Fenugreek is a native to South Europe and Asia. It is a smooth, erect annual to 60 cm with oblong, toothed leaflets 2-3 cm long. Flowers are whitish single or in pairs, pea-shaped and very aromatic. Found in pastures. It likes sandy soils.

The value of the herb is in the seed. Egyptians and Indians however, use both the sprouting seeds and the fresh leaves as vegetables and consider the seed not only a spice for curries but as a source of yellow dye. The seeds are very mineral rich and their chemical composition is close to that of cod-liver. Seeds are also highly medicinal.

A strong tea made of the seeds (seeds can be eaten) it is known to strengthen the digestive system and nerves. It is a good fever tea; add a trop of lemon juice and honey. It has been used to stimulate flow and increase breast milk. Use the tea as a throat gargle; hot, to relieve throat soreness. Externally fenugreek seeds make a good poultice: the ground seed is mixed with hot milk and applied on boils and carbuncles.