8 Fenugreek Remedies for Beauty and Body Care
Posted by Molly McConnell on 02-27-2024
Fenugreek is the sixth herb featured in our Ayurvedic series. If you’re new to the wisdom of Ayurveda, definitely check out the herbal profiles and remedies for triphala, turmeric, ashwagandha, cinnamon, and tulsi after you finish learning about fenugreek.
Exploring each of these herbs is a gateway into the ancient holistic healing science of Ayurveda. We hope this series inspires you to continue to connect with the spices in your kitchen, venture into new territory with herbs that you’ve never tried and experiment with a range of natural wellness remedies.
When you’re ready to learn more about the different gifts that this particular spice has to offer, read Fenugreek Benefits for Men and Women. But first, let’s explore eight unique remedies for beauty and body care.
Suport Breakouts with a Fenugreek Spot Treatment
One way to access more potency in any herbal remedy is to grind the spice right before you use it. For this spot treatment, you have the option to use whole fenugreek seeds and grind them yourself, or opt for fenugreek powder.
Ingredients
½ Tbsp fenugreek seeds (or fenugreek powder)
½ Tbsp warm water
¼ - ½ tsp honey
Method
- Grind 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds into powder. (Or use pre-ground Fenugreek powder)
- Mix this powder with warm water and honey.
- Apply this as a face mask on your skin or as a spot treatment directly on acne breakouts.
- Leave on for 10-20 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water and follow up with your favorite moisturizer or serum.
- Repeat daily or weekly.
Note: If you opt to start with fenugreek seeds and they aren’t grinding well, the seeds may be too old. Buy seeds from a trusted source to guarantee freshness and quality.
Support Glowing Skin with a Fenugreek Toning Mask
Support your youthful glow with this easy DIY Milk and Honey Fenugreek mask which may help support skin health. When it comes to a natural anti-aging practice that may smooth and soften the skin, this mask is just what you need.
Ingredients
2 tsp fenugreek powder
1 tsp organic milk
1 tsp honey
Method
- Combine fenugreek powder, milk and honey.
- Mix it all well to form a smooth paste.
- Apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and apply your favorite moisturizer or serum.
- Use twice a week to tone the facial skin.
Note: If you have time for an extra step, boil the milk and apply the mask while it’s warm.
Support Bright and Soft Skin with a Fenugreek Exfoliant
Salt and sugar exfoliants are too harsh for the face, easily causing micro tears and redness. When it comes to everyday exfoliation, opt for something more gentle, like a fine powder. Chickpea flour has been used as a natural exfoliant for thousands of years in India. It pairs especially well with fenugreek to gently remove dead skin, so your natural radiance can easily shine through.
Ingredients
½ tsp fenugreek powder (soaked for 4 hours or overnight)
1 Tbsp water
1 tsp yogurt
½ tsp chickpea flour
Method
- Soak fenugreek powder for 4-24 hours.
- Add yogurt and chickpea flour. Combine to make a paste.
- Apply to the face and leave for 15 minutes.
- Splash your face with water and gently scrub in a circular motion.
- Rinse off with cold water and pat dry.
- Finish with your favorite moisturizer or serum.
- Apply daily for one week to reset the skin (especially at the seasonal junctures) or use several times each week for ongoing exfoliation.
Relieve Dry Scalp with Fenugreek Hair Mask
When used on the scalp, fenugreek may be beneficial for dandruff. Some believe that soaking the seeds overnight activates the most potent compounds. In the morning, simply combine it with coconut milk for an easy two-ingredient hair mask. Avoid boxed coconut milks with binders, preservatives and thickening agents — try organic canned coconut milk instead.
Ingredients
2 tsp fenugreek seeds (soaked overnight)
1 Tbsp coconut milk (no additives)
Method
- Soak fenugreek seeds overnight.
- In the morning, strain the soaked seeds.
- Grind the seeds into a paste using a mortar and pestle or electric spice grinder.
- Mix in coconut milk.
- Apply to your scalp and hair.
- Leave for 30 minutes before washing your hair with shampoo.
- This hair mask can be done weekly.
Maintain Strong and Healthy Hair with Fenugreek Hair Rinse
Try this fenugreek hair rinse to remove residue and promote shine. A natural hair rinse is a simple and effective measure to support healthy hair.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp fenugreek seeds (soak for 24 hours)
2 cups water
Method
- Soak 1 tbsp. fenugreek seeds 2 cups of water for 24 hours.
- Strain the seeds out and use the water to rinse through damp hair.
- Leave for up to 3 hours before washing hair.
Promote Hair Growth with Fenugreek Hair Treatment
Fenugreek is heating and promotes capillary blood flow, which may increase circulation and encourage new cell growth. High in protein, minerals and vitamins, coconut oil has been traditionally used in the restoration of hair growth. It is a tonic for the fire element within. Coconut oil is cooling and makes a better option in the warmer months. Olive oil is heating and makes for a great option in the cooler months. You may also like to try using 50/50 split of the two.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp fenugreek seeds (or fenugreek powder)
1 Tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
Method
- Grind 2 Tbsp of fenugreek seeds into powder using an electric spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- In a bowl, combine the fenugreek powder with coconut oil or olive oil.
- Mix the both ingredients well.
- Apply this paste on areas of hair loss or damage.
- Leave for about 10 minutes to dry.
- Wash with a mild shampoo.
Freshen Breath and Counter Body Odor with Fenugreek Tea
When you open a jar of fenugreek, you will notice that it gives off a sweet scent. Some even say it smells like maple syrup and can evoke a similar subtly sweet scent in the body when consumed internally. Fenugreek may also support digestion, which leads to better absorption and assimilation.
Ingredients
1 tsp fenugreek seeds
8-12 ounces boiling water
Method
- Steeping 1 tsp. fenugreek in a cup of boiling water for 10-20 minutes.
- Strain and drink daily.
Note: You may add other herbs depending on the season, your Ayurvedic constitution and the type remedies that you’re most intrigued by. Make sure to learn more about all the herbs in our Ayurvedic series to see which ones you’d like to sip in a tea with fenugreek. We’ve profiled triphala, turmeric, ashwagandha, cinnamon, and tulsi so far! Let us know what you want to learn about next.
Soothe Skin with a Fenugreek Poultice
A poultice is something that we don’t see as much in modern remedies, but it’s a very effective medium for working with skin challenges.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp fenugreek seeds (or powder)
2-4 ounces warm water
A small/medium piece of clean cloth
Method
- Grind 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds into powder.
- Mix this powder with warm water.
- Soak a piece of clean cloth in this mixture.
- Apply this on the affected areas of the body as a poultice.
- Leave on the affected area until the cloth begins to dry out.
- Continue to warm and moisten the cloth, reapplying throughout the day as desired.
There is so much healing at your fingertips through the world of herbal wisdom and Ayurveda offers a beautiful perspective for anyone who’s looking to dive deep into the realm of holistic healing. To learn more about Ayurveda, discover your mind body type, or work with a practitioner one-on-one, check out the latest offerings at Cultivate Balance.
As an Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, I source many remedies and inspiration from my time as a student at Alandi Ashram and Gurukula in Boulder, Colorado. I want to honor my teachers Alakanda Ma, Dr. Vasant Lad, and all those who have come before us to keep this wisdom alive and accessible. I am so grateful to share this science of life with you in a way that hopefully feels approachable and inspiring.
Bio
Molly McConnell is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner who is committed to cultivating collective wellness. Guided by curiosity, embodied listening, and the rhythms of nature, Molly’s approach to Ayurveda is intentional and intersectional. As the cofounder of Cultivate Balance, she supports purpose-oriented people to come home to their bodies and restore resilience through nourishment, ritual, and routine. For a more immersive experience, Connect with Molly 1:1 or check outThe Reset for Resilience.
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