Fennel is a perennial plant that is commonly consumed as a vegetable. Its seeds are used as both a flavoring and medicinal herb. Both the plant and the seeds have a slight licorice taste. The seeds may be eaten directly or taken as either an infusion by steeping bruised seeds in boiling water or in a tincture. Lower dose preparations may be given to infants and smaller children.
Digestive Aid
Fennel seed can be used as a carminative, a preparation that helps to prevent the formation of gas in the intestinal tract. It also acts as an anti-spasmodic and helps to relieve gastrointestinal pain by relaxing the smooth muscles within the digestive tract. Fennel seed, along with anise and caraway, is commonly used in Europe for indigestion, gas pain and infant colic.
Women's Health Benefits
The anti-spasmodic properties of fennel can also assist in relieving the pain of uterine contractions during menstruation. Fennel may also have mild estrogenic effects and may help relieve the discomforts of menopause. Traditionally, fennel has also been used by nursing mothers to increase milk production.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
The estrogenic effects of fennel may also act as an adjunct to prostate cancer therapies. Prostate cancer is a serious medical condition, requiring professional care. Consult your physician before using fennel or any other self-prescribed treatment.
Blood Pressure Control
A 2007 study published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" states that fennel is among the most promising of herbal medicines used as diuretics. Fennel may therefore be helpful in the treatment of hypertension, due to its ability to reduce fluid buildup in the body.
References
- Purdue University: A Guide to Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
- Science Direct: Herbal Medicines as Diuretics
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1998
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