Fennel, which is known by its scientific name of foeniculum vulgare, is an herbal vegetable that has been used since the Roman times to treat a variety of health disorders, according to Vegetarianism & Vegetarian Nutrition. Because of its fine-leafed stalk, fennel is frequently confused with dill, but can be positively identified by its distinct licorice or anise bouquet. Vegetarianism & Vegetarian Nutrition also states that just like every other part of the plant, fennel seeds are edible and beneficial to your health.
Gas and Bloating Relief
Fenchone is a compound that is found within the essential oils of fennel seeds. Fenchone helps relieve constipation, gas and bloating, according to HealthandYoga.com. When chewed, the medicinal properties of the fennel seeds are released. Chewing a few grams immediately after a meal can treat an upset stomach. Alternately, fennel seeds can be brewed into a tea. To make a potent fennel seed tea, simply add a cup of boiling water to a half teaspoon of fennel seeds and let it sit for five minutes before drinking.
Fever
Fennel seeds have been shown to possess antimicrobial, diuretic, pain-relieving, bile-producing and fever-reducing qualities, according to TeaBenefits.com. All of these qualities are essential when it comes to your body's natural ability to defend against sickness and infection. Calcium, potassium and other vitamins that are used as a natural fever reducer are also found in fennel seeds.
Colic
A fennel seed emulsion can help alleviate the symptoms of colic in infants, according to a St. Petersburg Medical Academy of Postdoctoral Education study. Creating a tea from fennel seeds is also a common home remedy for the treatment of colic. Crush a half teaspoon of fennel seeds and steep it into one cup of boiling water. Let the mixture steep for at least five minutes and then strain it. Set the tea aside to let it cool until it is nearly room temperature. Using a syringe or medicine dropper, give your baby one teaspoon of the tea immediately before and after his feedings. An option for breastfeeding mothers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is to drink a cup of fennel tea three to six times daily.
References
- Vegetarianism & Vegetarian Nutrition: Fennel Helps to Fight Mild Digestive Disorders
- HealthandYoga.com: Benefits of Fennel Seeds for Bloating
- TeaBenefits.com: Fennel Tea Benefits
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Infantile Colic
- AromaMD.net: The Effect of Fennel Seed Oil Emulsion in Infantile Colic Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/123215-homeopathic-uses-fennel/#ixzz0yPZTssHu
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