The scientific name of Fenugreek is Trigonella foenum-graecum. The plant has green leaves, small white flowers, and pods that contain small, golden-brown seeds. Fenugreek seeds have a special place among the spices used in the kitchen. Fenugreek is used as a medicinal agent to cure many diseases in Ayurveda  and also  as an appetite stimulant in cooking. Fenugreek is used in  treatments for diabetes, cholesterol, joint diseases as well as to increase the milk of lactating mothers and  enhance testosterone levels. 

Fenugreek is mainly cultivated in countries like India and Pakistan. The whole plant has medicinal properties but since Fenugreek is not cultivated in Sri Lanka, only the seeds are used. The leaves of the plant are used as medicine in India. 

The fenugreek seeds are bitter in taste. One tablespoon, or 11 grams (g), of whole fenugreek seeds contains 35 calories and several nutrients, including,3g of  fiber, 3g of protein, 6 g of carbs, 1g of fat, 21% of the Daily Value (DV) of  Iron,6% of the DV manganese and 5% of the DV of magnesium.  

Fenugreek has anti-inflammatory properties as well and is used as a good medicine for inflammatory symptoms such as swelling, redness and pain in the body. In local medicine, fenugreek is ground with some water and  applied as a plaster on joints to cure joint pain. 

Fenugreek has been used to increase breast milk production of lactating mothers since long ago. Modern research suggests that fenugreek may increase breastmilk production and the rate of weight gain in newborn babies and be a safe, natural alternative to supplements that are used for increased lactation .

Some studies have found that Fenugreek boosts testosterone levels in men, which give them beneficial effects including an increased libido and increased strength. Furthermore, fenugreek supplements or fenugreek powder may reduce body fat without any decrease in muscle strength. 

Scientific evidence supports fenugreek’s role in blood sugar control and the treatment of type 2 diabetes. 

In addition to those health benefits of Fenugreek, it is also used in cosmetic products as well. Many anti dandruff shampoos are made using fenugreek as an ingredient to control dandruff. To remove the dead cells from the skin, fenugreek powder is used.