek Oil Side Effects
Yes, the real issues occur when using fenugreek oil.
And here, I’m talking about fenugreek essential oil since it’s highly concentrated and can cause severe damages to the skin when applied directly.
This is probably one of the few occasions where I do not recommend using fenugreek since its essential oil can be devastating on the skin if you don’t know how to take advantage of it.
As a rule of thumb, always start small, use one drop on the back of your hand, test it and see after some few hours whether your skin will inflame or not.
If it does, then you need to understand that you are dealing with a very powerful kind of fenugreek oil and it can cause your skin damages if used on a large portion of your body.
One more thing, most fenugreek essential oil sold nowadays isn’t 100% pure; in other words, it’s usually mixed with other non-essential oils like olive or grapeseed.
This means that most of the time, it’s very safe to use it, however, if, after doing the little test I have just talked about, you found that your skin is sensitive to fenugreek oil, then you need to dilute it yourself in a good carrier oil, olive oil and coconut oil are the best.
Always respect this ratio to stay clear from trouble: 1 to 5.
For each drop of essential oil you use, you need to add five drops of olive oil or the carrier oil of your choice.
This way, you’ll stay clear of trouble no matter how much concentrated your fenugreek oil is.
Fenugreek Water Side Effects
Soaked fenugreek seeds, although very healthy, can lack many of the herb’s amazing benefits.
When consuming fenugreek water, in other words, taking whole fenugreek seeds and soaking them overnight in water, the side effects, the ones found in this post, are going to be reduced dramatically.
What I’m saying here is that a lot of these side effects are going to happen because consuming ground fenugreek seeds is going to release a large amount of the organic compounds found in fenugreek.
However, with fenugreek water and also fenugreek tea, these compounds are going to be lowered.
However, some side effects are going to persist, namely the smell and the increase in hair growth.
Soaked Fenugreek Seeds Side Effects
Soaked fenugreek seeds may have fewer side effects, on the condition that you throw away the water, however, let’s be honest, most of the nutrition is going to be thrown away once you get rid of the fenugreek water.
Soaked fenugreek seeds may cause less body odour, breast and nipple sensitivity, and urine smell, but at the same time, fenugreek benefits are going to be lessened a lot.
Fenugreek Sprouts Side Effects
The main side effect of fenugreek sprouts is the smell.
I have experienced this myself in the past, fenugreek sprouts by some mysterious way are going to increase that distinct maple syrup odour in your body.
However, on the other hand, fenugreek sprouts are not the best if you want to increase your breasts size or get the amazing benefits of fenugreek seeds such as increasing milk production in nursing mothers!
Yes, fenugreek sprouts are also very healthy, but in terms of benefits, they can’t be compared to ground fenugreek seeds.
What Happens If A Man Takes Fenugreek?
Fenugreek side effects on men
Click the button bellow to download now!
Throughout my website, I’ve had many comments from different men asking about the dangers of taking fenugreek seeds, and after many comments and questions, I came to realize that most men are afraid of getting boobs!
And here, I’m talking about man boobs.
Indeed, this seems to be the most important worry guys have whenever they want to take fenugreek seeds or fenugreek tea.
First of all, you need to understand that as a man, you should never exceed two teaspoons a day of ground fenugreek seeds, which translates to about four capsules/pills.
Although fenugreek is very beneficial when it comes to an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer (because of its phytoestrogens), training and endurance, check out the following study for more information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2978122/pdf/1550-2783-7-34.pdf , it’s not without side effects for men.
I’m not going to repeat the ones we have already talked about, apart from excessive bleeding and PMS, men are going to suffer from the same side effects, with the addition of “man boobs”.
Yes, consuming huge amounts of fenugreek seeds is going to change the morphology of a man’s chest because of the phytoestrogens found in this herb.
These plant hormones are going to mimic hormones in the female’s body which are going to have a significant effect on the morphology of a man’s chest.
Of course, this is only going to happen when fenugreek ingestion is above four tablespoons a day, ground seeds.
The fifteenth side effect is:
Bloating And Gas
If you eat more than the recommended amount of fenugreek a day, you are certainly going to start experiencing bloating and gas.
This is nothing to worry about; it’s simply a reaction of your digestive system to the amount of fibre in fenugreek.
Fenugreek contains a considerable amount of fibres, more than 3g in each serving of 11g of ground fenugreek seeds, these fibres are the ones responsible for helping people with constipation, but they are also the ones responsible for making people have gas and bloating as well!
Overconsumption of fenugreek will make you gassy, bloated, upset your stomach, and cause you nausea and stomach pain.
If ingested on an empty stomach, especially first thing in the morning.
this has happened to me on many occasions, and it’s not very pretty.
Can Fenugreek Cause Constipation?
This is very rare because fenugreek contains large amounts of fibre, as mentioned before; three grams in every eleven grams of fenugreek seeds are fibre, which is very healthy.
So, if you are suffering from constipation, this is probably not caused by fenugreek consumption.
Fenugreek Allergy
Fenugreek belongs to the same plant family as chickpeas and peanuts; some people may develop a fenugreek allergic reaction if they already have peanut or chickpeas allergy.
You need to be careful when starting to take it, start very slowly and try to notice any changes in your health.
Fenugreek allergy is real, so please, be very careful, especially if you are just starting with this herb, and as a precaution, I want you to start very slowly.
in other words, your first intake should not exceed a quarter of a teaspoon of ground fenugreek seeds; if you do not notice any heat, sweating, stomach cramps or stomach pain, diarrhoea, headaches, then, you have nothing to worry about.
but please, if you notice any of these side effects, I want you to contact a medical expert as soon as possible because, as with peanut allergy, you are not sure how your body is going to react to fenugreek allergy.
I’ve been eating fenugreek for a big part of my life, and most of my family have, and not one single person have experienced an allergic reaction to it.
This doesn’t mean that fenugreek will not cause allergies in some people.
Many people are hypersensitive to fenugreek; these are the one who will experience allergic symptoms such as, besides the ones I have just cited, coughing, wheezing, skin rash, facial swelling and even nasal congestion!
It’s highly preferable if you have never consumed fenugreek before to start very slowly, don’t exceed the 6 g a day limit, and if you are noticing any changes in your health, stop immediately!
However, most people, even children and women, have nothing to worry about and can consume fenugreek daily, but they should never exceed the 6 g a day limit.
Of course, some people can have more, but this is not the subject we are dealing with today.
In general, you should be very careful whenever introducing new food to your diet, especially when you are dealing with such a powerful herb as fenugreek.
Diarrhea
Diarrhoea is another result of the high fibre content of fenugreek.
Diarrhoea is only going to occur when you have a lot of ground fenugreek seeds! Moderate consumption of fenugreek is going to help your intestines and stomach a lot.
If someone is experiencing diarrhea after eating fenugreek, it’s certainly because of the amount he or she has ingested, however if the amount consumed is very small and the diarrhea is painful and abnormal, then fenugreek consumption should be stopped immediately and it’s essential to consult your doctor.
Fenugreek And Nursing Infants
Fibers in fenugreek seeds can cause gas and even diarrhea in nursing infants.
Fenugreek can make your baby gassy!
I know that this is going to surprise most of you, but it’s the reality, if you are a breastfeeding mother and you consume fenugreek, during the first few days, it can cause your newborn gas, upset stomach, and even diarrhoea.
This is a direct result of the soluble fibres found in fenugreek seeds; these fibres can pass through your bloodstream into your breast milk supply and cause different stomach issues to your newborn.
This may be very frustrating, especially to new mothers, so, if you notice that your infant is having digestive problems and you are taking fenugreek, you need to stop immediately.
You can start taking fenugreek one week later after everything calms down, but in general, the moment you notice any issues with your nursing infant, you need to stop your fenugreek intake as soon as possible.
The nineteenth side effect of fenugreek is a dangerous one:
Premature Childbirth
Due to fenugreek’s high phytoestrogens content, it’s unsafe for women to take it during pregnancy as it may cause early contractions in the uterus, which can be very dangerous and can even lead to premature childbirth.
It’s advisable for women during pregnancy to avoid the consumption of fenugreek altogether and, if you are thinking of conceiving, you need to stay away from fenugreek consumption since it causes the uterus to become unstable, which is not a suitable environment for conceiving.
The twentieth fenugreek side effect is:
Wrong Diagnoses
The maple syrup smell the body produces after the consumption of fenugreek can lead many doctors to misdiagnoses and to think that the patient is suffering from a disease called Maple syrup urine disease.
So, it’s advisable for people who are going to do a medical checkup or some urine tests to stop the consumption of fenugreek.
Lowering Blood Glucose Levels
If you are using blood sugar lowering medications or insulin, stay away from fenugreek.
Fenugreek and hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia, low blood sugar levels, can also be caused by the overconsumption of fenugreek.
This has been proven scientifically; to read more about this subject, please check out this article (paid): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874116305232
It’s because fenugreek is rich in dietary fibres that are going to help lower glucose levels in the blood, and also because fenugreek is going to increase the insulin effects on the muscles, making them burn more glucose.
So, if you are suffering from hypoglycemia or if you are taking glucose-lowering medications, you need to stay away from fenugreek.
Mood Swings
For a very long time, I kept receiving many e-mails from women who have been taking huge amounts of fenugreek extracts, capsules, daily and I have been told by many about depression and other mood disorders.
You need to understand one very important thing because consumption of fenugreek seeds is associated with lower blood sugar level; this can also be a reason for mood swings and can even cause depression.
You see, when your body runs very low on sugar, it will reduce your energy levels dramatically, and you will feel an almost immediate low!
This has happened to me on many occasions; I have consumed large amounts of fenugreek only to find myself three hours later feeling horrible and not able to think about anything.
So, there is a relationship between fenugreek consumption, high amounts, and feeling depressed and having terrible mood swings.
The twenty third side effect of fenugreek is:
Weight Gain
So, can fenugreek cause weight gain?
Science has proven that fenugreek doesn’t make you gain weight.
Again, I keep receiving so many e-mails from different women complaining that fenugreek made them gain weight.
let me tell you that there is no scientific evidence that fenugreek contributes to weight gain; in fact, the opposite is true, for more information, please, read the following study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5630574/
It’s clearly stated that:
“Fenugreek supplementation did not alter … body weight…”
However, there is one very important distinction I need to make, this study was done on mice, it’s true, we aren’t mice, however, from my experience, any weight gain I have noticed came not because I was taking fenugreek supplements or ground fenugreek seeds, but because I wasn’t paying close attention to what I was eating daily, in other words, whenever I let myself go, whether on fenugreek or not, I would gain weight.
Fenugreek And Appetite
I have noticed that fenugreek is going to increase my appetite.
In fact, this is what most women have noticed as well, I’m sure that you are going to say that since fenugreek increases the appetite, then, it increases weight gain as well!
Well, there is a huge difference, fenugreek may increase my appetite, but instead of eating potato chips and doughnuts, I’m going to eat more vegetables and fruits, this way, I’m not going to gain any weight.
I think that you see my point now, it’s not whether you are taking fenugreek or not, it’s whether you are paying close attention to what you eat or not.
Twenty fifth is:
High Blood Pressure
As a rule of thumb, when you limit the consumption of fenugreek, as mentioned previously in this post.
No more than four tablespoons a day of ground fenugreek seeds, always after a large meal with a lot of water, you have nothing to worry about, but let’s be honest, overconsumption of fenugreek can cause blood pressure issues.
And here, I’m talking about the fact that fenugreek raises blood pressure.
so, if you experience headaches or even dizziness after consuming large amounts of fenugreek, you have to be aware that as a side effect, it may raise your blood pressure which leads me to the next side effect:
The twenty-sixth side effect of fenugreek is:
Click the button bellow to download now!
Interaction With Certain Medications
Fenugreek is a powerful food that’s both effective against high cholesterol levels and high blood sugar levels; however if you are already taken medications for these conditions, you must avoid taking fenugreek because it’s going to worsen them.
Fenugreek will also interfere with blood clotting medications or blood thinners; the overconsumption of fenugreek may increase your risks of bleeding and bruising when also taking blood clotting medications.
This also applies to blood pressure medication, as a rule of thumb, if you are taking any drug or medication/treatment; you need to consult with your doctor before starting to take fenugreek seeds or fenugreek supplements as they may interact with prescription drugs.
Side Effects Of Fenugreek Supplements
There is a very important distinction to make here, it’s the fact that for the most part, I have been taking ground fenugreek seeds, or fenugreek powder, sold in herbal shops.
however, there is a very important issue we need to talk about right now:
It’s the fact that most fenugreek capsules and pills when you exceed the recommended daily dosage, are going to cause more side effects than the ones we have been talking about.
And here, I’m talking about the one I fear the most:
Liver Damage!
You see, most fenugreek capsules and pills sold nowadays are going to contain large amounts of fenugreek extracts, and here, manufacturers have removed most of the fibre and insoluble materials and have concentrated what’s left into tiny pills and capsules.
The problem comes when you start consuming a large number of fenugreek capsules or pills, that’s when you are going to hurt yourself the most.
As a rule of thumb, I have always asked my readers to start very slowly, in other words, not to exceed two capsules a day and then increase this amount until they reach six capsules a day, and it’s better to separate them, two in the morning, two after lunch, and two after dinner.
Of course, if you are suffering from liver or kidney issues, you should consult your doctor first before taking anything.
But in general, I prefer just to use ground fenugreek seeds because it’s not as concentrated as fenugreek pills, but for the sake of convenience, fenugreek pills can also be a viable alternative.
How Long Does Fenugreek Stay In Your Body?
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any information about the time it takes fenugreek to leave our system, but since our body is going to deal with fenugreek compounds as any other molecule we ingest, I thought to myself that as a point of reference, I could take the information we already know about the way our body handles alcohol.
I think that in fenugreek’s case, as it contains fibre, it can take more time to leave our system, I’m not sure.
So, use this information as a point of reference, just let me tell you that I have noticed the same effects as well, this time, with fenugreek odour.
So, how long does fenugreek stay in our body?
The answer depends on the form of fenugreek you have been taking, as mentioned before, ground fenugreek seeds contain more fibre and thus may stay in your system for much longer, the rate of your metabolism plays a crucial role as well.
So, as with alcohol, fenugreek molecules can stay in your body for up to 80 hours, about four days.
Of course, the more water you drink, the more you will be able to flush out of your system, but please, be careful of water intoxication, drinking too much water.
i have just studied about benefits n side effects of taking fenugreek .can anybody clear that to me should i take the fenugreek regular in mentiond amount coz my mother passed away coz of brest cancer.so is it good for me to use?i m looking forward to see the responce.thanks
Hi indu, so sorry to read about your mother and I’m also so glad to see that you are taking actions to protect and prevent yourself from contracting cancer. Fenugreek is amazing at protecting from cancer and as such, I highly recommend that you take every day at least one tea spoon of ground fenugreek seeds, preferably with a large glass of water and some food. It contains protective phytoestrogens that have been linked with a decrease of breast and ovarian cancer in women, however, relaying only on fenugreek is a bad thing, you have to avoid loading your body with dairy products as they are loaded with hormones that are going to affect the good functioning of breasts and ovaries! So, follow a healthy diet that relays on whole starchy foods like potatoes and whole grains and add to your daily meals lots of fruits and vegetables.
The next thing I highly recommend you do is start taking vitamin d3 supplements, they are amazing not just for preventing dangerous diseases such as cancer, but to also keep you from getting colds and flues.
I have breast cancer running in my family too and I fear that one day it will ruin my life and that of my children, that’s why I really think that whatever foods that help the immune system and balance the good functioning of the body can be tremendous for preventing cancer. Take fenugreek daily and don’t forget to follow a healthy diet, stay away from dairy!
Good luck
That was even better than your post, not to say that it’s bad, bur I got much help from this comment
Thanks a lot, I’m very generous with my information, especially when a reader asks me in a comment.
Hi Sahar,
I started taking Fenugreek 2 weeks ago and have recently started my birth control (the pill) as well. Are there any dangerous interactions that you know of between the two of these?
Thank you!
I’m so glad I found this site because I’ve been taking fenugreek to increase my milk supply for my 6 month old son. I’ve been taking 2 610mg capsules twice a day and I’ve been thinking I might need to increase it. Do you know how much is too much?
Don’t exceed six capsules a day.
Do soaked fenugreek seeds still lose benefits, even if you drink the water it was soaked in as well as eat the soft seeds?
hi am 24 year old unmarried girl, if i consume fenugreek tea daily,is there any possibilities of breast problems sice am unmarried
Absolutely no problems :) Just a little smell that you can shower to get rid of :)
Thanks for the information you’ve provided. I’m also taking Fenugreek to increase my milk supply for my 3 month old and I’ve also been taking 2, 610mg twice a day as recommended on the bottle. I’ve been taking the capsules on and off for a few weeks and I think it has increased my supply a little. However, I am experiencing severe bloating from the capsules. I know that you’ve written that this is a side effect, but the bloating is so extreme, I look 6 months pregnant all of a sudden! I am hesitant about decreasing the recommended dosage for fear that it won’t be effective enough for increase in milk supply. Any suggestions? Anything else I could take in combination to reduce the bloating? Thanks in advance.
Try to take it on a full stomach, it helps a lot :)
Does fenugreek cause breast cancer
Absolutely not!
Does fenugreek lower blood pressure
Yes, it helps a little, though it can’t be trusted with positive results in all people.
Hi, I am married 27 year girl neither mother nor pregnant. i started taking ground fenugreek seeds one teaspoon a day to increase appetite, breast size and increase libido. But after taking it for 3-4 days I started feeling depressed. What should I do now? Plz suggest.
Hello Liza, I took fenugreek for five years, in fact, I just had it this morning and I have never felt this happy, let me remind you that it’s a natural ingredient that has been consumed by humans for thousands of years, even when it comes to its side effects, depression isn’t one of them.
Maybe you feel depressed because you didn’t notice an increase in breasts size, then let me tell you that it will happen and soon.
Im afraid to smell bad awwwww i have a question do you smell maple syrup whenever you sweat? or just an hour after drinking it?
Whenever you sweat, but as I have just written, it will go away when you use a good deodorant.
my period is last 3days after consuming fenugreek.. but before my period last 5days..is it natural?
No, it’s not ok, how much fenugreek did you have?
Hi, recently I went through this website. it was cleared all my doubts. thank you so much for this website. I have one more question, during pregnancy we can or cannot to take fenugreek n saw palmetto capsule’s then also I have very small nipple,… I want to make my nipple’s big n round shape can u help me…..
No, do not take them during pregnancy, only use olive oil for massaging your breasts, this will help you a lot.
Will fenugreek help to increase the breast size? Morever I consumed it in empty stomach. And I’m using fenugreek powder that is available in shop and I have been experiencing symptoms of periods before 2 weeks,is tat bad?
Yes, but never take it on empty stomach, it has nothing to do with your period, don’t worry.
Hi sahar,,
I have been taking fenugreek alone for a month,, I’m seeing visible results that’s really great.. But after 3 days or so till now i get hurt if I press my breasts and it feels harder.. Is that normal.. Waiting for your reply.. Thank you
Hello, it’s not normal, have you been doing breast massage? If not, then you need to, it’s very important to see good and long lasting results.
Hi Sahar fenugreek taking may can iffect for Prosted gland or not please let me know ?
I think you are referring to prostate gland?? Well, it’s very safe and also beneficial, so go on if this is what you are trying to ask about.
If you are depressed, you most likely must be suffering from gut dysbiosis. Get some kimchi and sauerkraut and then follow up with the fenugreek.
Thanks
Hiii…i have vry poor hair so applied ovrnyt soakd fenugreek paste it causd heavy cold…wat to do to avoid cold in future. .cos i love dis remedy…pls help
It’s the very first time I read that fenugreek causes colds, I’m so sorry, I really can’t help you with this one, maybe you already had a cold, after all, it takes the cold pathogens three days to cause what we know as cold symptoms.
My mom recently recommended me to take fenugreek capsules for my horrible allergies. I have them year round and have been looking for an alternative to otc nastiness. Will this help with sinus drainage. Also will it help with weight loss? I have been on a pill that has made me gain a lot of weight. I am looking to counterattack that. Thanks for all the information. I have enjoyed reading the article and also the comments. I am thrilled that you are so prompt to your replies. Thank you!
So sorry for not answering earlier, so, for fenugreek, I have never heard of it being used for treating allergies, this doesn’t mean that you can’t use it, you should use it if you ask me, there is nothing to worry about when it comes to side effects since you are dealing with an herb.
To tell you the truth, when I was young, I used to suffer from terrible sinus problems, now I don’t, I’m not saying that this is because of fenugreek, but I’m not sure.
Give it a try and if you need anything apart from this, don’t hesitate to comment again.
For Kat: Look into taking unpasteurized honey from your local bee keepers. Some on a spoon or in your foods / drinks as a sweetener. The pollen in the honey will help your body accept the things that cause your histamines to cause the allergic reactions. This really has helped me. It has taken some time, at least 6 months of use, but it is so much better for you than taking allergy pills daily. Just make sure it is unpasteurized though because by pasteurizing the honey, it kills off all the good healing properties. Good luck!
For Sahar: Thank you for all of the good, useful information on fenugreek seed consumption. You have cleared up so many of my questions.
I consume 1 teaspoon of fenugreek daily on an empty stomach. Initially I felt very energetic and the pain in my joints subsided but after 2 weeks of usage I feel fatigued and I am experiencing mood swings and depression. I found your website extremely informative and useful. Please bless me with your opinion.
How are you consuming fenugreek? Ground or as tea? As far as side effects, I have never experienced mood swings or depression while taking fenugreek, did you check your vitamin D levels? I used to have terrible headaches and mood swings in the past until I checked my vit D levels, they were in fact so low that once I supplemented, it can be the placebo effect, my mood improved a lot.
Hello,
I am using fenugreek essential oil in a roll on blend to decrease and help regulate blood sugar. I am a type 2 diabetic that is on no medicine, just controlling with diet and exercise and added this to help regime.
My question is that I have seen sites saying to discontinue after 6 months. Since I am using this topically is this still true and if so why?
Thank you.
Hi Kathy, my only concern is that you are using an essential oil, so, I’d advice you to stay away from it, why not trying to make your own fenugreek oil, it’s not complicated at all and it’s diluted, so, it won’t cause you issues.
Hi, I just started taking fenugreek yesterday (2 capsules) and today I started my period. I just had my period two weeks ago. Was this caused by the fenugreek? My periods are always 27-28 days apart. Should I continue taking it?
Thanks
Hello, I don’t think this is due to fenugreek, and plus, two capsules is a small amount if you ask me, keep on using it, don’t worry, maybe it’s just worrying too much or stress, happened to me many times, trust me, you are fine.
Hi Sahar,
I didnt get any answer to my previous post so posting my comment again.
I am 28 years old and have internal body heat issue. But still after going through your blog I thought to try fenugreek seeds and capsules for my small breasts.
But after three days itself , I started noticing many rashes on my breasts and acne on my face.
Is it because of Fenugreek ? should I discontinue
Please share your view whether these (fenugreek capsules and fenugreek seeds) will have a negative effect on me or not.
P.S. I used two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds and one fenugreek capsule daily
Hello, sorry, maybe it got sent to spam!
So, I don’t think fenugreek has anything to do with it, you should keep on taking it as indicated in this website, apart from the maple syrup smell, nothing to worry about, they’re very good from my experience.
Hi Sahar,
Thanks for your reply.
Just to confirm, as Fenugreek is a heat inducing herb, are you sure that it won’t have any adverse effect on a person who has internal heat issue like me because summer season is already at its worst in India as of now.
I really can’t confirm this, I’m not a doctor, so, use it at your own risks, sorry.
Hi, what are the benefits for men? What are the pros and cons
Hello Hector, please check the following page in this website for more information: https://fenugreekworld.com/fenugreek-for-men/
Hi Sahar, I just ordered for fenugreek seeds online, got them ground. what is the best measures of taking it? soaked in water or putting it in my mouth then add water and swallow? please help.
Swallow two teaspoons with a large glass of water every morning.
hi Sahar. What’s the difference between unroasted ground fenugreek and the roasted ground one? I’m buying a fresh ground fenugreek seed online, would the unroasted ground Fenugreek safe for intake like the roasted one? I’m really concerned about this.
And also, is it okay to pair the ground Fenugreek with Honey when ingesting it?
Looking forward for your response. Thanks Sahar 😚
Unroasted is much better, no problem with adding honey.
Without reading a lot about fenugreek powder I made Earl Grey tea and put 3 teaspoons of powder and consumed the tea before bed. I woke up and needed to go to the emergency room because a feeling of light headed and a feeling I’m ready to vomit and dehydration. The fenugreek powder is the only change I made in my day. Can this happen?
I don’t this is caused by fenugreek, unless you have an allergy or heart issues, because fenugreek is consumed by millions of people around the world everyday. My advice is to only start with one teaspoon a day, it’s just fine.
Hey! I just got fenugreek tea and powder. I want to use the powder for my rosacea, however I’m not sure if using just the powder and some water will
Cleanse. Will just the powder and water cleanse my skin enough? Also I’ve used this powder for my hair and had really good results :) thanks for the post!
I’m sorry Valerie, I haven’t used fenugreek for rosacea before, I don’t think it’s going to cleanse your skin deeply, but you need to give it a try, and yes, it does wonders when it comes to hair growth and texture.
Can I combine fenugreek and cumin seed together?and also can i chew d boiled fenugreek seed in place of d fenugreek powder.pls reply
No, only use ground fenugreek seeds.
I have been using fenugreek oil for breast enlargement in the early morning and before I skeep. And along with that I use fenugreek supplementary capsule twice daily after food. I’m still unmarried. Will it be dangerous for me to continue like that.
No worries, you are doing great, keep up the good work.
Hi Sara, there’s a friend of mine having multiple benign breast tumors, how you recommend her fenugreek usage?
Hello,
I’m so sorry to read this, she needs to stay away from herbal preparations and supplements, so, no fenugreek and she also needs to consult with her doctor as herbs can interact with many drugs and medicinal compounds.
It’s not actually something chronic, in facts she’s not even on any medications, they say benign tumors are sometimes due to hormonal imbalance and fenugreek reglulates that, and many have been telling her to be using fenugreek. Some even say there are some herbs that can melt down the tumors Buh i don’t know them
Since she is dealing with a tumor, I prefer that she avoid herbal preparations as much as possible, this is a very scary subject and I’m really afraid that anything I’d give as an advice might be interpreted wrongly and might cause further damages.
Of course, I have read in numerous studies that fenugreek has a powerful anticancer effect.
If I use fenugreek and start seeing results increasing my breasts and I’m unmarried and not a mother will I start seeing my breast’s decrease in size if I stop at anytime?
Yes, but with the right diet, you can maintain long term results.
This has been happening to me as well. Though my period pain drastically improved, while using fenugreek I now have my period two times a month
That’s so strange, how much have you been taking?
Pls, is fenugreek powder good for weight loss & how do I take it to get result. Is unroasted seed better than roasted. Waiting for ur reply, tnks
No Grace, it won’t help you with weight loss, in fact, it will increase your weight more!
I’m a transgender female seeking to induce lactation. I have great breast development and large robust nipples. I’m taking 610mg Fenugreek capsules (2 twice/day). Should I increase to 3x/day?
Hello Dee,
I’m really sorry, I have no idea how to help you with this, are you taking saw palmetto?
Hi sahar
I have been taking fenugreek ground powder and 1 capsule of saw palmatto for a week plus and i noticed some slight increase but later changed to fennel and fenugreek, its a month now but I ve not seen any more visible result, am beginning to feel depressed cos I really need to increase my breast size.
Hello Julie,
Don’t get discouraged, please, I have been there and sometimes, it can be really depressing not seeing results.
So, how much are you taking, especially fenugreek? What about your diet? What do you eat and drink for morning, lunch and dinner? It’s extremely important because the dosage of fenugreek is very important to not miss.
Hello
Is it possible that Fenugreek could cause acne?
Since I started taking fenugreek capsules I developed painful deep spots on my face which I have never had before.
Thanks!
A
I have been taking fenugreek for more than five years now, no acne, it maybe just a coincidence.
Can i take 2 to 3x 610mg of fenugreek daily. Can this affect to my ovarian cyst?
I know a lot of women, including me, who took and some are still taking the same exact dosage without side effects.
Since I have never had ovarian cyst, I’d recommend you start very slowly, one capsule a day, after one month, check with your doctor and tell him about your herbal intake, if everything seems fine, and if only he’s ok with it, then go ahead and take it with larger dosages.
Hello, I’m an 18 year old girl and I started taking one teaspoon of fenugreek seed everyday( not grounded, I soaked the seeds overnight and took one teaspoon a day) . I could feel the difference in me but after a five days of my period, I got my period again and I feel really weak since I’m way underweight too. Could it have something to do with my consumption? How much should I take them?
Hi Nadine,
Sorry about the delay, fenugreek seeds should always be ground to get the maximum benefits from them, don’t worry, usually, I advice women to have at least two teaspoons a day, but you should be fine, in fact, you need to look after your diet more in my opinion.
I read that funegreek can increase testosterone levels and libido in men. Is this true, and how long before you notice a difference. My husband has is on thyroid and high blood pressure meds. This can cause an decrease in testosterone level and libido, which is what has been happening lately. Van fenugreek be our savior to increase testosterone and libido it to normal again?
Hello and sorry about the delay,
Yes, that is true, but it can also interfere with many drugs, especially those related to blood pressure, better consult with a doctor before he starts taking it.
I read that funegreek can increase testosterone levels and libido in men. Is this true, and how long before you notice a difference. My husband is on thyroid and high blood pressure meds. This can cause a decrease in testosterone level and libido, which is what has been happening lately. Can fenugreek be our savior to increase testosterone and libido to normal again?
Hi,
I have heard this as well, I have read many emails from athletes, most were guys, about it’s testosterone stimulating effects, as they’ve told me, it takes three weeks of intake.
As a woman, I have never used it for this purpose, so, I’m very sorry, but I can’t help you with this.
Is fenugreek veggies bad for women who had breast cancer.
Hi,
No, according to many studies, plants with high amounts of phyto-hormones have been found to even help women with breast cancer. I’m not a doctor and you should ask an expert on this subject.
Hi Sahar,
Thank you for your reply.
I was just wondering as fenugreek has something to do with the breast and I had breast cancer 14 years ago and worried if it can trigger in eating the veggies occasionally.
Hi Evita,
I’m so sorry to read about your cancer. As far as I know and from the many studies I have read on fenugreek, it seems to be very safe, but don’t take my word from it, I’m not a doctor and I’m not giving medical advice, you need to ask your doctor.
I recently had a baby 2 months ago, I stopped breast feeding after 1 month … I decided to start breast feeding again when baby was 2 months. My milk supply had dried so Ivery been taking fenugreek pills 610 MG 2-3pills 2x a day!!! For 1 week. I’ve been getting cramp like feeling in upper abdomen.. maybe it’s indigestion?? … well now I just learned I’m also pregnant! Have I taken to much ?? If I stop the pills now will thereceive still be effects of unborn baby?
Hi Sally,
Of course you should stop taking it, and the cramps are probably due to indigestion. No need to worry.
Hi Sahar
Thanks for this post it really helped eradicate my fear for fenugreek. But is it safe to rub fenugreek oil on boobs because it seems you are kind of against using it? And will it have the same effect…. I mean increasing boob size? Thanks so much
Hello Temmy,
Great.
Yes, I don’t like it since a lot of fenugreek oil tend to be highly concentrated and may cause skin issues.
I have ovarian cancer that cannot be cured . I am on a drug that is supposed to prevent it from spreading further. Can fenugreek help stop the spread of metastasis?
Hello,
I’m sorry, I’m not a doctor.
I eat alot fenugreek sprouts and still no man boobs.
Same goeas with soy. Nonsense site with lies.
well they do say to take ground fenugreek :/
I came to this site because I googled ‘what is fenugreek’. I found a sealed pack of a small amount of seeds in my room. The packet has growing instructions on it. I have NO idea where it came from but I got here and got fascinated! When you mention ground seed, how many seeds do you use? I’d like to try a very small amount to check for side affects and possibly buy more because I found several issues above that are very relevant to me.
I want to try Fenugreek for menopause issues. I have a jar, the powdered form that I use in my cooking. How many spoons do I start with and how do I take it ?. Thank you.
How do you maintain blood sugar when you are eating 2 tsp of fenugreek? my blood sugar goes down and I get dizzy and tired. you say to stay away from junk food and sweets
Hi,
I stopped getting my period (delayed a week) when I started taking fenugreek. Is this normal !!? No health issues. I was starting to get regular before taking fenugreek
Hi,my own case is that I have finished breastfeeding for like 3months now and my breast turned very smallish and squeezed please how can fenugreek help regain it at least more fuller and how much should I consume?
I read about how ferungreek can help with appendicitis. This has been a fear of mine. Since it helps with other things, i hope it will prevent serious health issues.
Hello
I have read most of the comments above. Thank you for such great and feedback to many. I have more of a question than a comment. As someone new to fenugreek, I have never used it in any form. I want to use it to grow my hair. Can it be used topically ? If so which form and do I use it? Thank you
Hi sahar
Does fenugreek seeds interfere with thyroid levels ?
I have no history of medical Issues but my doctor is seeing a drop in thyroid ever since I’ve been taking 1 tsp of ground fenugreek
Hi Sahar. I am 24 female and trying to use fenugreek to increase breast size, protect against cancer, and support appetite.
I also want to try taking corriander seed.
Can you take fenugreek and corriander seed together?? Or should spread them out??
Thanks so much
When I was 46 years old I discovered that I could clear up my acne that I’d had since I was 30. I noticed an improvement in 3 weeks and totally clear skin in three months. I had to reduce my fat consumption also. No peanut butter. I have used it once in a while ever since. I soak a teabag (Alvita) in a cup of very hot water for 12 minutes and drink it once a day. It seems to help my tender stomach, too. I am 81.
Great information. I read through and didn’t see any mention if it is known to affect oral birth control?
I took it for a week and got super moody. Anything that effects hormones will potentially cause this. (Breast size example)
I’m insulin dependent diabetic for 35 years, type 1 and I want to try Fenugreek. I am stopping the insulin to try Fenugreek. Will this help to low my blood sugar? I only want to take 1/2 a teaspoon a day preferrable in my hot grits in the morning. How would this benefit me with my diabetes? Are you still there Sahar?
Hi Sahar i am using fenugreek soaked in water, and drinking the water along with seeds for 2 months. But I couldnt find an inch increase in my breasts. I measured before taking it was 30.8 inch, now also it is 30.8 inch. How long it will take to increase one inch?
I have been taking fenugreek (liquid) two droppers full each morning in my coffee. I do feel my breasts and nipples are sore. my question is I breastfed two children 7+ years ago is there a chance I might start lactating again by taking fenugreek?