Fennel - Health Benefits

Fennel - Health Benefits

‘A savoury odour blown, Grateful to appetite, more pleased my sense Than smell of sweetest Fennel.’ - Milton, in Paradise Lost 

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) belongs to the Umbelliferae family, so named because all the herbs in this family have tops that look like little umbrellas. Fennel is native to the shores of the Mediterranean yet grows wild in Europe, India and here in Marin. The Ancient Romans had a particular love and affinity for this herb; its aromatic seeds, and succulent edible shoots found their way into a variety of dishes that can, to this day, be found in Mediterranean cuisine. In mediaeval times, fennel, along with St. Johns Wort, hung over doors on Mid-Summers Eve to ward off evil spirits.

Fennel is a beautiful plant. In the spring this herb is a fast growing hardy perennial rootstock with stout stems, growing tall up to 4-5 feet. The bright golden flowers give the distinct umbrella shape and soon turn into the sought after seed by summer’s end. The feathery green leaves divide into the very finest of segments and appear to dance in the wind.

1. Fennel seed is an excellent stomach and intestinal remedy, relieving flatulence and colic while also stimulating the digestion and appetite. It is the main herb in the infamous Gripe water.

2. It is similar to anise seed in its calming effect on bronchitis and coughs.

3. Fennel will increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers.

4. Externally the oil eases muscular and rheumatic pains.

5. An infusion may be used as an eyewash or compress to treat conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis).

6. Its energetic properties are sweet and slightly warming while its focus is on the Spleen/Stomach, Liver and Lung Channels according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

7. The odor of Fennel seed is fragrant and agreeably aromatic. Pharmacologically important constituents include volatile oil, major components of which are anethole and fenchone, flavonoids, oumarins.

8. Its actions are carminative, aromatic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, galactogogue (lactation), and hepatic (liver health).

9. Fennel can be enjoyed by pouring a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of slightly crushed seeds and left to infuse for 10 minutes. This tea can be sipped up to three times a day.

10. To ease flatulence, take a cup half an hour before meals or take as a tincture as 1-2ml up to 3 times a day.