Fenugreek , common name, called methi in Hindi, is a herbaceous plant of the Fabaceae family, from faba = broad bean better known as Legumes.
Trigonella for the triangular shape of its seeds and fenugreek/foenum graecum because in ancient times it was used as livestock feed.
In addition to being used for livestock , fenugreek has always been used as a cooking food and a medicinal plant in the most ancient medicines for therapeutic and even cosmetic purposes: traces of it have been found from Persia to Ancient Egypt, passing through Greece and Italy up to India.
The plant is native to the Middle East and North Africa, it loves warm and dry climates.
Fenugreek: Uses of Methi in Cosmetics
The leaves and seeds of the methi plant , contained in the legume fruits. They are used whole or ground into a powder that has been used in cosmetics for skin and hair care for thousands of years.
They contain numerous beneficial elements including vitamins A, B, C and E, mineral salts such as iron, phosphorus and calcium, amino acids, mucilages, fatty acids, proteins, phytoestrogens and diosgenin.
The cosmetic properties of fenugreek are
- anti-inflammatory
- antiseptic
- nutritive
- refurbished
- soothing
- emollients
- firming
- stimulants
- antioxidants
Attention future mothers: use during pregnancy is not recommended!
Fenugreek: Methi Properties for Skin
The mucilage contained in the seeds makes fenugreek powder perfect for facial skin because it promotes cell renewal as well as having a hydrating, nourishing, regenerating and firming action .
The skin will be softer, toned and compact . Ideal for mature skin but also for young skin for its antiseptic power that fights acne and imperfections.
On the body it is an effective aid in combating water retention and cellulite.
Also ideal as a breast firming agent due to the presence of phytoestrogens which are able to replicate the functions of estrogen.
Fenugreek: Methi Properties for Hair
Methi, fenugreek, applied as a compress , prevents and combats hair loss and at the same time promotes the growth of new hair thanks to the presence of phytoestrogens.
Your hair will be healthier, fuller and more voluminous. It also contains saponins that give methi a perfect cleansing and sanitizing action against dandruff.
For hair it is ideal combined with the action of Brahmi and Bhringraj .
How to use fenugreek - methi
Here are some recipes for you to prepare at home with methi powder!
Try using fenugreek in synergy with essential oils , as the smell is particularly intense and distinctive.
To obtain optimal results, consistency is required! The ideal weekly frequency and application times must be respected.
Methi face mask
This fenugreek mask is perfect for young skin to combat acne and for mature skin to combat wrinkles.
We recommend you do it before going to sleep!
- A small saucepan
- 50 g fenugreek powder
- 250 ml of water
While the water is still boiling add the methi and continue to mix vigorously until you get a smooth solution. Let it cool down and apply it, dabbing if necessary with a gauze. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes.
Methi hair mask
An exceptional fenugreek hair mask is prepared with 125 ml of coconut milk and adding methi powder until it has the consistency of yogurt. Now apply it on the scalp and hair and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Rinse and use a gentle shampoo.
Breast Firming Mask
This fenugreek breast mask will firm and volume your breasts!
- 30 g fenugreek
- 20 g of green clay
- 20 drops of fennel essential oil.
Put all the ingredients in a container and then add water, mixing vigorously until you get a smooth paste without lumps. Spread it on the breast and cover with a transparent film. Now leave it on for about 15 minutes and then rinse.
Methi Gel: How to Get It
You may have heard a lot about methi gel , let's find out how to use methi seeds to obtain the gel!
With fenugreek seeds it is possible to produce a gel to enjoy its beneficial properties on skin and hair with a much less strong and intense smell than that of methi powder.
Additionally, this methi gel will be perfect for a hydrating hair pack , added to other Ayurvedic herbal packs , and can also be used as a leave-in or as a styling gel.
They are needed
- 2 glasses of water
- 1-2 tbsp methi seeds
- A small saucepan
- A clean nylon stocking
How to proceed
- Soak the two glasses of water and 1-2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in a saucepan for 12 hours.
- Heat, bring to the boil and boil for 15 minutes
- Filter, the clean nylon stocking will be perfect
- Put the seeds back into the filtered liquid, add another 50 ml of water and boil again
- Strain and crush the seeds to release the gel, which will be thick like honey.
- Repeat the operation if necessary.
If you are passionate about Ayurvedic herbs and their formidable properties, you might be interested in learning more about henna, which not only colors hair naturally, but also has excellent strengthening and restructuring properties! Find out everything about henna in our guide!
Continue to discover the fantastic properties of Ayurvedic herbs in the section of our blog dedicated to henna and natural dyes !
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