Natural Remedies: Fenugreek

Insulin Resistance and Obesity with PCOS
With PCOS, often insulin-resistance is high - insulin secreted by the pancreas is not utilized efficiently by the tissues in the body. This has two negative outcomes:

1. Elevated levels of glucose in the blood stream are converted by the liver into fat reserves stored all over the body. This causes weight gain and obesity.

2. Higher levels of insulin are required to maintain normal levels of glucose in the blood. Excess insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce excess testosterone which is one of the key villains in the PCOS-saga!

Remedy: Fenugreek
So it is very important to correct the insulin-resistance issue. Fenugreek (Methi, Trigonella foenum-graecum) promotes excellent glucose metabolism in the body. It improves glucose-tolerance and insulin-sensitivity, thereby promoting weight loss and moderation of androgen levels in blood. It also lowers LDL and increases HDL and supports healthy functioning of the heart.

Treatment Methodology
Fenugreek can be used in the treatment of PCOS in several forms: seeds, fresh leaves and dried leaves.


Fenugreek seeds: Patients are advised to consume 1 tsp. of soaked seeds thrice a day. The seeds should be soaked for at least 6-8 hours to make them soft and chewable. The first daily dose should be on an empty stomach in the morning unless this treatment is in conjunction with honey . The other two doses may be taken about 10 minutes prior to lunch and dinner. The seeds are bitter and not many like the taste. But who says medicines are made for taste!

Fresh Fenugreek leaves: Patients are advised to consume at least 1 cup of cooked fresh leaves once a week. The leaves also provide defense against glucose imbalances. They are rich in protein, fiber and contain bio-ingredients that promote good pancreatic and liver health.

Methi-Kootu is a dish that uses fresh Fenugreek leaves. It is rich in proteins, easy to digest and uses ingredients appropriate for PCOS patients. The recipe is given below:
Methi-Kootu
-Fresh Fenugreek leaves: 1 cup (250 ml volume)
-Split green gram: 2-4 tbsp.
-Cumin seeds: 1 tsp.
-Ground Pepper: from 4-6 corns
-Sesame oil: 1/2 tsp.
-Corriander/Cilantro leaves: few grams (for garnishing)
-Salt for taste

Soak the green gram in half a cup of water for 1/2-1 hour. Roast the cumin seeds and ground pepper in sesame oil. Cook/microwave the split green-gram till it can be mashed well. Add the Fenugreek leaves (remember to remove the stem) to the mashed gram and cook for 10-15 minutes on a low flame. To this add salt, the roasted mix and coriander/cilantro leaves. This can be had with tortilla, chappathi, cooked brown rice/Bulgar wheat, etc.

Dried Fenugreek leaves: Dried leaves may be used as a seasoning in soups/salads. PCOS patients should include at least 10-15 grams of dried leaves everyday in their diet.

The treatment protocol with the seeds is very simple and effective and must be followed diligently at least for a month to notice weight loss and improvement in glucose metabolism. The treatment must be supported by good dietary habits and exercise.