Fenugreek is an annual plant in the family Fabaceae, (also known as the bean or legume family) It is used as a herb (dried or fresh leaves), spice (seeds), and vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and microgreens).
Fenugreek is also commonly used in Indian dishes. Fenugreek is so fantastic for your hair and we’ll explore how you can use Fenugreek to encourage normal healthy hair growth!
So can Fenugreek block DHT?
Fenugreek is packed with:
- Fatty acids
- Antioxidants
- And is a known anti-inflammatory!
In this small study of 30 men and 30 women - researchers found that the participants taking Fenugreek capsules, twice per day for six months 82.9% reported a positive and noticeable difference in hair volume and thickness. 74.3% reported better resistance to hair shedding.
The placebo group showed no changes. In another study, researchers found that a herbal liquid concentration of Fenugreek - showed results on hair growth comparable to the 2% concentration level of minoxidil.
This was also supported by a second study in which researchers hypothesized that estrogen deficiencies are a prominent cause of hair loss.
Fenugreek is known to have high concentrations of phytoestrogen which is a plant version of estrogen. It is less likely to have unpleasant side effects because it exerts milder activity levels.
The results were similar to the types of outcomes produced by minoxidil 2%.
At the moment, researchers believe that Fenugreek stimulates blood circulation to hair follicles and the steroid saponins interact with the DHT hormone which inhibits growth.
Fenugreek has lots of Anti-Inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants.
Fenugreek as a proven anti-inflammatory
Anti Inflammatory foods and products help to reduce inflammation and encourage healing - so they may be able to combat the effects of androgenetic alopecia. This may enable the hair follicle to heal so the hair growth cycle can resume.
Fenugreek is packed with Essential Fatty acids including:
- oleic acid C18:1 35.1%,
- linoleic acid C18:233.7%,
- α-linolenic acid C18:3 13.8%
- palmitic acidC16:0 9.6%
- stearic acid C18:0 4.9%
- arachidic acid C20:0 2%.
- SFA: Saturated fatty acids
- MUFA: monounsaturated fatty acids
- PUFA: polyunsaturated fatty acids.
These all have healing properties, antioxidants that help to encourage normal healthy hair growth!
If your hair loss is related to a bacterial infection including Seborrheic Dermatitis - Fenugreek is fantastic because it's an antibacterial so if your hair loss is related to seborrheic dermatitis or any other bacterial infection then fenugreek could really help to improve this condition.
How to use fenugreek seeds for your hair
Combining it with Coconut Oil:
Methi seeds and coconut oil work well together in treating hair fall issues and moisturizing the hair.
- Take 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in mixer and grind to a powder.
- Transfer to a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil to it.
- Mix the both ingredients well and apply this paste on your hair, mostly the roots.
- Let it dry for 10 minutes, and then wash it off with a mild shampoo.
Fenugreek hair mask:
Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water and leave it overnight in a cool place.
Grind the seeds into a paste using the same water, which will turn out to be sticky and slimy (this slippery substance is known to impart shine to your hair).
Apply it on the roots of your hair and leave it for 20 minutes. Massage a little on the scalp before rinsing your hair with a mild shampoo.
While the herb still requires further research, early studies suggest that fenugreek may help to increase testosterone by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, which comes with the added benefit of reducing DHT levels.
Also check out itreallyworksvitamins too we've been in Forbes as the best nutrition innovation 2019 and 18. We've also been in Shortlist magazine as the best hair regrowth product for men we're not just suitable for men, we're suitable for women as long as you're not pregnant or breastfeeding ladies.
