Fennel, an herb that has a strong licorice flavor, can be helpful for several different medical conditions. Homeopathic uses of fennel tend to focus on problems with the digestive system, such as colic, flatulence and indigestion. The herb can also aid cold symptoms such as coughing and chest tightness. Generally, fennel is ingested in the form of a hot beverage.
Flatulence
According to "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies," fennel is a very popular treatment for excessive flatulence. The herb is a digestive aid that can release gas trapped in your digestive tract. To treat flatulence with fennel, pour 8 oz. of boiling water over 1 tsp. of crushed fennel seeds and allow it to steep for about five minutes. Drink up to three cups of the fennel seed tea daily.
Colic
A study at the St. Petersburg Medical Academy of Postdoctoral Education showed that a fennel oil emulsion can keep infants' symptoms of colic in check. Fennel tea has long been a home remedy for colic. Make a mild solution by steeping about 1/2 tsp. of crushed fennel seeds in one cup of boiling water for several minutes before straining it. Allow the tea to cool until it is barely warm. Give the baby up to 1 tsp. before and after feedings. Nursing mothers can also drink one cup of the tea three to six times a day to quell colic symptoms in their babies.
Indigestion and Heartburn
Because fennel eliminates gas in the digestive tract, it can also be good for indigestion and heartburn. Make an infusion to treat these issues by boiling 1 tbsp. of fennel seeds in about a half cup of water for 30 minutes. Strain and cool the mixture, then sip it by the teaspoonful until your indigestion and heartburn eases. You can also chew on a pinch of the seeds after a meal to resolve symptoms such as belly tightness, nausea, bad breath and constipation.
Cold Symptoms
Fennel is often included in cough drops and cough syrups because it has a mild expectorant effect. According to "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies," it can also relax chest spasms and is helpful when you're experiencing mild asthma symptoms. To make a simple homeopathic remedy to treat these conditions, pour one cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of bruised fennel seeds. Allow the brew to steep, covered, for 15 minutes, then strain it, sweeten it with a teaspoon or two of honey, and sip it until you feel better. You can repeat this treatment up to three times daily.
References
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon; 2002
- AromaMD.net: The Effect of Fennel Seed Oil Emulsion in Infantile Colic
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Infantile Colic
- "Herbs That Heal: Natural Remedies for Good Health"; H.K. Bakhru; 1998
- "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies"; Jude C. Todd; 2002
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