Fennel
DEFINITION
Fennel is a herb with the botanical name foeniculum vulgare.
It’s also known as bitter fennel, sweet fennel, wild fennel,
carosella, Florence fennel, finocchio, garden fennel and large
fennel.
It’s also known as bitter fennel, sweet fennel, wild fennel,
carosella, Florence fennel, finocchio, garden fennel and large
fennel.
DESCRIPTION
Fennel originally grew along the seashores of the Mediterranean
coast and grows wild in many countries of temperate Europe. Fennel
is cultivated in the south of France, India and Russia and grows
throughout the year to two metres or more in height.
Fennel originally grew along the seashores of the Mediterranean
coast and grows wild in many countries of temperate Europe. Fennel
is cultivated in the south of France, India and Russia and grows
throughout the year to two metres or more in height.
The plant develops bright golden flowers and leathery leaves. The
stem is bright green and smooth to the touch. The fruit is about
1cm long and 0.25 cm wide, oblong, cylindrical and slightly curved
with a sweet taste and a characteristic odour.
stem is bright green and smooth to the touch. The fruit is about
1cm long and 0.25 cm wide, oblong, cylindrical and slightly curved
with a sweet taste and a characteristic odour.
The parts used are the seeds (which contain several active
constituents including up to 8 per cent of an essential oil
consisting mainly of anethole), a bitter principle (fenchone),
flavonoids, coumarins, sterols, fixed oils and sugars.
constituents including up to 8 per cent of an essential oil
consisting mainly of anethole), a bitter principle (fenchone),
flavonoids, coumarins, sterols, fixed oils and sugars.
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Fennel is mainly used for its calming effect on the digestive
system. The oil regulates peristaltic functions of the intestines,
reducing spasms, reducing emptying time and increasing the passage
of gas. It can be used for griping, colic, flatulence or wind and
other disturbances of bowel and intestinal function, particularly
where there is inadequate digestive tone. - Fennel has been used by breastfeeding mothers to increase milk
supply. For breastfeeding mothers, infuse fennel seeds to make a
tea. - Fennel has an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory action and can
be used for acute and chronic infections. An expectorant action
makes it useful for any respiratory infections where there is mucus
congestion in the lungs and sinuses. - Fennel can be used locally in an eye wash or gargle.
HOW TO USE
- Always consult your healthcare professional to advise you on
dosages and any possible medical interactions. - Fennel tea is made by pouring boiling water on a teaspoonful of
bruised fennel seeds. Fennel tea is reputed to help digestion and
to prevent flatulence.
CAUTIONS
- Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs,
including prescription medications. Always tell your doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking. - Fennel isn’t recommended for pregnant women.
- Use fennel with caution if you’re allergic to celery, carrots
or mugwort. - Fennel reduces the effectiveness of the antibiotic drug
ciprofloxacin, so the two substances shouldn’t be taken
together. - Fennel contains oestrogen-like substances that may interact
with hormone therapy, including fertility treatments and the oral
contraceptive pill - Possible side-effects of fennel include stomach upset and
photodermatitis (skin irritation from sunlight). - Fennel contains substances that, if ingested, can cause
seizures so this herb should be used with extreme caution by people
with epilepsy.
