Fennel, also known as foeniculum vulgare, is considered both an herb and a vegetable. It is used in culinary creations, toothpastes, mouth fresheners and as a medicinal remedy. With its antioxidant, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, carminative and anti-inflammatory properties, fennel may be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory issues, menstrual complaints, eye infections and cancer. However, there is limited evidence that proves fennel's effectiveness on all these conditions.
About Fennel Seed Tea
Fennel is a perennial plant that was native to southern Europe and bears a licorice-like or anise taste and smell. It is now cultivated in North America, northern Europe and Australia. The whole fennel plant is edible including the bulb, stems, leaves, seeds and flowers. Fennel tea is primarily made from the leaves and seeds, also known as fennel's fruit, and it contains many important nutrients including vitamins B and C, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Fennel tea can now be found in grocery stores and health food stores but can also be made from scratch. To make a cup of fennel tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of crushed fennel seeds, steep for 5 minutes, and strain.
Menstrual Issues
Fennel tea may have the ability to regulate the menstrual cycle and ease menstrual discomfort. In a study published in the February 2003 issue of the "International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics," researchers found that fennel was useful in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, which is a gynecological condition that causes severe pain during menstruation that often interferes with the sufferer's daily activities. During this study, participants who suffered from dysmenorrhea experienced headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and severe fatigue. Over 86 percent of the participants also stated they were unable to complete daily tasks while experiencing these symptoms. After using fennel, all participants except for 6 cases, confirmed fewer symptoms and found pain relief. The six cases who did not find relief dropped out of the study because they could not stomach the smell of the fennel or because they felt the fennel increased their menstrual flow.
Cancer
Fennel tea and its derivatives may be helpful to the digestive system of cancer patients who undergo radiation and chemotherapy treatments, states the website, HerbWisdom.com. In some studies, it also appears that fennel may contain cancer protecting agents. In a study published in the September/October 2003 issue of "Anticancer Research," scientists concluded that fennel used as a supplement can inhibit the growth of prostate tumors. Five years later, in another study published in the October issue of "Planta Medica," clinicians found that certain spices or herbs including fennel contain anticancer properties and may be used as a therapeutic or preventative treatment.
Other Medicinal Uses
Aside from menstrual issues and cancer, fennel and fennel tea may be beneficial for other medical conditions including digestive issues. Since fennel contains anti-flatulent properties, it possibly can help the body expel and release excess gas from the stomach. It may also be used as a laxative and relieve constipation. According to the website, Organic Facts, drinking fennel tea or chewing on fennel seeds after a meal may help cure indigestion and reduce bad breath. In addition, fennel has been used to treat colic, promote the production of breast milk, and to disinfect and treat eye conditions such as conjunctivitis. More research needs to be done to verify these claims.
Side Effects
Eating fennel as a food or using it as a supplement appears to be safe; however, consulting a doctor first is recommended. Some minor side effects include nausea and stomach ache. In severe cases, an unusual skin condition known as photo-dermatitis may form; other symptoms such as excessive vomiting, seizures, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and pulmonary edema may occur. Those who are pregnant should avoid fennel due to its estrogenic properties and anyone who is diabetic should be cautious of using fennel in supplement form because it may interfere in their blood sugar levels.
References
- Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Fennel
- "International Journal Gynaecology and Obstetrics"; Comparison of Fennel and Mefenamic Acid For the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea; B. Namavar Jahromi, et al.; February 2003
- The Herb Society of America: Fennel
- "Planta Medica"; Potential of Spice-Derived Phytochemicals For Cancer Prevention; B.B. Aggarwal, et al.; October 2008
- Herbs2000.com: Fennel
- "Anticancer Research"; Antitumor Activity of Herbal Supplements in Human Prostate Cancer Xenografts Implanted in Immunodeficient Mice; S.S. Ng, et al.; September/October 2003
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