Fennel is a member of the celery family that is indigenous to southern Europe and western Asia. Although the entire plant is edible, only fennel's oils and seeds, which have a flavor similar to black licorice, are used for their medicinal applications, according to "Acupuncture Today." In ancient Greece, Olympic competitors used fennel to increase their strength and to discourage weight gain. Today fennel tea is considered a useful treatment for women's health and digestive issues. As with all herbal remedies, be sure to consult a physician prior to using fennel tea medicinally.
Digestive Support
Fennel tea is a useful remedy for the following: relieving gas and bloating; improving appetite; promoting the flow of bile; alleviating fullness and constipation; alleviating gastric acid insufficiency and distress; and creating a mild laxative action. Fennel can be used in tandem with peppermint for digestive support. Additional uses include alleviating intestinal cramps and colic in infants, according to website HolisticOnline.com.
Women's Health
Fennel tea is thought to have a mild estrogenic effect and can stimulate menstruation in women who experience menstrual irregularity. A common remedy for insufficient lactation, fennel tea is often taken by breastfeeding mothers to stimulate milk production. Additionally, fennel tea may be effect for relieving menopause symptoms for women who suffer from hormonal imbalances, according to HolisticOnline.com.
Preparation and Dosage Recommendations
Prepare fennel tea by crushing one teaspoon of fennel seed and adding it to one cup of water to a non-metallic pot. Bring the water to a boil, and cover and steep it for 10 to 15 minutes. Cool and strain. A traditional dose of fennel tea is about two to three cups daily. Fennel tea is aromatic and sweet, with a flavor similar to anise, according to website AltMD.com.
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