Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) is an aromatic and medicinal annual plant, cultivated in the vegetable garden for both its edible young shoots and its seeds rich in natural compounds. Long used in culinary and wellness traditions, fenugreek is now valued in natural skincare and haircare, particularly in the form of an oil macerate. Discover how to make your own homemade fenugreek oil to incorporate into your hair or body care rituals.
What ingredients are needed to make fenugreek oil?
For this preparation, opt for whole fenugreek seeds, ideally sourced from your own vegetable garden. Seeds can be harvested from fenugreek plants sown in spring and allowed to mature into seed pods. Once the pods are dry, simply open them to extract the seeds.
Here’s what you need:
- 3 to 4 tablespoons of whole fenugreek seeds.
- 100 to 150 ml of vegetable oil (olive, sunflower, sesame, or jojoba, according to your preference).
- 1 clean glass jar with a lid.
- A mortar or a manual grinder.
- A fine filter or clean cloth to strain the oil after maceration.
Steps to prepare fenugreek oil
1- Start by coarsely grinding the seeds using a mortar or spice grinder. The goal is not to reduce them to powder, but simply to crack their shells to facilitate the transfer of active compounds into the oil.
2- Pour the ground seeds into a clean, dry jar, then completely cover with the chosen vegetable oil. Seal tightly, then gently shake to mix the contents.
3- Store the jar away from light and heat, in a cupboard or a cool place.
4- Let it macerate for 3 to 4 weeks, gently shaking the jar every 2 to 3 days to encourage the diffusion of active compounds.
5- At the end of the maceration period, strain the oil using a fine cloth, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to remove seed residues.
6- Transfer to an amber glass bottle, clean and dry, for better preservation.
Homemade fenugreek oil can be stored for several months at room temperature, away from light. It can be used as a nourishing treatment for hair lengths, in oil baths, or for scalp massages. On the skin, it is appreciated for its soft texture and ability to integrate into homemade body care products.
Precautions and tips:
- To delicately scent your oil, you can add a few split vanilla beans, dried lavender flowers, dried citrus zest, or a very small amount of well-tolerated essential oil (such as Ho wood or petitgrain).
- Before any first skin or hair application, it is recommended to perform a patch test in the crook of your elbow 24 hours in advance to check for any allergic reaction.
- In case of very sensitive or reactive skin, it is advisable to seek professional advice before regular use. The cosmetic use of fenugreek oil is reserved for adults and is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice.
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