What is fenugreek?
Fenugreek is an annual plant in the family Fabaceae, with leaves consisting of three small obovate to oblong leaflets. It is cultivated worldwide as a semiarid crop. Fenugreek is used both as an herb (the leaves) and as a spice (the seed). It is an ingredient in many dishes from the Indian subcontinent.
Composition of fenugreek seeds:
A comprehensive summary of various components found in fenugreek seeds is presented in table 1.
| Nutrient Category | Nutrients |
| Amino Acids | Tryptophan, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, Argenine, Histidine, Lysine, Threonine, Valine and Methionine [1] |
| Alkaloids | Carpaine, Luteolin, Gentianine, and Choline [1] |
| Flavenoids | Apigenin, Luteolin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Naringenin, Myricetin, Tricin, and Catechin [1] |
| Saponins | Diosgenin, Tigogenin, and Gitogenin [1] |
| Lipids | Phospholipids, Glycolipids, Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid, and Linolenic Acid [1] |
| Carbs | Galactomannans, Soluble and Insoluble Fibers [1] |
| Minerals | Iron, Zinc, calcium, Phosphorous, and Manganese [1] |
| Vitamins | Vitamin A, B1, B2, C, nicotinic acid, niacin [2] |
Benefits of fenugreek seeds for hair care
The benefits of using fenugreek for hair care are many. Fenugreek seeds contain high levels of protein and nicotinic acid, both of which are essential for healthy hair growth. As per the study [3] done in 2013, saponins, the phytoestrogen from the fenugreek plant, helps to diminish hair loss and increase hair growth rate. They also contain potassium and lysine, two minerals that are necessary for strong, healthy hair.
Malassezia spp. are commensal yeasts that can cause cutaneous ailments such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. The study [4] done in 2019, found that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of fenugreek (Trigonellafoenum-graecum L.) leaves exhibited activity against a clinical isolate and commercial strain of Malassezia furfur.
How you can use fenugreek in your hair care routine:
Fenugreek Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fenugreek seeds
- Water
Directions:
Soak the fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning, grind the seeds into a paste. Apply the paste to your scalp and hair, and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash off with dental shampoo and rinse with warm water.
While fenugreek can be used on any hair type, people with extremely dry and damaged hair can benefit the most from its use. You can further customize and enhance the benefits of the fenugreek mask to suit your hair type and condition by adding one or more ingredients below,
| Ingredient | Potential Benefits |
| Lemon juice / apple cider vinegar | Strengthens the hair follicles and encourages new hair growth. Deep cleansing the scalp and hair follicles, restoring healthy pH levels; and removing the build-up of products, oils, and pollutants. |
| Coconut Oil / Olive Oil / Castor Oil | To moisturize and seal hair. To prevent a dry, flaky scalp and dandruff, as well as split ends and hair breakage. |
| Egg / Banana / Honey / Avocado | To stimulate hair follicles, reduce frizz, and make hair shiny and soft |
Fenugreek hair oil
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds
- Cup of coconut or sesame oil
Directions:
Heat the oil on a low flame until the seeds turn brown. Let the oil cool down and store it in a glass container. Use the oil to massage your scalp and hair twice or thrice a week an hour before the hair wash.
Side effects of using fenugreek externally
- Some individuals can be allergic to fenugreek when applied externally on the skin or hair. It is always advisable to test any product in a small area to make sure there is no allergic reaction.
- The sensitivity test (Draize skin test) of the fenugreek seed extract on the skin did not cause sensitivity and the sensitivity test for eyes (Draize eye test) showed a mild sensitivity effect. [4]
Conclusion
Now you know the amazing benefits of fenugreek for your hair and scalp health, do incorporate fenugreek into your daily hair care routine. Your hair will thank you for it.
Do not worry, if you do not have time in your busy schedule to make a fenugreek mask and hair oil at home. Sattva Natural is there to help you. We offer a fenugreek deep conditioning hair growth mask and fenugreek nourishing hair oil, which are enhanced with additional herbal ingredients beneficial for your hair and scalp health.
References:
1. Science of Spices and Culinary Herbs, 2020, Vol 2, 65 - 91
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319562X15002107?via%3Dihub
3. International Journal of Current Research Vol. 5, Issue, 11, pp. 3453-3460, November 2013
4. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/adt.2019.918