Fennel Seed
Introduction Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) has been used since ancient times as a natural appetite suppressant and was traditionally used to prevent 'growling stomachs' during church services. Apart from its natural diuretic properties, Fennel also promotes routine liver, kidney and spleen health and is useful for acidic stomachs. More recently, Fennel has been shown to help alleviate stomach upsets and colic in particular. (Fennel) is an herb that has been used since ancient times, and was traditionally used to prevent 'growling stomachs' during church services! Fennel also supports the health of the liver, kidneys and spleen. The health of these body organs is essential for the breakdown of dietary fat and the elimination of waste products from the body. Furthermore, Foeniculum vulgare has been shown to assist with digestion in even the most delicate digestive systems, such as infants. It has been used since ancient times to ‘take the edge off’ appetite and was traditionally used to prevent 'growling stomachs' during church services! Fennel also supports the health of the liver, kidneys and spleen. The health of these body organs is essential for the breakdown of dietary fat and the elimination of waste products from the body. Furthermore, Foeniculum vulgare has been shown to assist with digestion in even the most delicate digestive systems, such as infants with colic. The name comes from the Latin foeniculum, meaning "little hay". The Roman historian Pliny recorded that when snakes shed their skins, they ate fennel to restore their sight (although he did not record how he made this observation). PlinyÍs observation led to European use of a cooled tea of fennel seeds as a wash for eyestrain and eye irritations. Chinese and Hindus employed fennel seed as a treatment for snakebite. Medieval Europeans used fennel seed as a treatment for obesity. Several liquors are flavored with fennel, including aquavit, gin, and fennouillete.All the above-ground parts of the fennel plant are edible. Fennel "seeds" are actually whole fruits, the most aromatic seeds found in the center of the seed head. In seed, a bright green color indicates quality. The herb should be stored in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place. Constituents The essential oil contains anethole (50 to 80%), limonene (5%), fenchone (5%), estragole (methyl-chavicol), safrole, a-pinene (0.5%), camphene, b-pinene, b-myrcene and p-cymene. The seed also contains fiber and complex carbohydrates. Parts Used The fruit or "seeds," dried and used whole or ground. Typical Preparations Used in cooking whole or ground as an excellent spice, also used to make herbal teas and in laxative preparations. Combined with chamomile and/or melissa in teas for colic. Combined with licorice, thyme, and/or poplar buds to treat colds, coughs, and congestion. Combined with chamomile, saffron, anise, fennel, caraway, licorice, and cardamom to treat asthma. For convenience, or if you do not like the flavor, it may be taken as an extract or capsule. Summary Fennel seed is antiseptic and secretolytic, that is, encouraging secretion of saliva and gastric juices. It also stops stomach cramps, often added to laxatives to ensure gentle action. Fennel seed teas break up congestion caused by colds and allergies. There are preliminary studies that suggest that regular consumption of fennel (as well as regular consumption of green beans, mushrooms, oranges, prunes, and celeriac) might slow the progression of osteoporosis. Fennel seed powder has almost exactly the same taste and medicinal effect as whole fennel seed, except it tends to lose anethole. Powdering makes fennel a less estrogenic herb, that is, less likely to stimulate the production of estrogen in women, a characteristic that may be desirable or undesirable depending on the user. Precautions Fennel seed teas are helpful for colicky infants, but fennel seed oil should never be given to infants or young children because of the danger of spasms of the throat.
The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.
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