Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.  

Many people search for fenugreek vs methi on the internet. But both are different names of the same plant Trigonella foenum-graecum, which is commonly known as methi in India. This plant has a long history of traditional uses in many different cultures, especially in the regions of the Arabian peninsula, central Europe, and Asia, including India and China. It has many different uses and benefits. Keep reading to learn more about this miraculous herb, fenugreek or methi. 

In this article, we’ll be discussing the benefits of fenugreek or methi in a bit more detail. But before we get into how fenugreek can help human health, it's worth knowing what exactly it is and what nutrients it contains. We’ll also look at how to use it and what precautions we’ll need to keep in mind prior to using it. So, let’s get started. 

Table of contents 

• What is fenugreek or methi? 
• Nutrition facts of fenugreek or methi 
• Uses of fenugreek or methi 
• Fenugreek or methi: medicinal properties and potential health benefits 
• How to use fenugreek or methi supplements  
• Precautions and side effects 
• Final words 

What is fenugreek or methi? 

Fenugreek is a small annual herb that belongs to the same plant family as peas, legumes, and soy known as Fabaceae. This plant species is indigenous to Asia, the Mediterranean, and Europe. It produces white flowers and yellowish seeds that are hard and angular in shape. Various parts of this plant have long been used in cooking and medicine for centuries. 

Fenugreek is termed “methi” in the Indian native language Hindi and both fenugreek and methi are often used interchangeably. It goes with many other names as well including Bird’s foot, Chandrika, Greek clover, Fenogreco, Medhika, and Alholva to name a few. This herb has been highly valued for its distinct nutritional and medicinal values in Indian traditional medicine (Ayurveda) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).  

The fresh soft stems and leaves of the plant are eaten as vegetables and the seeds, fresh or dried, are used as a popular flavoring agent in almost all dishes, and for preparing medicines to prevent and treat a varying range of ailments. 

Nutrition facts of fenugreek or methi 

Fenugreek or methi is densely packed with critical nutrients and plant chemicals. Some of the common nutritional and phytochemical components are as follows: 

• Amino acids 
• Hydrocarbons 
• Lipids 
• Carbohydrates 
• Vitamin A 
• Vitamin B1 or thiamine 
• Vitamin B2 or riboflavin
• Vitamin B3 or niacin 
• Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine 
• Vitamin B7 or biotin 
• Vitamin B9 or folic acid  
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Calcium 
• Potassium 
• Iron 
• Sodium 
• Magnesium 
• Manganese 
• Selenium 
• Zinc 
• Copper 
• Polyphenols 
• Steroids 
• Flavonoids 
• Saponins 
• Alkaloids 

These nutritional and phytochemical components have several pharmacological activities that can help human health in a number of ways. Fenugreek is considered one the most powerful antioxidants available in plant sources. 

Uses of fenugreek or methi 

Fenugreek is of course one of the most ancient medicinal herbs, with deep roots in several traditional systems of medicine, including Indian and Chinese traditional medicine. 

When eaten raw, fenugreek seeds provide a slightly bitter taste, but once sprouted they become pungently sweet. The fresh soft twigs also bear a unique scent and taste. This is the reason why it is widely used in salad dressings and as a flavoring agent in many foods. 

In India, people are so obsessed with methi that the leaves and seeds of the plant are used in nearly each and every dish including dal, curry, and paratha.  

In addition, since fenugreek emanates a fascinating maple syrup-like burnt sugar smell, its extracts are used as ingredients in many household products, such as: 

• Soaps 
• Shampoos 
• Condiments 
• Perfumes 
• Cosmetics 
• Teas 
• Maple syrup imitation products 

Fenugreek or methi: medicinal properties and potential health benefits 

Fenugreek or methi has been found to have versatile medicinal properties. Some of the most common medicinal properties found in fenugreek may include anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, hypolipidemic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory to name a few.

Fenugreek has a proven galactagogue effect on nursing mothers and thereby, has the capacity to increase breast milk flow and milk production in a post-natal period. 

A compound in fenugreek, 4-hydroxy isoleucine, seems to affect how the digestive tract absorbs sugar and stimulates insulin. This helps normalize blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. 

One key benefit of fenugreek is that it can enhance testosterone levels and can help enhance virility and libido. Clinical trials suggest that taking fenugreek seed extracts by mouth can improve response to sexual stimuli and enhance ability and interest in sex in both men and women with low sex drive. 

Let’s take a look at a short list of potential health benefits of fenugreek or methi: 

Potential health benefits of fenugreek or methi 

• Increases milk flow and milk production in breastfeeding women 
• Regulates blood sugar levels 
• Reduces bad cholesterols 
• Aids digestion and helps alleviate heartburn 
• Aids in weight loss 
• Eases and induces childbirth 
• Helps reduce menstrual cramps 
• Helps combat inflammations 
• Helps treat various skin issues such as acne and scar 
• Improves hair health 

How to use fenugreek or methi supplements 

Doses of fenugreek are individual and may vary depending on the aims of supplementation. In general, a dose of 500 mg to 1000 mg of fenugreek extract per day is often recommended. But it’s always best to consult with a professional natural medicine expert to determine personalized doses.

Precautions and side effects 

Fenugreek is truly safe and well-tolerable when taken as prescribed. But people with known allergies to the pea family should avoid using fenugreek. Besides, overdoses may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or headaches in some people. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to take fenugreek supplements under medical supervision only. 

Final words 

So, fenugreek vs methi - which one is better? Fenugreek and methi are different terms of the same plant often used interchangeably. It has versatile health benefits ranging from increasing the production of breast milk to enhancing testosterone levels to reducing blood sugar and cholesterol. Work with a licensed naturopathic doctor to determine your best dose.

Here you can see Vorst’s Fenugreek with Sweet Fennel Vegan Capsules 

Important resources: 

1. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-733/fenugreek
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324334#adverse-effects-interactions-and-overdoses
3. https://goqii.com/blog/15-things-you-did-not-know-about-fenugreek-methi/
4. https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/15-health-benefits-of-methi-53897/
5. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/fenugreek-guide-benefits-types-uses-top-sellers-more/
6. https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/health-benefits-of-fenugreek-seeds/
7. https://www.biotecharticles.com/Agriculture-Article/Coriander-and-Fenugreek-Medicinal-Values-and-Uses-4052.html
8. https://advancedmolecularlabs.com/blogs/news/natural-testosterone-boosters-what-works-what-doesn-t
9. https://examine.com/supplements/fenugreek/