Formally called Trigonella foenum-graecum, Fenugreek Seed is also known as Bird's Foot, Greek Clover, Greek Hay, Chandrika, Methi and Hu Lu Ba. Fenugreek comes from the Latin terms Foenum graecum which means Greek hay. Trigonella, the genus name, is Greek for "three angled" which refers to the crown-like shape of the seeds. As far back as Ancient Roman times, Fenugreek seeds were used to increase male libido and sexual potency.

The constituents of Fenugreek seeds that make them so useful are as follows:

·           Argenine;

·           Beta-carotene;

·           beta-sitosterol;

·           Coumarin;

·           Diosgenin;

·           Fiber;

·           Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA);

·           Kaempferol, vanadium and luteolin;

·           Magnesium, manganese, niacin and potassium;

·           Pyridoxine, quercetin, riboflavin and rutin;

·           Sulfur, thiamine, tryptophan, Vitamin C and zinc;

Wow, that;s a lot of good stuff in a seed - no wonder it makes you more potent!

Fenugreek seed powder is used in a variety of cooking recipes and as a paste when soaked in water. The seeds have a bitter taste and more than about 100 grams in a given day prove to be too fibrous for many.

In the 19th century, Arab physicians used Fenugreek seed paste to treat symptoms of diabetes. Blood sugar levels were lowered. Triglycerides were diminished. Levels of HDL cholesterol (the good kind) are raised. Poultices are a traditional remedy for boils, eczema and furuncles. Modern treatment for diabetes with Fenugreek seeds involves using the powdered form as it releases an increased amount of vanadium. If you have an allergy to chickpeas, then you will better off avoiding Fenugreek seeds.