METHI DANA

Most of us have a sweet tooth and love to have sweet things. But sadly diabetic people are unable to satisfy these cravings. Diabetes is a dangerous disease that is affecting people even in their 20s. According to WHO it will be the seventh-largest killing disease by 2030. That is why ignoring this disease will not be an ideal thing to do. 

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that causes a high blood sugar level in our bodies. Due to this disease, the pancreas stops working properly reducing the secretion of insulin hormone. Insulin hormone plays a vital role in absorbing glucose or blood sugar into the cells. But when our body’s insulin stops working properly or our bodies do not secrete insulin hormone at all, the sugar level increases in our blood. Diabetes is hard to cure, but with proper treatment, it can be controlled. And methi dana or fenugreek seed is one of the most popular remedies to control diabetes.

Even though diabetes is a serious disease, there are enormous ways to treat diabetes. Starting from allopathic to ayurvedic, we can find many ways to reduce the high blood sugar levels and control them. And among these enormous ways, we have returned to ayurvedic remedies over and over again. Ayurvedic remedies are magical ways to treat any disease, and diabetes is also not exceptional. Among a plethora of ayurvedic ingredients, methi dana is one miraculous ingredient that is proven to be helpful for diabetic patients. 

WHAT IS FENUGREEK SEED? 

Fenugreek is a plant mostly found in Europe and western Asia. This plant has green leaves that are edible but the most acknowledged part of this plant is the seeds. The seeds of the fenugreek plant or mostly known as methi dana have been used as a medicine and spice since ancient times. Ayurveda has acknowledged the importance of fenugreek seed as a herbal ingredient, and we also have experienced the benefits of fenugreek seed.

Fenugreek seed is widely used for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Not only these properties but also the rich fiber in methi dana for sugar control is used by millions of people. The fiber-rich property and certain chemicals of fenugreek seed help to absorb the carbohydrates and sugar in the body cells. This controls the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients.

Apart from working as a diabetes controlling agent, it is very helpful to reduce skin-related problems, and also, hair problems. It can soothe the skin and also repairs damaged hair. The diverse use of this herb is largely praised by people all over the world.

HOW DOES FENUGREEK SEED WORK IN DIABETES?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where our bodies stop absorbing blood sugar. Also, it reduces the efficiency of insulin or even stops secreting insulin. This whole process leads to a growth in sugar levels in the blood. But fenugreek seeds work accordingly to control this imbalanced process. 

Fenugreek seeds are rich in fiber and certain chemicals. These natural elements of fenugreek seeds help to slow down our digestion process and regulate the absorption of sugar. It also promotes the secretion of insulin hormones from the pancreas. Insulin secretion controls the glucose level of the blood and prevents rapid sugar growth. Methi dana water is very helpful to improve the process of sugar absorption in the body cells and cures diabetes effectively.

WHAT ARE THE BEST USES OF FENUGREEK SEED?

Getting stressed about every little health problem is a natural trait of human beings. Be it a small acne, hair fall, or big ones like diabetes. But this versatile herb methi dana benefits us to deal with all these problems starting from sugar controlling to dealing with acne. The natural nutrients of methi dana are used in many forms, like – powder or liquid, to get the benefit of it. There are a wide range of fenugreek seed uses that are discussed below –

• Reducing diabetes:
  Dealing with diabetes is stressful but not difficult with the help of fenugreek seed. Many studies have shown the use of methi dana for diabetes and how it can reduce the increased sugar levels. It increases the secretion of insulin hormone which in result helps to absorb the sugar or glucose in body cells. Taking fenugreek seed regularly can reduce the sugar levels of diabetic patients effectively.

• Helping in constipation:
  We know what suffering from constipation can feel like. But this problem can be easily solved with the help of methi dana. It helps in a better digestion process and smoothens up our bowel movements. The fiber-rich properties of fenugreek seeds help to get an easy bowel movement reducing the pain of constipation patients. Constipation patients can soak fenugreek seeds overnight and drink the water the next morning on an empty stomach to have a better bowel movement.

• Reducing menstrual pain:
  Menstruation can be a beautiful experience but the pain related to it is the worst. Every woman faces pain during their menstruation, but there are some women who feel tremendous pain in their stomach and lower back area during their periods. This pain is hard to deal with but can be reduced by intaking fenugreek seeds. Consuming methi dana powder for the first three days of menstruation and also regularly in between two menstrual cycles can provide a sense of relief from menstrual pain.

• Solves skin problems:
  Fenugreek seeds work magically to cure any problems related to skin. Be it acne problem or fast aging problem, with the help of this seed we can easily deal with our skin problems. The antibacterial properties of fenugreek seed can cure the face acne easily. Also, these small golden seeds are enriched with vitamin C that not only reduces dark circles but also provides glowing and radiant skin.

  Apart from these facilities, using fenugreek seed mask or powder on the skin stops the fast aging process. It also moisturizes and nourishes the skin by stopping it from getting dry. Fenugreek powder or fenugreek seed soaked water can do wonders to the skin.

• Benefits the hair:
  Hair problems can affect anyone irrespective of gender. Dealing with hair problems including hair loss, dandruff, or halted hair growth can be stressful. But methi dana can solve all these problems single handedly. Fenugreek seeds have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can reduce dandruff and prevent the scalp from getting any infections.

  It can also initiate the halted hair growth by strengthening the hair follicles. Applying methi dana mask to the hair makes the root stronger which prevents the hair from falling easily. It conditions and nourishes the hair making it look more attractive.

• Promotes weight loss:
  Having a slim and fit body is almost everyone’s suppressed dream. And with the help of fenugreek seed this dream can come true. These seeds have a tendency to suppress the appetite that can prevent us from overeating. Consuming fenugreek seed soaked water regularly can help us to reduce the excessive weight and help to maintain a proper body weight.

• Increases testosterone hormone in men:
  Studies have proven the fact that intaking fenugreek seeds regularly increases the testosterone levels of a man. This in result makes a man more active in his sexual life. Fenugreek seeds provide more strength and increase the sexual abilities of a man.

HOW TO CONSUME FENUGREEK SEED?

Methi dana can be consumed in many forms. The dosage for every problem and the method of using these seeds are different from each other. Mostly this seed is consumed orally but when it is transformed into an oil, it is used externally. The dosage of this seed for diabetes and other problems are provided below –

• Diabetic patients can consume 5 to 50gm of fenugreek seed powder mixed in their daily meals. They can use this powder in the main meals of a day and have that for at least 24 weeks. This dosage can control the increased blood sugar levels. Or soaking fenugreek powder into lukewarm water and drinking it can also reduce sugar levels.

This is a safe dosage to consume in cases of diabetes, but consulting with the doctor or dietitian is always recommended. 

• Methi dana is soaked into water overnight and then the strained water is consumed the next day to have a better digestion process. 
• For skin and hair problems, fenugreek seeds are blended and a mask is made with them. This mask is applied to the face and to the hair to deal with all the problems.

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FOR DIABETES?

Medical science is developing day by day and new treatments and medicines are getting introduced for diabetes. This chronic disease is difficult to heal but certain medications and treatments are very helpful to keep it under control. There are a plethora of options for allopathy medicines as well as home remedies that can be helpful to control diabetes.

• Allopathic medications:
  Allopathy has been treating diabetes for a long time. There are certain medicines that can increase the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Apart from this, we can find a lot of helpful medicines that can reduce sugar absorption by the intestine, stop the glucose from getting absorbed by the kidney, improve insulin’s working potential, etc.

  Not only oral medications but there are also injections of insulin that are taken by diabetic patients to increase the insulin level of the body. All these treatments have helped diabetic patients a lot.

• Home remedies:
  We know that home remedies have certain remarkable ways to cure diabetes. Apart from methi dana, some magical ingredients can reduce blood sugar levels efficiently.

1. 1. Bitter gourd – One of the best ingredients for diabetes is bitter gourd mostly known as ‘karela’ in Hindi. This vegetable is enriched with insulin-polypeptide-P that works to reduce sugar levels.
   2. Bay leaves – It is another spice used for cooking and can also cure diabetes. It helps to improve insulin function in the body and control the glucose absorption as well.
   3. Aloe Vera – It is not only useful for skin and hair but also can reduce blood sugar levels. It helps to achieve better fasting blood glucose levels benefitting diabetic patients.
   4. Cinnamon – Mostly known as a sweet spice, cinnamon can be beneficial for diabetes. It imitates insulin in the body leading to lower blood sugar.

IS FENUGREEK SEED SAFE TO CONSUME?

Fenugreek seeds have natural nutrients that are mostly considered safe to consume. But in cases of an overdose, we can see some methi dana side effects. It can cure a lot of problems but consuming it excessively turns the table. Large doses of methi dana can cause –

• Bloating problems
• Stomach aches
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• An odor of maple syrup in the urine
• Coughing
• Nasal blockage
• swelling of the face
• Allergic reactions, etc.

Because fenugreek seed is used to control sugar levels, consuming it with other sugar-controlling allopathic medications can drop the sugar levels very quickly. Also, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers must consume fenugreek seeds very cautiously to avoid any complications.

WHAT ARE THE SAFETY TIPS TO FOLLOW?

Methi dana is mostly safe when consumed orally but we know taking an overdose can backfire the situation for us. That is why consuming it under control and with proper guidance from a dietitian is very important. Certain safety tips must be followed by everyone to avoid any unwanted situations. 

1. Diabetic patients must consult with their doctor before consuming methi dana. Because of its sugar-controlling properties, it can lower the sugar levels rapidly if consumed with any other synthetic medications for diabetes. To avoid such situations consulting with the doctor is very important so that they can lower the dosage of diabetes medicines.
2. It can cause severe allergies and that is why people prone to allergies must avoid using or consuming fenugreek seed.
3. Pregnant women must consult with their doctor before intaking fenugreek seed because it might cause a uterine contraction. Also, their bodies might have some complications caused by fenugreek seed. So, they should always take the advice of their doctor and must avoid an overdose of methi dana as well.
4. Breastfeeding mothers too should consult with the doctors before consuming fenugreek seed.
5. Fenugreek seeds have fiber-rich properties that can lower the absorption of certain medications taken orally to the body. To avoid such situations, try to avoid consuming fenugreek seed within a few hours after taking some oral medications. 

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