The name Fenugreek comes from the Latin meaning 'Greek hay.' This is because this herb is traditionally used as fodder for animals. It is also called Bird's Foot, Foenugreek, and Goat's Horn. Fenugreek is commonly found growing in Mediterranean regions of southern Europe. For centuries it has grown wild in this region, as well as India and North Africa. People there use both the seeds and leaves as a culinary spice. The seeds of the fenugreek herb are an effective nutritional supplement and have also been used by herb lovers for many centuries because of the health benefits it provides.

Much like a bean plant in appearance, fenugreek grows one to two feet tall and bears white or pale yellow flowers. The thin, sword-shaped pods grow to be four to six inches long and hold ten to twenty seeds each. After four months the plant is pulled up, dried, and used.

Fenugreek is available whole and dried, or as a dull yellow powder ground from the roasted seeds. If you like all the technical jargon, fenugreek contains alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan, steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber. Fenugreek is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium, and thiamine. Fenugreek is also an excellent source of selenium, an anti-radiant that helps the body utilize oxygen.

Fenugreek is great aid to digestion because it contains a non-dissolving fiber. The fiber swells in the presence of liquid, making it a great natural laxative. Fenugreek also lowers a person's blood pressure.

Fenugreek is able to regulate blood sugar levels and to lower levels of harmful cholesterol. When taken with meals, fenugreek can slow the rate of sugars' absorption in the body. One amino acid found in fenugreek may cause an increase in the production of insulin when blood sugar rises. However, it is used with insulin, not in place of it. A poultice of fenugreek may sooth irritated skin and relieve surface aches and pains. It is also used for boils, cysts, and other complaints.

Fenugreek was used back in ancient Egypt to combat fever. Fenugreek fights infection, relieves congestion, and reduces inflammation. Fenugreek contains properties that are ideal for treating sinus problems and lung congestion. Excess mucus and phlegm are loosened and removed. Fenugreek reduces coughing and stimulates perspiration that in turn will reduce a fever. It is also beneficial for treating allergies, bronchitis, and congestion.

The leaves, both fresh and dried, are used as an ingredient in meat curries. Fenugreek sprinkled in flour makes a spicy bread. In India the roasted ground seeds are used to make a type of coffee. A tea can be made with a teaspoon of seed in two cups of water, left to soak for five minutes.

The poultice is made by mixing two ounces of fenugreek seed powder with a quart of hot water. Then let the mixture stand until it makes a thick gel. About one ounce with each meal or up to three ounces per day is a common dosage of the seeds to help with lowering cholesterol or treating diabetes. As a tincture, three to four ml of fenugreek is recommended three times per day. Fenugreek tea is made by soaking two ounces of seeds in about five ounces of cold water for at least three hours. Then remove the seeds and drink either hot or cold.