Many herbalists consider fenugreek for its expectorant properties. This herb is extremely helpful to the digestive system, mainly due to its mucilaginous properties, which triggers a sympathetic response in the other mucous membranes of the body. This oftentimes occurs in the respiratory and urinary system. The seeds of this herb are very high in mucilage contents.

Fenugreek is widely used for a variety of different ailments. It has been used historically for the treatment of wounds, abscesses, arthritis, bronchitis, and digestive disorders. The active constituents of this herb are the steroidal saponins, which account for its many health benefits, such as the inhibition of cholesterol absorption. The seeds are high in dietary fiber, which may be the main reason for its ability to help lower blood sugar levels in diabetes. It also helps with ailments such as helping to lower cholesterol and atherosclerosis and other related health issues.

This 4-7 foot annual is smooth and strongly anise or licorice scented. The long taproot sends up a round stem with few branches. Leaves are trifoliate, on hairy petioles with obovate leaflets. Flowers are axillary, and yellowish-white. The fruit is a 16 seeded compressed, malodorous legume. Widely cultivated for culinary and medicinal uses.

The ground, roasted seeds are used in seasoning foods, and used as a maple flavor for sweets. The green leaves from sprouted seeds are rich in iron, and added to salads. The mature, larger leaves can be chopped and served fresh or curried. Soaked seeds are used in skin softening lotions. Powdered and added to oil, for a lip salve or scalp tonic. It is a expectorant, mucilaginous, and restorative.The seeds are historically used to strengthen recovery from an illness, bronchitis, fevers, a gargle for sore throat, increases breast milk, an oral contraceptive, restores hair growth, aphrodisiac, reduces cholesterol and urine sugar in late onset diabetes.