Fenugreek: Side Effects and Cautions for Nursing Moms

A common stimulant for producing milk in breastfeeding women is Fenugreek. Though you would have read so many articles on Fenugreek and its medicinal values less has been discussed on the side effects that it is known to cause. This article focuses on some of the common side effects of fenugreek.

What is Fenugreek?

Fenugreek seeds are commonly used as a spice for cooking and its leaves are used as herbal supplements. The first recorded use of fenugreek dates back to 1500 B.C. It is cultivated in many countries with India being the world's largest producer of Fenugreek.

What is it used for?

The use of Fenugreek varies from being a sweetener in confections, to produce tea from its leaves and as a hair conditioner by mixing with yogurt. Historically, it has been used for a variety of health conditions like digestive problems, menopausal symptoms and to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding women. It is also used to cure sinus and as an expectorant for treating lung congestion.

Some points to consider before using Fenugreek

• FDA does not approve Herbal supplements

• Make sure to read some of the documented side effects of using fenugreek

• Only very few studies have been carried out on the long term effects of using Fenugreek

Side effects and cautions

A constituent of fenugreek is sotolone, a powerful aromatic compound that can pass through the body relatively unchanged to impart a maple syrup odor in one's sweat and urine. Even though this is not harmful it can cause embarrassing situations. Consuming high levels of sotolone changes the color of urine but again is harmless.

Fenugreek is known to cause allergic reactions in some people with symptoms like swelling of the face, difficulty in breathing, gas, bloating and diarrhea. It can cause irritation when applied to the skin. Consult your physician immediately if you suspect an allergic reaction.

If you are already taking some medications it is best that you consume fenugreek with your physician monitoring your body's reaction to it. If you suffer from diabetes, do not use fenugreek unless advised otherwise by your physician, as blood sugar levels tend to drop too much which might put you in a dangerous medical situation.

Fenugreek is found to cause several negative reactions when taken in combination with other medications. Make sure you provide a realistic picture to your physician on how you manage your health and of any complementary and alternative practices you might be using. This will ensure coordinated and safe care.