Fennel, foeniculum vulgare, has been recognized as a healthy food and medicine since the days of ancient Greece and Rome. Fennel bulbs are used in fresh salads and fennel seeds are used in tea and marinated sauces or dressings. Fennel is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, calcium and fiber. Fennel has been found beneficial for fighting fungi and bacteria, improving digestion and is suitable for both babies and breastfeeding women.
Fights Fungi and Bacteria
A study featured in the November 2010 issue of "Indian Journal of Dental Research" showed that fennel powder inhibited the growth of Candida albicans in test tubes. Scientists suggest that fennel can be used as a low cost and effective therapy, when combined with antifungal drugs, to combat yeast infections caused by Candida. Another study, published in the February 2011 issue of "Molecules," evaluated fennel for its antimicrobial effects. The authors found that essential oil derived from fennel had anti-fungal effects as well as the ability to fight some gram negative and gram positive bacteria.
Improves Digestion
Fennel helps improve digestion, eliminate excess gas and relieve stomach cramps. Its seeds and bulbs are low in calories and are a good food for dieters, suggest the authors of "100 Best Health Foods." A randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind study published in the April 2010 issue of "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine" found that a combination of fennel and other herbs helped improve chronic constipation.
Great for Baby & Mother
Fennel is listed as a potentially effective natural supplement for relieving baby colic by the University of Maryland Medical Center. UMMC suggests that a tea made from fennel seed helps relax the digestive system and eliminate excess gas. Fennel can be consumed either directly by the baby or it can be used by the breastfeeding mother.
Fennel seeds may also stimulate milk production in breastfeeding women; however, fennel should not be used during pregnancy as it may overstimulate the uterus.
Considerations
Consult a qualified nutritionist when incorporating fennel bulbs and seeds into your diet. Keep in mind that fennel should not be used to replace drugs or therapy recommended by your doctor for a medical condition.
References
- "100 Best Health Foods"; Author Unknown; 2009
- University of Maryland: Infant Colics
- "Molecules"; Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oils from Organically Cultivated Fennel Cultivars; A. Shahat et al; Feburary, 2011
- "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Randomized Clinical Trial of a Phytotherapic Compound Containing Pimpinella Anisum, Foeniculum Vulgare, Sambucus Nigra, and Cassia Augustifolia for Chronic Constipation.; PD.Picon et al; April, 2010
- "Indian Journal of Dental Research"; Antifungal Efficacy of Punica Granatum, Acacia nilotica, Cuminum Cyminum and Foeniculum Vulgare on Candida Albicans: an in Vitro Study; MB.Pai et al; November, 2010
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