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Fennel - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Foeniculi fructus, Florence Fennel, Large Fennel, Sweet Fennel, Wild Fennel, Large Cumin, Sweet Cumin , Fenkel, Finkle, Fennel fruit.
Herb Description
Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare ) is a short-lived perennial deep-rooted to southern Europe (especially the Mediterranean ) and southwestern Asia and cultivated in India, China and Egypt. This herb belongs to carrot family. It matures well on limestone soils. It has a thick, hardy stems, erect & cylindrical, bright green and so smooth as to seem polished.The bright golden flowers, produced in large, flat terminal compound umbels 5-15 cm wide, each umbel section with 20-50 small yellow flowers on short pedicels, are in bloom in July and August. The leaves mature up to 40 cm long & they are finely clefted, with the ultimate segments filiform, about 0.5 mm wide.
During the Middle Ages it was in great demand . The rich added the seed to vegetable & fish dishes, while the poor used it as an appetite suppressant to be eaten on fasting days. As a highly aromatic herb it has been used traditionally by many cultures for cooking and medicinal purposes. Its oil have a relaxing effect on the intestine as well as possessing anti oxidant and anti microbial actions. Its tea made from seeds, is a famous natural treatment for digestive disorders such as indigestion, gas,heartburn, infant colic and irritable bowel syndrome.
Properties
- Stomachic.
- Carminative.
- Aromatic.
- Orexigenic.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Antimicrobial.
- Diuretic.
- Galactagogue.
Uses and Benefits
Fennel is an efficacious remedy for respiratory congestion and is a common ingredient in cough remedies. An infusion can be used as a eye wash. Its tea made from the seeds beneficial to stimulate the flow of breast milk & can be taken as a carminative with antispasmodic actions that can be used to treat cramps of the digestive tract in combination with flatulence.
Fennel can be used efficaciously for bad breath, constipation, colds, flu and as a diuretic. It is many times added to baby formula to aid digestion. As a diuretic, is used to treat urinary calculi. It is also a beneficial treatment for upper respiratory catarrh and has a soothing effect on bronchitis and coughs.
Scientific research on animals shows that its volatile oil has able to protect the liver from toxic chemical injury. The volatile oil is bactericidal and anti-fungal actions,which is efficacious in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans .
Side Effects
If taken in excess amount fennel can disrupt the nervous system. Please consult a health practitioner before administering any home remedies.
Fennel may produce photo dermatitis, contact dermatitis and cross reactions. The oil may induce hallucinations, seizures, etc.
With the use of fennel rash and increased photosensitivity of the skin to sunlight has also been reported. call to doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
If individual may have the following side effects such as vomiting , upset stomach & convulsions .Tell to doctor promptly.
Dosage
- Dried fruits:
0.3 to 0.6 gm or by infusion . Use three times in a day.
- Liquid Extract:
1:1 in 70% alcohol, 0.8 to 2 ml. Use three times in a day.
- Oil :
0.03 to 0.2 ml . Use three times in a day.
Drug Interactions
None well documented.
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