Fennel, a native Italian vegetable, is known for its licorice flavor and crispy white flesh. Fennel used as an herb comes from the green fronds at the top of the plant, which resemble dill when snipped, or the small seeds produced by the flowers. These fronds and seeds have various uses, from culinary to medicinal.
Culinary Uses
Fennel seed is sometimes sold as "sweet cumin," thanks to its similarity to this spice. The seed and the feathery fennel tops add a distinctive flavor to food and are used to enhance many recipes. Pork shoulder is coated with fennel seeds and other spices to make a dish known as porketta, or spiced, shredded pork. Fennel seed also flavors sausage, pickles, curries and baked goods. The green tips of the plant make a tasty addition to salads, soups and bread stuffing. You can use the fennel plant tips to flavor the skin of poultry, and the licorice taste goes well with fish.
Digestive Remedy
The herb fennel has long been used as a treatment for diarrhea. Research published in the journal "Phytotherapy Research" notes that diarrhea caused by the bacterium campylobacter jejuni responds to many herbal therapies. While the benefits of taking fennel to cure diarrhea are mild at best, folk herbalists also believe fennel seeds have a positive influence on gastrointestinal tract problems, including bloating, gas and upset stomach.
Promotion of Lactation
Breastfeeding mothers may find fennel tea useful for promoting milk production. Herbalists have long recommended the consumption of tea made from fennel seeds to stimulate lactation, although no scientific evidence confirms this use. If you plan to ingest fennel tea for this purpose, consult your physician. A study reported in "Food and Chemical Toxicology" notes that fennel teas often contain estragole, a naturally occurring carcinogen. Estragole has caused tumors in animals, although no human studies demonstrate the same finding.
Aromatherapy
Oil obtained from crushed fennel seeds is used in aromatherapy. The scent is similar to licorice, and the West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy notes that blending it with lavender, lemon, sandalwood, rose and geranium oils produces a calming effect. The smell of fennel supposedly relieves stress and may prove beneficial when you feel pressured or powerless.
References
- The Herb Spiral: Cooking With Fennel
- A Pinch Of; All About Fennel; Sandra Bowens
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Investigations Into the Antiadhesive Activity of Herbal...; K. Bensch, et al.; January 2011
- "The Compleat Mother": Fennel: Great Source of Surprising Health Benefits
- Breastfeeding.com; Herbs and Breastfeeding; Ruth A. Laurence
- "Food and Chemical Toxicology"; Quantification of Estragole in Fennel Herbal Teas...; A. Raffo, et al.; February 2011
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