Precautions for Fenugreek

Fenugreek can be a wonderful help for women with breast milk supply problems, but there are also precautions that you should take into account.

Peanut or chickpea allergy:
Fenugreek is in the same family with peanuts and chickpeas, and may cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.  Two cases of fenugreek allergy have been reported in the literature.

Diabetes or hypoglycemia:
Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels, and in the few studies using it as a hypoglycemic, also reduces blood cholesterol.  Dosages higher than the recommended one may result in hypoglycemia in some mothers.  If you're diabetic, use fenugreek only if you have good control of your blood glucose levels.  While taking this, closely monitor your fasting levels and post-prandial (after meals) levels. Mothers with hypoglycemia should also use fenugreek with caution.

Asthma:
Fenugreek is often cited as a natural remedy for asthma.  However, inhalation of the powder can cause asthma and allergic symptoms.  Some mothers have reported that it worsened their asthma symptoms.

Abnormal menstrual cycles:
Fenugreek is considered to be an emmenagogue (promotes menstrual flow).  It may cause breakthrough menstrual bleeding, use fenugreek with caution if you have a history of abnormal menstrual cycles.

Migraines:
Fenugreek is often cited as a natural remedy for migraines.  However, iit may trigger a migraine and/or contribute to the duration and severity of a migraine.

Blood pressure problems or heart disease:
Fenugreek is commonly reported to lower blood pressure and LDL blood cholesterol levels.  However, few sources suggest that it may cause or contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure), avoid this herb if you have a history of hypertension, or if there is a strong family history of hypertension or heart disease.