Fenugreek is a plant in the family of Fabaceae. Its leaves are herb and seeds a spice called Methi in Hindi and Vendhayam in Tamil.The plant is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop.

Major fenugreek producing countries are India (the largest producer in the world), Nepal, Pakistan, Bangala Desh, Argentina, China, Spain, Turkey, France and Egypt.

The yellow to amber colored fenugreek seeds are frequently used in the preparation of pastes, pickles and powders.

The dried leaves – also called kasuri methi have a bitter taste and a characteristically strong smell.Fenugreek seeds are used as a medicine to warm and tone kidneys, disperse cold and alleviate pain.

In India about 2-3g of raw fenugreek seeds are swallowed raw early in the morning with warm water, before brushing the teeth and before drinking tea or coffee, where they are supposed to have a therapeutic and healing effect on joint pains, without any side effects.

Fenugreek seed is widely used by nursing mothers to increase inadequate supply of breast milk. Fenugreek seeds ameliorate most metabolic symptoms associated with diabetes by reducing serum glucose and improving glucose tolerance.

Fenugreek is currently available commercially in encapsulated forms and is being prescribed as dietary supplements.

Fenugreek contains high dietary fiber, so a few seeds taken with warm water before going to sleep helps avoiding constipation.