Fennel is a relative to dill and anise. The base has a white, bulb-like appearance and with a number of green stalks that have thin, feathery leaves. Fennel provides seeds used for seasoning food, but it may also have properties that could benefit eye health. If you want to increase your intake of fennel, either through diet or supplements, you should talk with your doctor about any risks associated with fennel, as well as the potential benefits.
Nutrients
Fennel contains many nutrients that may promote healthy eyes and good vision. These nutrients include antioxidants such as vitamin A and vitamin C. Antioxidants may help protect your eyes against certain types of eye conditions such as macular degeneration, an eye disease that could lead to vision loss. These nutrients may also help slow down the progression of cataracts, a condition that may also cause vision changes. Even though fennel contains antioxidant nutrients that may help prevent eye conditions and keep your eyes healthy, fennel will not improve your vision or treat eye conditions.
Uses
The nutrients found in fennel may help prevent eye conditions, but some people make tea from fennel and use this liquid as an eyewash to resolve eye infections such as conjunctivitis. Some people also use fennel to promote menstruation, lactation and libido, explains Drugs.com. Doctors do not have evidence that fennel will help with conjunctivitis or any other health condition. If you want to use fennel as a health supplement for your eyes or other condition, you should talk with your doctor to determine if a fennel supplement is right for you.
Prevention
To ensure that you have the proper intake of nutrients each day, your doctor may recommend a daily supplement. Certain supplements contain nutrients known to help protect your eyes against certain types of eye diseases. These daily supplements often state "eye vitamins" or "AREDS formulation" on the label, showing that the vitamins contain the nutrients evaluated by the National Eye Institute during its Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Your doctor will help you determine if you should take this type of supplement.
Considerations
Fennel contains important nutrients, but fennel alone cannot help prevent, treat or strengthen your eyes. Your doctor may recommend fennel as part of a healthy diet, but, for appropriate nutrition, she may recommend that you take a supplement designed specifically for eye health.
