Fennel is a vegetable with bulbous, celery like stem and feathery leaves. The aromatic yellow- green fennel seed is used as a spice and flavoring agent as well as an ingredient in traditional herbal medicine. Fennel is an antispasmodic, diuretic, pain reducer, fever reducer, and has anti microbial properties. It is included in the Food and Drug Administration's list of herbs generally regarded as safe. For adults who are not pregnant or nursing, fennel is safe when used in amounts typically recommended. Medicinal amounts of fennel should only be taken in consultation with the doctor. Fennel seeds are safe in small amounts, but pregnant women should avoid medicinal amounts. Herbal medicines may provide additional strategies to cope up with gestational sickness; however, it is unsafe to assume that all natural herbs are safe. Fennel seeds in small doses of one teaspoon per day as whole or in a tea form can be safely taken to aid digestion, relieve flatulence and morning sickness.
Fennel seeds
Fennel seed is found to be beneficial in the treatment of digestive disorders and colic. It is a reliable antispasmodic and is one of the best remedies for abdominal cramping associated with poor digestion. Its aromatic, carminative properties help with nausea, belching and bloating caused by indigestion. Fennel seed improves the body's energy by enhancing the digestion and assimilation of food. It also aids the digestion of fatty acids and is often added to strong laxative blends to ease gripe. Chewing on a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals or drinking fennel tea can help digest heavy meals. Fennel tea is made by adding one teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds into a cup of boiling water. Let it stand for five minutes before straining. It can be very comforting for morning sickness when combined with a few drops of fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey.
Fennel Oil
Fennel oil is a volatile oil widely used as a fragment component in a variety of cosmetic preparations and as flavor in foods, beverages, and condiments. Diluted fennel seed oil reduces intestinal spasms, but pure fennel oil can cause burning inflammation of the lower gastrointestinal tract, so it should not be used in undiluted form. Overuse of fennel oil can be toxic, and should be avoided during pregnancy as it can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures and pulmonary edema. Topical massage with fennel oil may also cause skin irritation and rashes.
Effect on the Nervous System
The temperature energetic of fennel is in dispute. Carminatives are typically warming, and fennel is a prime carminative. Some authorities believe that fennel has a cooling and calming effect on the nerves and promotes mental alertness. However, excessive use of fennel can over stimulate the nervous system. It may also, lead to breathing problems or irregular heartbeat.
Estrogenic Effect
Fennel in medicinal amounts is contraindicated during pregnancy. It acts as an antispasmodic to soothe not only the digestive tract, but also other smooth muscles, such as the uterus. High doses of fennel stimulate the uterus into menstruation and may cause miscarriage. The herb has a mild estrogenic effect; it acts like the female sex hormone estrogen. This action may have something to do with its traditional use after delivery, to facilitate menstruation and cleanse the uterus and also, to promote milk secretion for nursing mothers.
References
- ''Indian herbal remedies: rational Western therapy, ayurvedic, and other traditional usage, botany''; C. P. Khare; 2004
- ''Healing Herbal Teas''; Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.; 2006
- ''Prescription for Herbal Healing''; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- ''The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs''; Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, Michael Tierra; 2009
