Fennel seeds are a traditional remedy said to help alleviate digestive disorders and regulate weight. Through aiding digestion and assimilation of foods, fennel seeds may support a diet or weight-loss plan. Make fennel seeds or fennel-seed tea a part of your diet to help digest your foods better. Talk to your doctor before taking fennel or any other herbs medicinally. There is no conclusive clinical evidence to support the use of fennel to aid digestion.
Origin
According to "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies" by Norman Shealy, fennel is an aromatic plant that originated in the Mediterranean region. Fennel seeds are a traditional culinary spice in Asian, European and Mediterranean cooking. Fennel seeds are slightly sweet with a faint licorice-like taste. They add flavor to meats, grains, vegetables and baked goods and may also enhance digestion of the foods. According to "Diet and Nutrition" by Rudolph Ballentine, enhanced digestion helps you to absorb more vitamins and minerals from the food you eat, therefore getting more nutrients while you consume fewer calories and decrease food cravings.
Fennel and Digestion
Fennel seeds and tea are traditional remedies for digestive disorders. A cup of fennel-seed tea after a meal may help relieve gas, bloating and improve assimilation of nutrients from the meal. Fennel is gentle enough to give to children, and nursing mothers who eat fennel seeds or drink fennel tea may find it helps resolve colic and indigestion in their breast-fed infants. However, there is no conclusive clinical evidence to support the claim that fennel helps digestion.
Consumption
Cook with fennel to enhance digestion of meals. Fennel seeds go well with savory and sweet dishes. Add whole or ground fennel seeds to sauces, soups and stews or mix them into baked goods -- such as breads or muffins -- before baking for a slight licorice flavor and enhanced digestion. After a large meal -- or any time that you experience indigestion -- chew whole roasted fennel seeds or drink fennel tea.
Preparation
Whole fennel seeds have more flavor and are more effective after a slight roasting. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and roast two tablespoons of fennel seeds at a time until they are slightly browned but not burnt. Add roasted fennel seeds to cooked dishes, chew them whole or, to make tea, grind them slightly and pour boiling water --1 cup water per 1/2 tsp. seeds -- over the seeds and let them steep for 10 minutes.
Considerations
Fennel seeds and tea are gentle enough to use with children and for nursing mothers. According to "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies," they may help pregnant women with morning sickness and increase abundance of milk for breast feeding. However, the website Pregnancy Today warns against consuming too much fennel during pregnancy, since large doses could stimulate uterine contractions. Consume fennel in moderation, since very large doses could be toxic. Talk to your doctor before making fennel seeds part of your diet plan.
References
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies"; Norman Shealy M.D., Ph.D.; 1998
- "Diet and Nutrition"; Rudolph Ballentine, M.D.; 1978
- Pregnancy Today: Healthy & Safe Pregnancy Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy
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