Fenugreek is a plant that can be used as both an herb and a spice, and is often included in curries. However, its benefits are far greater than simply adding taste to your favorite Indian dish. Fengureek has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating kidney problems whilst it is also supposed to have a therapeutic and healing effect on joint pains and relieve the discomfort of arthritis. Fenugreek is also an excellent galactagogue and has been used as such for centuries to help nursing mothers increase inadequate breast milk supply. So, what else can this versatile plant do? A recent study by the Centre for Integrative Clinical and Molecular Medicine in Australia showed an improvement in the sex drive of men, aged 25 to 52, who took a fenugreek extract two times a day. They experienced a 25% or more increase in their sex drive while another group taking a placebo experienced no change or a decrease in their libido. It is not known exactly how Fenugreek works but research suggests that bio-active compounds found in the seeds, called saponins, may be involved in the production of sex hormones. Dr Raj Persad, a consultant neurologist, says that, ‘It probably works to increase testosterone or androgen levels, which decrease with age’ and ‘If it’s proven to be safe, this is good news. Men with good sexual health live longer than those who without.’