7 Proven Health Benefits of Fennel Powder (Saunf powder)

The Health Benefits of Fennel powder (Saunf powder) include its use in the treatment of diabetes, bacterial infections, sore throat, painful periods, anxiety and liver disorders. It improves digestion, reduces gas formation and gives relief from abdominal discomfort.

What is Fennel Powder or Saunf Powder?

Fennel powder is a powder made from dry fennel seeds. It is used for medicinal purposes, especially in ayurvedic medicine. In Hindi, it is called Saunf Churna.

Fennel powder (Saunf powder) exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, carminative, anti-bacterial, analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, natural antioxidants, polyphenols, essential oil and flavonoids that promote overall good health.

It is a galactagogue which makes it beneficial for lactating mothers. Thus, it improves the quality, quantity and flow of breast milk. Hence, fennel seed powder should be consumed regularly to promote longevity and improve strength.

Composition of Fennel Powder

Fennel powder is a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin and phosphorus.

Besides these nutrients, fennel seed powder contains essential oil which is responsible for its excellent flavour and aroma.

Furthermore, it also contains phytochemicals (health promoting compounds) and flavonoids such as rutin, quercetin, kaempferol and Rosmarinic acid. These compounds prevent the onset of diseases and disorders that are induced by oxidative stress. (1, 2)

Health benefits of Fennel Powder

The main benefits of fennel powder are discussed below:

Anti-Diabetic Potential

Fennel powder is a traditional medicine used for the management of diabetes mellitus. Essential oil present in it possesses antioxidant properties. These antioxidants protect pancreatic beta-cells against attack by free radicals and lower the level of oxidative stress. Such a protective action of fennel seed powder helps in reducing high blood glucose level (hyperglycemia). It further prevents the onset of diabetic complications.

In addition to this, high phytochemical content and presence of dietary fiber in fennel powder slows down the entry of glucose into the blood post meal and thus, prevents spike in the blood glucose levels. (3)

Fights Bacterial Infections

Essential oil present in fennel powder is effective against growth of S. mutans. S. mutans is bacteria that contributes to tooth decay.

Consumption of fennel powder inhibits the growth of this bacteria in the oral cavity and thus, it helps in maintaining oral hygiene. Anethole, an active compound of fennel seed powder is responsible for its anti-bacterial property.

Furthermore, studies have found that fennel powder protects against fungal infection of mouth, intestine and respiratory tract. Such a potential of saunf powder is attributed to the presence of various phytochemicals in it. (4)

An Effective Galactagogue

Prolactin is a hormone that enhances milk production in breast-feeding mothers.

A very interesting research found that the level of prolactin in the blood increased after consumption of fennel powder. This further improved breast milk sufficiency in feeding mothers.

Active ingredients present in saunf powder such as anethole, fenchone and estragole promote lactation by increasing the milk volume and improving the composition.

These ingredients are phytoestrogen that mimic the action of estrogen, a female hormone. Estrogen increases the secretion of breast milk in women. Thus, fennel seed powder acts as an galactagogue and enhances overall milk production and its flow. (5, 6)

Boosts Immunity

The immunomodulatory properties of fennel powder is attributed to its high content of polyphenols and antioxidants.

Consumption of this powder increases the production of red blood cells. Increased oxidative stress and free radicals attack the red blood cells and damage their cell membrane. This further suppresses the immune system and increases the risk of infections.

Antioxidants present in fennel powder neutralize the harmful action of free radicals. Thus, it treats anemia, enhances immunity and keeps infections at bay. (7)

Role in Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is also known as menstrual cramps or increased pain during periods.

An interesting study found that consumption of fennel powder completely relieved pain in 80% menstruating females.

It inhibits the contractions and lowers the intensity of pain.

Besides this, fennel seed powder also helps in the treatment of nausea and weakness which are common during menstruation. (8)

Enhances Liver Health

Essential oils present in fennel powder protect the liver against injury caused by chemicals. Antioxidants present in this powder scavenge free radicals that otherwise cause damage to the function and structure of the liver.

Fennel powder contains phenolic compounds that help in the regeneration of livers cells. Active ingredient such has ‘anethole’ restores normal function and structure of the liver.

Furthermore, oxidative stress increases the level of liver enzymes. As fennel seed powder possesses strong antioxidant properties, it helps in bringing back liver enzymes within normal range.

Thus, fennel seed powder protects the liver against harmful action of chemicals. (9)

Anti-Stress and Anti-Anxiety Potential

Fennel powder plays a significant role in lowering stress level. It reverses memory deficit and enhances overall memory too.

Furthermore, fennel powder acts as a natural drug that is used for the treatment and management of anxiety associated with physical and psychological symptoms.

Antioxidants present in this powder neutralize free radicals that attack the brain cells and thus boosts overall brain health. (10, 11)

Other Health Benefits

Studies have revealed that fennel powder is a natural pain-killer that helps in relieving pain and spasms. Furthermore, it acts as a potent diuretic, a drug used to increase production of urine. Besides this, fennel seed powder (saunf powder) helps in weight loss and promotes lowering of high blood lipid level. (12)

Fennel Powder

Fennel is a fragrant member of the Apiaceae family with golden umbels and dissected, feathery leaves. A commonly cultivated plant, it is also largely found in the wild around the Mediterranean. The fruit, referred to as fennel seed, is a well-known aromatic and is generally employed as an ally in supporting digestion. Our fennel powder is ground from organically cultivated Foeniculum vulgare seeds. Fennel seed powder can be incorporated into herbal syrups, added to culinary dishes and baked goods, and used in tincturing.

Fennel seed supports healthy digestion and was traditionally used to relieve occasional gas and bloating.*

Fennel was highly valued in the ancient world by Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese, and Indians for its value as a carminative, expectorant, and as a talisman used in various rituals. Fennel is a food plant that can be eaten as a vegetable, is prized as a tasty aromatic spice for a variety of Ayurvedic and Mediterranean dishes and is used as a flavoring in various liqueurs such as gin and absinthe. Due to fennel’s gentle nature, it is used to support digestion in infants and children and can be given to nursing mothers.

Fennel can be an annual, biennial, or perennial plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall, has bright yellow umbrella shaped flowers typical of those in the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family, and green feathery leaves that are similar to those of its cousin dill (Anetheum graveolens).

Continually utilized since the time of Hippocrates and later cultivated by the Romans, fennel has a rich history based on its properties as a food and spice, digestive stimulant, and a sacred ritual object. The original Greek name for fennel was ‘marathon’ or marathos which meant ‘to grow thin’ due to the use of the fennel seed by athletes to control their weight. The place of the famous “Battle of Marathon” was a plain in East Attica where fennel grew abundantly. Fennel was sprouted as part of a ritual honoring Adonis, the lover of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. In ceremonies honoring Dionysus (Bacchus), a thyrsus (a wand or staff of giant fennel with ivy vines and leaves, wound with ribbons and topped with a pine cone) was tossed around while dancing as a symbol of prosperity, fertility, and pleasure in general.

Pliny the Elder, an ancient Roman historian believed fennel supported the ability to see clearly; this belief is also mentioned in a variety of Ayurvedic texts (system of Indian traditional healing). Further, in medieval times, it was believed that if grown around the home, or hung above windows and doorways on Midsummer’s Eve, fennel would protect the inhabitants and ward off evil.

Various preparations and uses of fennel were recorded in Spain as far back as 961 B.C.E, and there are many references to this herb in historical poetry such as in Milton’s Paradise Lost where he refers to the “smell of sweetest fennel. ” In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fennel (or xiao hui xiang) was powdered and made into a poultice for snakebites. In TCM, fennel demonstrates aromatic and warming properties and effects the liver, kidney, spleen, and stomach meridians (energetic pathways) and is therefore administered to increase appetite, quell nausea, and to allay occasional bloating.

In Ayurveda, fennel is called ‘samf’ or ‘saunf’, ‘madhurika’, or ‘shatapushpa’ (amongst other names) and believed to taste bitter, pungent, and sweet. It is considered neutral to slightly warming energetically and balancing to all three of the constitutional body types (vata, pitta, and kapha). It is considered to be one of the best carminatives and has been utilized to relieve gas and enhance digestion. Fennel is considered nourishing to the brain and eyes and calming to the spirit.

In various countries in the Mediterranean, particularly Italy and France, the leaves are put into salads, sauces, and puddings. Roman bakers put fennel under their loaves while baking in order to make the bread taste better, and perhaps to make it more digestable. Nicholas Culpepper (a 17th century botanist, avid astrologer, physician, and herbalist) wrote in his Complete Herbal that fennel should be boiled alongside fish in order to make it easier to digest.

In North America, fennel was used by the Cherokee as a carminative and thus administered to soothe digestion in infants and was also given to women during childbirth. The Pomo Indians used fennel as an eyewash and a digestive aid and the Hopi used fennel as a tobacco substitute for smoking.

In recent times, fennel is utilized mostly in the same way that it has been for thousands of years. It is an incredibly helpful digestive aid, an effective expectorant, a delicious food and spice, and may stimulate normal milk production in nursing mothers.

Precautions
No known precautions. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.

9 Health Benefits of Fennel Seeds

India’s love affair with fennel needs no introduction. The seed spice dominates a variety of our preparations. Did you know that India happens to be the largest exporter of fennel seeds, widely known as saunf. A common practice in most Indian households is to have few fennel seeds or saunf at the end of every meal. This practice you might think is to freshen the mouth, but think again. A concentrated source of minerals like Copper, Potassium, Calcium, Zinc, Manganese, Vitamin C, Iron, Selenium and Magnesium, the age old practice does much more than simply beat bad breath. From regulating blood pressure to water retention, fennel seeds pack a bevy of nutrients that make it a must have in your kitchen. In size and shape they resemble cumin or zeera, but fennel is a different spice altogether. Having sad that, without much ado, let’s learn about fennel seeds benefits.

Here are some 9 great fennel seed benefits: 

1. Helps Regulate Blood Pressure:A study published in the Journal of Food Science, found that chewing on fennel seeds helped increased the nitrite content in saliva, making it a great natural way to keep a check on blood pressure levels. Apart from this, fennel seeds are also a very rich source of potassium and since potassium is an essential component of cells and body fluids, it helps control your heart rate and blood pressure.

(Also Read: Blood Pressure: 6 Foods For Managing Blood Pressure)

_{Fennel seeds help regulate blood pressure.}

2. Reduce Water Retention :Drinking fennel tea, regularly helps flush out excess fluids as it works as a diuretic. In addition, fennel seed helps remove toxins and reduces the risk of urinary tract problems. It also has diaphoretic properties that stimulate perspiration.
 

3. Fennel Tea for Constipation, Indigestion, IBS & Bloating:The tea is considered very useful to help indigestion, bloating and constipation because of the oils found in these seeds. Fennel seeds contain estragole, fenchone and anethole, which contribute to the plant’s antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. For those with IBS, the volatile oils found in fennel seeds can help kick start digestion by promoting the production of gastric enzymes. For its multitude of gastrointestinal benefits, fennel tea is sure to help the digestive tract be healthy and happy.
 

4. Fennel Seeds Reduce Asthma Symptoms :Fennel seeds and their phytonutrients help clear sinuses. Sinus is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. They make a great tea to aid with bronchitis, congestion and cough as they have expectorant properties.(Also Read: World Asthma Day 2016: Home Remedies to Treat Asthma)

_{Fennel seeds are known to reduce asthma symptoms.}   

5. Helps Purify Blood:The essential oils and fiber in these seeds are considered very useful to flush out toxins and sludge from our bodies, thus helping to cleanse the blood. It is very important to include foods in your diet that help cleanse your blood, to ensure there is smooth absorption of nutrients. 
 

6. Improves Eyesight:A handful of these seeds could do wonders for your eyesight too.  Fennel seeds contain Vitamin A, which is important for eyesight. In ancient India, extracts of these seeds were used to improve the symptoms of glaucoma.
 

7. According to Ayurveda:Fennel seeds reduce all 3 Trodosha (Vata, Pita, Kapha). The seeds have a cooling effect on the body. It is a good idea to consume a fennel seed drink during the scorching summer, to relieve heat from the body. The oil found in the seeds is carminative in nature, hence it is used in massage blends, especially in Ayurveda to calm the nerves and promote mental clarity.
 

_{Fennel seeds have a cooling effect on the body.}

8. Great for Acne: When fennel seeds are eaten on a regular basis, they provide the body with valuable minerals like zinc, calcium and selenium. These minerals are very helpful to balance hormones and in helping up the oxygen balance. When consumed, fennel has a cooling impact on the skin, hence giving a healthy glow.
 

9. Keeps Cancer Away:The seeds also have very powerful free radical scavenging properties that help beat oxidative stress and protects the body from various cancers of the skin, stomach and breasts. Fennel seeds have a very potent chemo modulatory effect too.

In Ayurveda, fennel seeds are considered very auspicious. They were extensively used in various recipes in ancient India. The age-old secrets of health can be found in the simplest ingredients in our kitchens. We just need to unveil them.
 

_{Fennel seeds may keep cancer away.}  

Although, research is lacking in some aspects, but, fennel seeds may give a boost to your health. Add them to your daily diet and you will see the difference!About the Author:Shilpa Arora ND is a renowned Health Practitioner, Nutritionist and certified Macrobiotic Health Coach. She has to her credit Doctorate in Natural Medicine. She is currently based in Delhi NCR region, successfully running her Nutrition Studio with individual consultations, offering life style programs supported by the most up-to-date clinical research.

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

19 Amazing Benefits Of Fennel Seeds For Skin, Hair, And Health

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds are considered quite useful for relieving various ailments, ranging from congestion and stomach gas to asthma and diabetes. The seeds contain powerful phytonutrients and antioxidants. The most potent of them is anethole that makes them highly nutritious and powerful. Fennel seeds are also called semillas de hinojo in Spanish, graines de fenouil in French, and budhur alfianal in Arabic. Read on to find out more about the health benefits of fennel seeds.

What Are The Benefits of Fennel Seeds?

1. May Improve Digestive Health

Fennel seeds are used to treat an array of digestive ailments, including heartburn, intestinal gas (and infant gas), bloating, and even colic in infants. The seeds have antispasmodic and carminative effects. The essential of the seeds can help treat other serious digestive ailments like irritable bowel syndrome (1).

Some sources suggest that fennel seeds may also help treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diarrhea, constipation, and ulcerative colitis. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

2. May Provide Relief From Asthma And Other Respiratory Ailments

The phytonutrients in fennel seeds help clear sinuses. This may help relieve asthma symptoms. The expectorant properties of the seeds heal other respiratory ailments like bronchitis, cough, and congestion. A study explored the relaxant effects of fennel seeds on guinea pig tracheal chains (2). It concluded the seeds could offer bronchial relaxation. However, we need more research to understand the same effect in humans.

Fennel seeds may instead cause asthmatic symptoms in some individuals (3). Hence, talk to your doctor if you are vulnerable to asthma.

3. May Benefit Breastfeeding Women

Fennel seeds contain anethole (4). Some believe anethole mimics the properties of the estrogen hormone and increases milk secretion in women. Fennel seeds may benefit lactating women as they also are known to be galactagogues (substances that promote lactation) (5).

4. May Combat Bad Breath

Anecdotal evidence suggests that chewing fennel seeds may freshen your breath. The seeds have the flavor of anise (or licorice). Simply munching on 5 to 10 fennel seeds could freshen your breath. The seeds are believed to increase the production of saliva and may wash out the bacteria that cause bad breath. The essential oil of fennel has antibacterial properties that help fight the germs that cause bad breath. The longer you chew the seeds, the more refreshing you could feel.

5. May Help Fight Diabetes

A 2008 study found that fennel essential oil may lower blood sugar levels in diabetic rats (6). Fennel seeds are also a good source of vitamin C. Intake of the nutrient may lower blood sugar levels, though more research is needed to further understand this mechanism. The beta-carotene in fennel seeds may also reduce cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Also, fennel seeds have a low glycemic index (7). Hence, they can be a good addition to a diabetes diet.

6. May Increase Breast Growth

There is limited research in this regard. Fennel is a popular ingredient in most ‘bust enhancing’ herbal products (8). This could be because it mimics the properties of human estrogen. Talk to your doctor before using fennel seeds for this purpose.

7. May Help Lower Cholesterol Levels

The methanol extracts of fennel were found to reduce cholesterol levels in mice. They also could reduce the deposition of fats (triglycerides) in the coronary arteries (9).

8. May Help Treat Edema

Edema is the swelling of tissues in the body due to excess fluid. Anecdotal evidence supports the efficacy of fennel seeds in treating edema. The anethole in fennel seeds may help in this regard (10).

9. May Boost Fertility

Fennel has estrogenic properties (11).  Anecdotal evidence suggests that these properties may also boost fertility. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

10. May Regulate Blood Pressure Levels

Fennel seeds contain potassium. Potassium is known to counteract the ill effects of sodium and regulates the fluid amount in the bloodstream. This may help lower blood pressure (12).

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the calcium in the seeds also may lower blood pressure. It may help keep the blood vessels toned, and may even help maintain heart rate. The fiber in fennel seeds may also play a role in regulating blood pressure levels.

Research shows the nitrites in fennel seeds may lower blood pressure levels (13). The seeds contain magnesium too. This nutrient is also known to lower blood pressure levels (14).

11. May Aid Hernia Treatment

Some sources mention the use of fennel seeds by traditional Chinese medicine for treating hernia (15). However, we need more research to confirm if they can be used in mainstream hernia treatment.

12. May Enhance Liver Health

In one 2011 study, fennel seeds inhibited liver cancer cells and increased the activity of certain antioxidant cells in the liver (16). The selenium in fennel seeds may also improve the function of liver enzymes. However, more research is warranted in this regard. Some sources suggest that fennel seeds may also help relieve urinary tract infections (17).

13. May Promote Weight Loss

Fennel seeds are rich in fiber and may aid weight loss and keep hunger pangs at bay. The seeds may also decrease fat storage and improve nutrient absorption. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

Fennel seeds have diuretic properties (18). They increase urine output and flush out the excess fluid from the body. This also may contribute to weight loss. However, this weight loss induced by fennel seeds could be a direct consequence of water loss and not fat loss.

A Korean study proved that the intake of fennel tea could suppress appetite in overweight people (19).

14. May Ease Morning Sickness

Fennel seeds may be used to calm the stomach and offer quick relief from morning sickness. Chewing fennel seeds or having fennel tea may help. Fennel seeds may also prevent stomach gas and encourage the expulsion of gas. They may help treat nausea as well. However, research is lacking in this regard.

15. May Improve Menstrual Symptoms

Preliminary studies have confirmed that fennel is safe and effective for easing menopause symptoms. It is also a known emmenagogue (20). The phytoestrogenic properties of fennel seeds may also help treat menstrual symptoms like cramps and hot flashes (21).

16. May Enhance Sleep Quality

Fennel seeds contain magnesium. Some sources suggest that magnesium may improve the quality and duration of sleep, especially in the elderly. The mineral may also help treat sleep disorders like insomnia (22).

17. May Treat Candida

The antioxidants in fennel seeds can help treat candida (23). The seeds also possess antibacterial and antifungal properties. They may be effective against Candida albicans (24). Taking a tablespoon of fennel seeds along with breakfast may help ease symptoms. You can crush them and add to your breakfast. You can also consume fennel tea by steeping the seeds in hot water and taking the infused tea in the morning.

18. May Improve Skin Appearance

Anti-aging dermatological skin care creams with fennel extracts have been formulated that help in protecting the skin from free radical damage and improve skin cell longevity (25).

How to use fennel seeds to Improve skin quality?

• To tone your skin, you can take a handful of fennel seeds and add them to boiling water. Allow to cool. Add a few drops of fennel essential oil to the mixture. Filter it. Dab it to your face with the help of cotton balls as many times as you can throughout the day. Your skin will feel toned and thoroughly refreshed.
• You can also use fennel seed steam facial for enhanced skin texture. Add a tablespoon of fennel seeds to one liter of boiling water. Lean over it and cover your head and neck with a towel for 5 minutes. Do this twice a week to clean the pores and make your skin glow.
• You can also use a face mask. Prepare a fennel seed infusion by adding a tablespoon of fennel seeds to half a cup of boiling water. Wait for 30 minutes and add a tablespoon each of oatmeal and honey to it. Make a smooth paste and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.

19. May Improve Hair Health

The antioxidants and antimicrobial properties in fennel seeds may help treat a host of hair ailments. The seeds may help treat dandruff, scalp itchiness, hair breakage, and hair fall (26).

How to use fennel to reduce hair fall and breakage?

• First, prepare fennel seed tea. You can pound three tablespoons of fennel seeds. Alternatively, you may choose to invest in readymade fennel seed powder. Boil two cups of water and add it to the powdered seeds. Keep the solution aside for about 15 minutes. Use it as the last rinse after you have shampooed and conditioned your hair. This may boost hair health and prevent hair breakage and hair fall.
• You may also use a fennel seed-vinegar solution. You can use apple cider vinegar and glycerin along with fennel seeds to prepare a solution to treat an itchy and dry scalp. Boil a cup of water. Pour it over a spoon of crushed fennel seeds placed in a small bowl. Wait for 30 minutes. Add a spoon of vegetable glycerin and apple cider vinegar. Filter the solution with a cheesecloth. Massage the mixture into your scalp and hair and leave it on for some time. Rinse. The best part is that this tonic can be stored in a glass container for weeks.

These are the benefits of fennel seeds. In the following section we will check the nutritional profile of fennel seeds.

What Are The Nutrients In Fennel Seeds?

*values sourced from USDA, spices, fennel seed

Conclusion

Though research is lacking in some aspects, overall, fennel seeds can give a boost to your health. Include them in your routine, and you will see the difference.

And tell us how this post on the benefits of fennel seeds has made your life better. Simply leave a comment below.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Can we eat fennel seeds daily?

Yes, the benefits of fennels can be enjoyed daily if consumed in moderate amounts.

How much fennel can I consume in a day?

Five to seven grams of fennel seeds or 0.1 mL to 0.6 mL of the oil would do.

What can I substitute fennel seeds with?

Anise seeds can be a good substitute as they also have a licorice flavor. Since anise seeds have a stronger flavor, you can use them in small amounts.

Can you eat raw fennel?

Yes, you may eat raw fennel.

Which part of the fennel plant can we use?

The white fennel bulb and the green fronds are can be used. Fennel stalks are quite tough and are generally not consumed.

Is fennel good for the eyes?

Traditional medicine suggests that fennel is good for improving eyesight. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help treat various eye related issues such as dry eyes, and watery or tired eyes. Ayurvedic remedies claim to use fennel to clear cloudy eyes, and help in the treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. However, research is lacking in this aspect.

Where do fennel seeds come from?

Fennel seeds come from the fruit of the fennel plant.

26 sources

Stylecraze has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Portincasa, Piero, et al. “Curcumin and Fennel Essential Oil Improve Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” Journal of Gastrointestinal & Liver Diseases 25.2 (2016).https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27308645/
• Boskabady, M. H., A. Khatami, and A. Nazari. “Possible mechanism (s) for relaxant effects of Foeniculum vulgare on guinea pig tracheal chains.” Die Pharmazie-An International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 59.7 (2004): 561-564.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15296096/
• Schwartz, Howard J., et al. “Occupational allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma due to fennel seed.” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 78.1 (1997): 37-40.
  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1081120610633698
• Leal, Patrícia F., et al. “Extraction kinetics and anethole content of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and anise seed (Pimpinella anisum) extracts obtained by soxhlet, ultrasound, percolation, centrifugation, and steam distillation.” Separation Science and Technology 46.11 (2011): 1848-1856.
  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01496395.2011.572575
• “Fennel.” Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 3 Dec. 2018. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501793/
• S. Javadi , M. Ilkhnipour , R. Heidari and V. Nejati , 2008. The Effect Foeniculum vulgare Mill (Fennel) Essential Oil on Blood Glucose in Rats. Plant Sciences Research, 1: 47-49. Asian Journal of Information Technology, 18: 250-260.
  https://medwelljournals.com/abstract/?doi=psres.2008.47.49
• Anusha, M. B., et al. “Efficiency of selected food ingredients on protein efficiency ratio, glycemic index and in vitro digestive properties.” Journal of food science and technology 55.5 (2018): 1913-1921.
  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13197-018-3109-y
• Fugh-Berman, Adriane. ““Bust enhancing” herbal products.” Obstetrics & Gynecology 101.6 (2003): 1345-1349.
  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0029784403003624
• Hypolipidemic and Anti-Atherogenic effect of methanol extract of Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) in hypercholesterolemic mice.
  https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ee29/b982b0bb6c9021bdf9a8b1be91206926788d.pdf
• Ponte, Edson L., et al. “Comparative study of the anti-edematogenic effects of anethole and estragole.” Pharmacological Reports 64.4 (2012): 984-990.
  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1734114012708952
• Albert-Puleo, Michael. “Fennel and anise as estrogenic agents.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2.4 (1980): 337-344.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6999244/
• Wu, Aihua, Martin Wolley, and Michael Stowasser. “The interplay of renal potassium and sodium handling in blood pressure regulation: critical role of the WNK-SPAK-NCC pathway.” Journal of human hypertension 33.7 (2019): 508-523.
  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41371-019-0170-6
• Swaminathan, Akila, et al. “Nitrites derived from foneiculum vulgare (Fennel) seeds promotes vascular functions.” Journal of Food Science 77.12 (2012): h373-h379.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23240972/
• Sanjuliani, Antonio Felipe, Virginia Genelhu de Abreu Fagundes, and Emílio Antonio Francischetti. “Effects of magnesium on blood pressure and intracellular ion levels of Brazilian hypertensive patients.” International journal of cardiology 56.2 (1996): 177-183.
  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0167527396027167
• Traditional Chinese medicine for treating hernia, Google Patents.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/CN104083631B/en
• Mohamad, Ragaa Hosny, et al. “Antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects of methanolic extract and volatile oil of fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare).” Journal of medicinal food 14.9 (2011): 986-1001.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21812646/
• Gohari, Ahmad-Reza, and Soodabeh Saeidnia. “The role of herbal medicines in treatment of urinary tract diseases.” Journal of nephropharmacology 3.1 (2014): 13.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5297587/
• Syed, Fareeduddin Quadri, et al. “An Insight of Multitudinous and Inveterate Pharmacological Applications of Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel).” Plant and Human Health, Volume 3. Springer, Cham, 2019. 231-254.
  https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-04408-4_11
• Bae, JiYoung, et al. “Fennel (foeniculum vulgare) and fenugreek (trigonella foenum-graecum) tea drinking suppresses subjective short-term appetite in overweight women.” Clinical nutrition research 4.3 (2015): 168-174.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4525133/
• Rahimi, Roja, and Mohammad Reza Shams Ardekani. “Medicinal properties of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. in traditional Iranian medicine and modern phytotherapy.” Chinese journal of integrative medicine 19.1 (2013): 73-79.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23275017/
• Rahimikian, Fatemeh, et al. “Effect of Foeniculum vulgare Mill.(fennel) on menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” Menopause 24.9 (2017): 1017-1021.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28509813/
• Abbasi, Behnood, et al. “The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences 17.12 (2012): 1161.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3703169/
• Pai, Mithun BH, et al. “Antifungal efficacy of Punica granatum, Acacia nilotica, Cuminum cyminum and Foeniculum vulgare on Candida albicans: an in vitro study.” Indian Journal of Dental Research 21.3 (2010): 334.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20930339/
• Liu, Qing, et al. “Antibacterial and antifungal activities of spices.” International journal of molecular sciences 18.6 (2017): 1283.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5486105/
• Jadoon, Saima, et al. “Anti-aging potential of phytoextract loaded-pharmaceutical creams for human skin cell longetivity.” Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity 2015 (2015).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4581564/
• Eliaz, Isaac G., and Shmuel Gonen. “Method and product for promoting hair growth and treating skin conditions.” U.S. Patent No. 6,203,782. 20 Mar. 2001.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US6203782B1/en  

 Recommended Articles:

Was this article helpful?

Related

The following two tabs change content below.

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is an editor and a published author. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has been in the digital media field for over six years. He has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He considers himself a sculptor born to chip away at content and reveal its dormant splendor. He started his career as a research writer, primarily focusing on health and wellness, and has over 250 articles to his credit. Ravi believes in the great possibilities of abundant health with natural foods and organic supplements. Reading and theater are his other interests.

5 health benefits and risks

In the Middle Ages, on Midsummer’s night, people hung fennel over doorways to protect the household from evil spirits.

Although it is no longer used as a protective decoration, fennel is still one of the more widely used medicinal plants, being suggested for everything from colic to conjunctivitis.

The benefits of fennel tea are both culinary and curative. Fennel is used in many different cuisines, from Indian to Italian, to contemporary fusion, and all parts of the plant are used, including the leaves, seeds, and bulb.

The Emperor Charlemagne was so taken with fennel that he took the flowering plant to Europe and grew it on his estates.

Fast facts on fennel:

• The Latin name for fennel is foeniculum vulgare.
• The ancient Greeks and Romans thought fennel could bring strength and fortitude and lead to longer life.
• The benefits of fennel tea are very similar to those derived from fennel seeds.

Share on PinterestFennel tea has long been enjoyed for its flavor, though many choose to drink it for its purported health benefits.

Through the ages, many health claims have been made for fennel, and drinking fennel tea is an established practice in traditional medicine throughout the world.

Although Western science has not verified all these benefits, humans have used fennel to:

• relieve flatulence
• encourage urination
• boost metabolism
• treat hypertension
• improve eyesight
• prevent glaucoma
• regulate appetite
• clear mucus from the airways
• stimulate milk production in nursing women
• speed digestion
• reduce gas
• reduce stress
• detoxify the body

Share on PinterestFennel tea may aid healthy digestion, and treat bloating, gas, or cramps, and may also act as a diuretic.

According to herbalists, fennel seed is an effective aid to digestion. It can help the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal system relax and reduce gas, bloating, and stomach cramps.

In fact, tinctures or teas made from fennel seeds can be used to treat stomach muscle spasms caused by irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and other conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system.

Fennel may also be used in combination with other herbal remedies to modify the side effects of herbal formulas used as laxatives, or other treatments for digestive problems.

1. Painful periods

Painful periods or dysmenorrhoea are a common problem for many women, who often use over-the-counter medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat the pain.

However, roughly 10-20 percent of women who suffer from severe cramping and discomfort during their period do not find relief through this approach.

Many turn to alternative or complementary treatments instead, and a 2012 study suggested that fennel can be helpful in this regard.

Researchers speculate that fennel helps keep the uterus from contracting, which is what prompts the pain reported by women with dysmenorrhea.

2. Colic

One of the significant benefits of fennel is its anti-spasmodic qualities. Because of this, some people believe that fennel tea may also play a role in reducing the symptoms of colic in infants.

3. Regulating blood sugar

Many herbalists and complementary healthcare practitioners recommend fennel tea as a way to regulate blood sugar.

A study in Bangladesh, in which mice were treated with an extract made from mentholated fennel seeds, found that, at some dosage levels, this extract reduced blood glucose levels at a rate comparable to that of standard antihyperglycemic medications.

4. Pain relief

Fennel is also considered helpful for pain relief. The same study from Bangladesh found that fennel extract reduced indications of pain at a level close to that provided by aspirin.

5. Hydration

Staying well hydrated is important for overall health, so one of the more direct benefits of fennel tea is that it provides individuals with a tasty, caffeine-free beverage.

Fennel tea or fennel extract?

Extract of fennel seeds is not the same thing as fennel tea. Fennel tea is less processed and more likely to be pure; and the measurable, beneficial impacts of fennel tea suggest multiple reasons for drinking it. The U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) do not monitor supplements and extracts of herbs.

Also, some people simply find fennel tea delicious.

Share on PinterestThe essential oils derived from fennel seeds have a range of potential beneficial properties.

Although most of the health claims made for fennel and fennel tea are based on traditional medicine, some scientific, medical studies have identified specific drug-like qualities of the plant, particularly its essential oils, which may promote health.

Studies have found that fennel tea benefits linked to fennel’s essential oils include:

• reducing the formation of blood clots
• increasing milk secretion and supporting the female reproductive system
• acting as an antioxidant
• antibacterial effects
• antifungal activity
• anti-inflammatory properties
• anti-diabetic
• controlling dust mites

Researchers found that ground fennel seeds in solution were effective against bacteria that cause indigestion, diarrhea, and dysentery, as well as some hospital-acquired infections.

According to one study, fennel was effective at collecting free radicals, which cause disease. This suggested fennel extracts could be used to help individuals ward off the effects of many chronic diseases and dangerous health conditions, including cancer, hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis, and inflammation.

While even the most committed natural care providers are not claiming that drinking a cup of fennel tea could be like taking a dip in the Fountain of Youth, this research suggests that the compounds found in fennel could help buffer the effects of aging.

Fennel is considered fairly mild, although some people may be allergic to it. It is also possible to overdose on the extracted oils found in fennel.

Some studies have found that fennel has an estrogenic effect, which means that it mimics the effects of estrogen. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not drink fennel tea. People with cancers that are sensitive to estrogen should also avoid the use of fennel.

Estragole, a key element in fennel, has been identified as a potential carcinogen, so individuals with cancer, or at a high-risk for the disease, are urged to limit their use of fennel tea, or avoid it altogether.

Native to the Mediterranean region, fennel is now found all over the world, and its uses are as numerous as the places in which it grows.

Flavorful and fragrant, fennel is used in the following ways:

• as a spice
• eaten raw
• dried
• braised
• grilled
• shaved
• stewed

It has a distinctive licorice-like flavor and is used in salads, sausages, ice cream, cookies, alcoholic beverages, pasta dishes, and more.

7 Health Benefits of Fennel Seeds and How it Aids in Weight Loss:

India being one of the largest exporters of fennel seeds/saunf (as it is popularly known), uses it voraciously due to all the benefits it provides. People from diverse cultures prefer consuming fennel seeds owing to its various medicinal properties. For instance, Indian families often consume fennel seeds after having their meal for healthier and faster digestion.
Fennel seeds are often interlinked to ‘longevity’ and are known for offering a wide range of nutritional properties that aid in improving the well being of a human body. Moreover, fennel seeds offer a concentrated source of different minerals that are vital for the regulation of blood pressure as well as for the retention of water inside our body. 

Table of Contents

What are Fennel Seeds?

Fennel seeds have a crunchy texture on the outside with a mildly sweet flavor. It is also widely used as a mouth freshener. Fennel seeds closely resemble anise seeds in terms of appearance, and are extracted from fennel plants. They contain multiple nutrients like Vitamin K, Vitamin E, manganese, copper, zinc, and phosphorus, and is a good source of Vitamin C. One serving of fennel seeds contains 1% of the RDI (Recommended Dietary Intake) for Vitamin C, which acts as a dynamic antioxidant for your body, protecting your skin from any damages caused by the sun, smoke, or pollution.

Nutritional Facts of Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are usually consumed in the quantity of one tablespoon per serving, and the nutrition value it provides can be found below:

Let’s take a further look at some other details about fennel seeds, and understand how the seeds can help us in maintaining our diet and meeting the goals we have set for ourselves. 

Benefits of fennel seeds

Fennel seeds contain powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients that makes them a highly nutritious source with many health benefits, which are as follows:

1. Regulates blood pressure

The Journal of Food Science published a study which showed that chewing fennel seeds helps in increasing the level of nitrite in saliva. Nitrite is a natural element that keeps a check on the blood pressure levels. In addition to this, fennel seeds are also rich in potassium which helps in controlling the blood pressure and heart rate. 

2. Great for skin problems

Regular consumption of fennel seeds provide minerals such as selenium, calcium, and zinc. These minerals are crucial for balancing hormones while maintaining the oxygen balance in your bloodstream. These minerals impart a cooling and soothing effect on the skin, providing it with a healthy glow. Fennel seeds also offer various ayurvedic properties that help in treating other skin ailments like rashes and dryness. Applying a paste of fennel seeds is highly beneficial for the skin as the aforementioned minerals are absorbed by the skin, and keeps it moist, clean, and healthy.

3. Purifies Blood

The vital fiber and essential oils in fennel seeds are considered highly useful for flushing out sludge and toxins from our bodies, thereby, helping in cleansing the blood which further helps in optimum absorption of nutrients in the body. The polyphenol antioxidants in fennel seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties that help in fighting various bacteria and viruses, keeping you safe from various diseases.

4. Helps in improving eyesight

Adding a couple tablespoons of fennel seeds to your diet regularly can help in enhancing your vision. They contain a high amount of vitamin A, an essential component for excellent vision. In ancient times, extracts from fennel seeds were used for treating people who were affected with glaucoma.

5. Reduces water retention and suppress appetite

Drinking fennel tea regularly helps in flushing out excess fluids from your body. Fennel tea works like a diuretic. Moreover, it also helps in reducing the chances of urinary tract diseases and removing toxins from the kidney. It also includes diaphoretic properties that help in stimulating perspiration.
One more advantage of drinking fennel tea is that it helps in suppressing appetite. Consuming one cup of fennel tea, releases essential oils which helps in suppressing hunger.   Fennel tea is suggested by many dietitians before meals to suppress the calorie intake for weight loss.

6. Vital for Bloating, IBS, Indigestion, and Constipation

Fennel seeds can act as a vital source for curing constipation, bloating, and indigestion as they contain essential oils like anethole, fenchone, and estragole that contributes to the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. These elements help significantly in breaking down the food in the body, and keeps your digestive system functioning smoothly. People who suffer from IBS would highly benefit from the fennel seed extracts. The oils help in kick-starting digestion by promoting the working as well as the production of gastric juices and enzymes, keeping your digestive tract healthy.

7. Reduces risk of cancer

The seeds contain powerful, free radical scavenging properties. Due to the presence of antioxidants, fennel seeds help in neutralizing free radicals that are responsible for developing cancer. Hence, it helps in beating the oxidative stress along with protecting the body from different cancers of the breasts, stomach, and skin. It offers a chemo modulatory effect on the patient. 

Fennel seeds and weight loss

Fennel seeds are often considered as an essential food item to include in diets for losing weight. Consuming it regularly along with an active and healthy lifestyle helps in losing extra pounds. Weight loss is just one of the various advantages of adding fennel seeds to your everyday diet. These tiny seeds have a ton of powerful nutrients that keep a human body healthy. Here are some ways by which fennel helps in reducing the few extra pounds in your body.
Fennel seeds are very rich in dietary fibers, which slow down the digestion process. This means that after consuming one serving of fennel seeds, you won’t get hungry anytime soon, which can avoid  overeating. Additionally, with the presence of antioxidants, fennel seeds help in improving the body’s absorption power for vitamins and minerals. Another advantage of the antioxidants is that they help in breaking down the fats and carbs in the body, helping you in avoid gaining extra pounds.
Fennel seeds also have diuretic properties which will help you in flushing out the toxins and other harmful liquids from your body. A much more preferred alternative to fennel seeds tea is a fennel seeds drink called the Variyali Sherbet. This tangy drink is a common drink in India, and is usually consumed in the summers to keep the body hydrated and cool. Not only does Variyali Sherbet help in weight loss, but it also helps in detoxifying the body, getting rid of acidity and reducing stress. This can be attributed to an endless list of antioxidants present in fennel seeds like zeaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene, chlorine, manganese, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and more that are known for protecting the body against oxidative stress and improving the metabolic rate of a human body.

Here’s the recipe to make one glass of Variyali Sherbet:

Ingredients required:

• 1 cup of fennel seeds
• 2 cups of water (500ml)
• 1.5  cups of rock sugar
• 5 soaked cardamom
• Black salt
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Grind fennel seeds and cardamom into a fine powder in a food processor or mixer  grinder.
• Now soak the fennel and cardamom powder for nearly 8 hours in 2 cups of water. 
• Next, the rock sugar needs to be grinded into a fine powder.
• Strain the soaked fennel and cardamom powder liquid into a container
• Add a pinch of black salt in the container
• Add the powdered sugar and stir for 30 seconds
• Serve in a glass with ice cubes

Nutritional value of a normal glass (240 ml) of Variyali Sherbet:

Summary

In India, fennel seeds are quite popular among people as the seeds can miraculously treat an endless list of digestive ailments that include colic in infants, intestinal gas, heartburn, and more. You can even use the seeds as a mouth freshener after you have a hearty meal. Hence, we can see that fennel seeds offer a wide range of benefits that makes it very popular among people.
So, the next time you’re thinking of incorporating a food item into your diet with multiple health benefits, you should consider fennel seeds as they would fit in perfectly with your long term or short term health goals. 

15 Impressive Benefits of Fennel

The health benefits of fennel are many and include relief from anemia, indigestion, flatulence, constipation, colic, diarrhea, respiratory disorders, and menstrual disorders. It also aids in eye care. Fennel, which has the scientific name Foeniculum vulgare miller, or its essence, is widely used around the world in mouth fresheners, toothpaste, desserts, antacids, and in various culinary applications.

What is Fennel?

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an aromatic herb that originated in the Mediterranean region and has many culinary and medicinal uses. It has not been spread and naturalized as an herb around the world, but still primarily grows in coastal climates and on riverbanks. It is one of the main components of the alcohol absinthe, although the plant itself does not have the hallucinogenic properties for which the liquor is known. ^[1]

Apart from the uses of fennel already mentioned, there are numerous medicinal uses and health benefits, mainly due to the components of its essential oils, which are summarized below.

Complete your platter with a handful of fresh fennel seeds. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Fennel Nutrition Facts

According to the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, fennel bulb is a source of energy, vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium and other essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and sodium. It provides small amounts of iron, magnesium, zinc, niacin, and vitamin K. It also contains B-vitamins, beta carotene, vitamin A, flavonols. ^[3]

Health Benefits of Fennel

Let us look at the top health benefits of fennel in detail:

Rich source of Vitamin C

One cup of fennel bulb contains almost 20 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C, making it quite a rich source of this beneficial vitamin of our diet. Vitamin C improves general immune system health, produces and repairs skin tissues, helps form collagen, and protects the blood vessel walls as an antioxidant against the harmful effects of free radicals that can frequently lead to heart diseases. ^[4]

Prevents Anemia

Iron and histidine, an amino acid found in fennel, are both helpful in the treatment of anemia. Whereas iron is the chief constituent of hemoglobin, histidine stimulates the production of hemoglobin and also helps in the formation of various other components of the blood. ^[5]

Relieves Indigestion

It is a common practice, particularly in the Indian Subcontinent, to chew fennel seeds after meals. This has been done for many years as it is thought to facilitate digestion and to eliminate bad breath. ^[6]

Some of the components in the fennel essential oil are stimulants as they encourage secretion of digestive and gastric juices, reduce inflammation in the stomach and intestines, and facilitate proper absorption of nutrients from the food. Furthermore, it can eliminate constipation and protect the body from a wide range of intestinal troubles that can stem from being blocked up. It also has anti-acidic (basic) properties and is extensively used in antacid preparations. In culinary applications, it is also used as the main ingredient in many appetizers.

Reduces Flatulence

Fennel is very popular as an antiflatulent, due to the carminative properties of the aspartic acid found in it. Its extract can be used by many, from infants to the elderly, as a way to reduce flatulence and to expel excess gas from the stomach. It is commonly used in medications to reduce symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia and flatulence in infants and young children. ^[7]

Treats Constipation

Fennel seeds, particularly in powdered form, is thought to act as a laxative, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine. The roughage helps clear the bowels, whereas its stimulating effect helps maintain the proper peristaltic motion of the intestines, thereby helping promote excretion. Fennel is also commonly found in medicines that treat abdominal pain, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other intestinal issues. ^[8]

Reduces Heart Diseases

Fennel is a great source of fiber, as mentioned above, but besides the advantages to digestion that fiber provides, it also helps maintain healthy levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream, according to research conducted, in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This means that it can stimulate the elimination of damaging LDL or bad cholesterol, which is a major factor in heart diseases, atherosclerosis, and strokes. ^[9]

Anticancer Potential

The raw vegetable itself hasn’t been extensively studied with regards to cancer protection. However but the fennel seed extract has been explored a bit more, and the findings of one study regarding cancer protection were quite impressive. It shows that, in animal subjects, the extract can not only inhibit the growth of tumors, thanks to its concentrations of flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols, but it even has potential to be chemoprotective against the harmful effects of radiation during cancer treatment. According to the same study, fennel seed extract exhibits anticancer potential against breast cancer and liver cancer. ^{[10] [11]}

Regulates Blood Pressure

Fennel is a very rich source of potassium, which is an essential nutrient in our bodies and is vital for a number of important processes as per a report published in the Journal of Hypertension. One of the attributes of potassium is its quality as a vasodilator, which means that it relaxes the tension of blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure. High blood pressure is connected to a wide range of health issues, including heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis. Also, for diabetics, blood pressure issues can make the management of their insulin and glucose levels very difficult and can be the cause of many potentially lethal complications. Incorporating a cup of fennel bulb in your daily diet can increase your potassium levels and all the benefits that come along with it. ^[12]

Improves Brain Function

Potassium, found in high levels in fennel bulbs and seeds, is an electrolyte, which means that it facilitates increased electrical conduction throughout the body. This is according to research published in the Yale University School of Medicine in 1939. This includes connections within the brain, which is a veritable switchboard of electric currents. Potassium can help increase brain function and cognitive abilities through this quality. Also, fennel is a vasodilator, which means more oxygen reaches the brain and neural activity can work at optimal functionality. ^[13]

Effective Diarrhea Remedy

Fennel is helpful in curing diarrhea caused by bacterial infections, as some components such as anethol and cineole have disinfectant and antibacterial properties. Some amino acids, such as histidine, can aid in digestion and the proper functioning of the digestive system, thereby helping to eliminate diarrhea due to indigestion. Fennel has long been used by indigenous cultures as a way to eliminate diarrhea. ^[14]

Alleviates Symptoms of Colic

There are studies that suggest that herbal tea made using various herbs including fennel and fennel oil have the potential to relieve symptoms of colic. Fennel has certain antispasmodic qualities which also help it relax muscles and reduce the discomfort associated with the colic. Polymeric and heavy molecules are useful in the treatment of renal colic. Such polymers, also called phytoestrogens, are found in anethole, a component of the fennel essential oil. However, more scientific research is required to investigate the benefits and effects on humans. ^[15]

Boosts Immunity

Fennel being rich in many nutrients including vitamin C helps boost the immune system and protects the body against infections and damage caused by free radicals. ^[16]

Regulates Menstruation

Fennel is also an emmenagogue, meaning that it is thought to ease and regulate menstruation by properly regulating hormonal action in the body. Furthermore, fennel is used in a number of consumer products to reduce the effects of PMS, and it is also used traditionally as a soothing pain reliever and relaxing agent for menopausal women. ^[17]

Eye Care

Incorporating fennel into meals can help protect the eyes from inflammation, as well as help reduce disorders related to premature aging and macular degeneration. This is due to the abundance of antioxidants (vitamin C and amino acids like arginine are very beneficial for rejuvenation of tissues and the prevention of aging), detoxifiers, and stimulants. They are specifically found in fennel essential oil, as well as minerals like cobalt and magnesium. Finally, the juice of its leaves and the plant itself can be externally applied to the eyes to reduce irritation and eye fatigue.

Fennel is also a rich source of flavonoids, which are very useful in protecting against pigment cells dying due to oxidative-stress-induced death. By protecting against this destruction of the pigment cells, fennel can safely be classified as effective in eye health for numerous reasons. ^[18]

Treats Respiratory Disorders

Fennel is useful in respiratory disorders such as congestion, bronchitis, and cough due to the presence of cineole and anethole, which are expectorant in nature, among their many other virtues. Fennel seeds and powder can help break up phlegm and prompt loosening of the toxins and buildup of the throat and nasal passages for elimination from the body to ensure quick recovery from respiratory conditions. ^[19]

Other Benefits & Uses

Fennel is a diuretic, which means that it increases the amount and frequency of urination, thereby helping the removal of toxic substances from the body and helping in rheumatism and swelling. It is also touted as increasing the production and secretion of milk in lactating mothers; since this milk contains some properties of fennel, it is an anti-flatulent for the baby, as well. It strengthens hair, prevents hair loss, relaxes the body, sharpens memory, and has a marvelous cooling effect in summer. This can be achieved if the pale, greenish-yellow water, in which it is soaked, is ingested with a bit of sugar and black salt.

Words of Caution: You must remember that often, too much of anything is harmful. Certain components of the fennel essential oil such as anethol, and a few other chemicals present in the plant itself can be dangerous if ingested in too large a quantity. You must remember that the compounds which can kill bacteria and microbes in low doses can be harmful to you too. Excess use of fennel can cause difficulty breathing, increased palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and various neural problems. So, enjoy fennel’s impressive benefits in moderation. If you have any questions, speak with a healthcare professional.

Fennel medicinal use

Fennel medicine

Fennel has been and is currently being used not only as a spice, but also as a medicine. Its properties were used by nameless ancient healers and such famous healers as Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Avicenna.

Fennel action :

• in the digestive system has an antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, mild laxative, tonic, choleretic effect, increases appetite; effective for flatulence, indigestion, abdominal pain, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, dysbiosis, helminthic invasion, diarrhea, colic in children, gallstone disease, reduces inflammation and bleeding of the gums;
• in the respiratory system – antispasmodic, expectorant, bactericidal effect and reduces mucus formation; helps with angina, bronchitis, acute colds, whooping cough, upper respiratory tract congestion;
• in the cardiovascular system – antispasmodic, coronary dilating effect, improves cerebral circulation; effective in the initial stages of hypertension, reduces arrhythmia, eases the manifestations of hemorrhoids, helps patients with strokes, epilepsy, improves mood in melancholy;
• in the genitourinary system – diuretic, antispasmodic, antibacterial; used for difficulty urinating, edema, infection, urolithiasis;
• in the endocrine system has an estrogen-like effect; normalizes the menstrual cycle, enhances the flow of breast milk in nursing mothers, softens the manifestations of the climacteric period;
• in the nervous system has a calming effect on the central nervous system; eliminates nervousness, fear, nervous vomiting, improves tactile, auditory and visual perception, improves sleep in children.

Fennel effective for lesions:

• skin – removes pustular lesions (acne, boils), bruises;
• eyes – improves vision, relieves inflammation of the eyelids, conjunctiva.
• liver – promotes cell regeneration, increases its detoxification function in case of poisoning with alcohol, nicotine, mushrooms, poisons.

Methods of using fennel
for medicinal purposes:

• roasted seeds and their powder – stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, eliminate nervousness and fear, strengthen the gums;
• decoction of seeds – for flatulence, indigestion, sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty urinating, colic in the abdomen in children, insomnia, cough, to stimulate lactation, during menopause;
• root decoction – for gout, oliguria;
• seed infusion – in case of insufficient digestive enzymes, stagnation of bile, for the prevention of hypertension, eliminates dryness and burning with inflammation of the eyes, with neurasthenia, with mycoses;
• infusion of fresh leaves – tones up the nervous and digestive systems, resolves tumors, bruises;
• essential oil – removes toxins and toxins, replaces other dosage forms of fennel, improves the taste of mixtures, in a compress with liver abscess;
• dill water – for flatulence, cough, constipation;
• enema from a decoction – with flatulence and colic in the abdomen;
• a compress from a decoction – conjunctivitis, blepharitis, lacrimation, pustular skin lesions;

90,013 pairs from decoction of seeds, leaves, roots, essential oil – for deafness;

• galenic preparations – for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cough, lack of milk in lactating women;
• in combination with other medicinal plants – for bronchitis;
• homeopathic remedy – Foeniculum – for dyspepsia, cough, asthma;
• stems and leaves for bath brooms – a bath with such brooms is useful for neurasthenia, inflammatory skin lesions.

Interesting Facts About Fennel

1. For medicinal purposes, not only fruits are used, but also leaves (in France) and plant roots (in Portugal).
2. Indian medicine uses fruits as a stimulant and roots as a laxative.
3. When the premises are treated with fennel derivatives, the content of fungi in the air is reduced by 5 times.
4. Fennel is effective as a detoxifying agent for cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy.
5. Cosmetology widely uses gels and creams based on fennel essential oil to rejuvenate the skin, increase the elasticity of the abdomen and breasts, as well as fight cellulite.
6. Dill Water, well known to most young parents, is made from the fruit or essential oil of fennel.
7. Essential oil was a part of the famous cough medicine “Drops of the Danish King”.

Useful Fennel Tips:

To strengthen the gums you can use tooth powder – mix in equal parts ground fennel seeds, poplar charcoal and sulfur cinchona.

To relieve nervousness and stress it is good to take a bath with the addition of 8-10 drops. fennel essential oil.

For resorption of bruises it is good to use compresses from the infusion of fresh fennel leaves (30 g of leaves per 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 10-15 minutes).

In case of flatulence, spasms in the gastrointestinal tract , it is recommended to take 1/2 cup of infusion of fennel seeds 2-3 times a day before meals. To obtain infusion 1 tsp. dry crushed seeds pour 1 cup boiling water, leave for an hour and strain.With conjunctivitis, it is good to rinse the eyes with such an infusion.

In case of chronic pancreatitis, gallstone and urolithiasis , insist 3 tsp. seeds in 1 cup boiling water for an hour and take 1/3 cup 4-5 times a day.

To facilitate the discharge of sputum with inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and pneumonia, pour 3 tsp. dry crushed seeds 1 cup boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain and drink 3 tablespoons each. 4-5 times a day.

For gout – drink 1 glass of root decoction per day.The broth is prepared as follows: 25 g of fennel root is boiled for 2 minutes in 1 liter of water and infused for 10 minutes.

DO NOT use fennel preparations:

• during pregnancy and lactation;

90,013 people with epilepsy;

90,013 children.

Buy fennel and other spices You can at the nearest center of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness .

m Tatiana
… www.Vedic-Culture.in.ua …

90,000 How to choose, consume and store fennel correctly?

Fennel is a plant with beneficial properties and trace elements. This miraculous herb is recommended for use in cosmetology, and in cooking, and in medicine. It especially helps to fight colic in newborns. To use it correctly, it is recommended to know how to prepare it. The main thing is, before using it, it is worth identifying whether there are any contraindications and whether the plant can be taken.

Contents:

Composition and useful properties of fennel

Often many people think that fennel is dill. This judgment is not true, these plants are representatives of completely different families. Unlike dill, fennel has a distinct aroma reminiscent of tarragon. If you pull out both shrubs from the ground, then fennel will have a more powerful and larger root than dill.

The plant also differs in taste, fennel tastes sweeter than dill.The seeds of the first are somewhat oblong. Fennel comes in vegetable or leafy varieties. Thanks to this, all parts of the shrub can be used for various purposes, both for consumption and as a medicine.

Fennel is a shrub of a perennial type, which tends to reach a height of 2 m. While dill is an annual plant, predominantly growing 150 cm. The composition of the spicy culture – fennel includes flavonoids, macro- and microelements and glycosides, and there are also vitamins A, C and group B.

Due to the presence of essential oils in the composition, the shrub has a specific spicy taste and aroma.

The seeds of the culture contain carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fiber and water. Due to the small amount of calories contained in the plant – only 31 per 100 g. product, the bush belongs to diet food.

If we compare what is better for medicinal purposes – seeds or a whole plant, then shrub seedlings are ideal for the preparation of medicinal potions.The following beneficial properties are distinguished, which are revealed after the use of a spicy culture in food:

1. Introduced into the body in the correct doses, the product helps to relieve a newborn from colic, increased gas production, as well as to eliminate problems in the digestive organs. It is used as a cough remedy.
2. Medicines made on the basis of fennel actively fight gallstone and urolithiasis.
3. Has a rejuvenating effect.
4. Positively affects the genitals of both men and women, favorably affects the reproductive system of women.
5. Has the ability to eliminate the manifestation of fungal infections and dandruff on the scalp.
6. Effectively used as aromatherapy. Allowing, when inhaling, the air filled with particles of spicy culture, to relax and unwind.
7. Has the ability to eliminate sleep problems, gradually gently lowers blood pressure.
8. Prevents the formation of mutation cells in cancer.
9. For people trying to lose weight, fennel helps to eliminate hunger, eliminate anxiety, relieve irritation and normalize the nervous system.

In addition, the plant contains a component such as atenol, which has an anti-inflammatory function. Therefore, fennel is used in various fields not only for preparing dishes and saturating them with an aromatic spicy taste, but also for treating patients.

The use of fennel in medicine

The medicinal properties of fennel have been known since ancient times. The writings of Hippocrates testify to its positive qualities; the doctor insisted on its use as a diuretic. Other prominent doctors of the time recommended using it for the treatment of diseases of the organs of vision. Also, fennel was used as the best discharge of stagnant sputum in diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Pharmaceutical companies of modern medicine obtain drugs from seeds and fruits, such as “Anetin”.This drug has an antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the intestine, as well as on the coronary blood capillaries.

Its use is prescribed for spastic colitis, chronic course. Its effect allows you to eliminate the problem and normalize the general condition of a person. Also, the effect of a medication based on fennel has a beneficial effect on the elimination of long-term coronary insufficiency and the elimination of abdominal spasms.

To neutralize excessive nervous excitability, it is recommended to use real brooms made of fennel stalks in the bath – you should steam with such a broom in case of neurasthenia, sleep problems.

The plant helps with acne, furunculosis, skin diseases and inflammatory diseases, acquired due to infection with infectious pathogenic bacteria. For the treatment of the above problems, it is recommended to prepare infusions from the leaves and fruits of the spicy culture as an external application.

For newborns, to eliminate flatulence, dill water is made from fennel seeds. Additionally, a licorice elixir is made on the basis of essential oil, which can soften the cough reflex.

How to make and take fennel tea?

To use a plant correctly, you need to know how to prepare it. Seeds should be harvested as they ripen – fennel seedlings do not have the ability to approach readiness evenly. Therefore, harvesting should be done selectively. During collection, you need to be guided by umbrellas that have acquired a gray tint with the presence of brown seeds.

If you want to collect the grass, then cut it at least 25 cm above ground level.After that, the grass is hung in bunches in a well-ventilated dark room or laid out on a surface and dried thoroughly. When completely dry, the resulting dry tops are pounded to a uniform powder consistency. Store the result in a glass jar or other container that closes well. Duration of storage – should not exceed 3 years.

If sleep problems are identified or are recommended to calm the nervous system, then fennel tea should be drunk 30 minutes before bedtime.

In the form of tea, fennel is used to enhance the protective functions of the body. For making tea, you can use both previously prepared powder and dry foliage. For 150 ml. boiling water should be taken 1 tbsp. product. Let it brew well and then drink.

Tea should be consumed immediately after preparation, once a day. The duration of the course of application is 30 days. Already after a short period of use, the patient will feel an influx of strength and the establishment of general well-being.If necessary or the patient wishes, the course can be repeated after 1 month.

The use of fennel in cooking

Fennel for culinary delights is used all over the world:

• So leafy plates in European cuisines are used as an additive to salads, and also introduced into broth during the preparation of first courses. Second courses are distinguished by their original taste. A number of different sauces and mayonnaises have been developed on the basis of fennel greens.
• Especially popular is the manufacture of dishes where fennel leaf plates are present, complementing salmon, mackerel, perch, sardine or other representatives of the ocean. When a plant is combined with vegetables, the culinary delight acquires not only originality, but also medicinal properties.
• In the preparation of dishes with fatty meat, for example, with pork, the addition of spice adds notes of sweet taste. To do this, the meat is stewed in a marinade interspersed with spicy culture, and whole leaf plates can also be put under whole pieces of fish, meat, chicken.This recipe is used in most cases for baking in the oven.
• In Mediterranean cuisine, frozen or blanched plant stems are actively used as a side dish, as a second course.
• The upper part of the fennel umbrella is used in home cooking, as well as canning as an additive for pickling tomatoes or cucumbers, eggplants, zucchini, squash.
• Green fennel seeds are recommended to be used as a seasoning in fish dishes such as Italian pork, canned herring.They can also be used for baking baked goods. Pre-ground plant seeds are needed as a seasoning when roasting meat or chicken on a skewer over an open fire.
• In addition, the spicy shrub is used to make various desserts and sweets.

For whom and when is fennel contraindicated?

Many people believe that fennel is not contraindicated. But along with the possession of a number of useful qualities, the plant also has contraindications.First of all, a spicy culture is prohibited for people who have an individual intolerance to the plant itself or the components that the culture is endowed with.

If the plant is consumed by a patient with hypersensitivity, an allergic reaction may develop. The latter can be expressed in any form – a runny nose, redness of the skin, itching or other severity. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo testing to identify a reaction before using prepared spice-based products.

Do not use fennel infusions or teas for patients with epilepsy.

During the use of infusions or decoctions with the preparation of fennel, it is recommended to observe the optimal dosage. Overdose moments often occur. Signs of severe headache, bouts of nausea and dizziness may appear. The optimal rate for the introduction of a medicinal drink into the body for each patient is set individually.

If too heavily loaded with fennel-based products, the spice can provoke digestive problems such as an upset stomach or an allergic reaction.Therefore, it is very important to start using the medicinal herb in small doses. In case of any identification of a negative effect, it is worth stopping the intake completely and consulting a doctor.

Can it cause side effects?

Incorrect intake or excessive leaning on the therapeutic drink can cause side effects. The following situations are distinguished, which leads to the use of tea, infusion or decoction from a spicy culture:

1. Acquisition of sunburn – frequent consumption of tea stimulates the skin, revealing sensitivity to the rays of the sun, which can ultimately lead to burns.
2. Allergies – patients who have a negative reaction to celery or carrots are susceptible to developing a reaction to fennel. Signs of allergies: dizziness, swelling of the face and larynx, pain when swallowing.
3. When carrying a child, it is possible to provoke the appearance of menstruation, which is abnormal during such a period. Drinking the drink frequently can stimulate placental rejection, leading to miscarriage.
4. Disorders in the functioning of the endocrine system – the seeds contain estrogens, which are a hormone of plant origin.The latter lead to processes that disrupt the operation of internal systems.
5. Negatively affects newborns – some mothers introduce fennel tea to babies from the first days. An irregular dosage for babies negatively affects their condition: neurological diseases or other problems associated with the baby’s psyche appear.

Therefore, it is possible to use medicinal herb as active additives only after the recommendations of the attending doctor and according to a specially prescribed scheme.

How to choose the right fennel?

When choosing a medicinal plant, it is worth giving preference to green stems with a bright saturated color. They should be firm, strong and tight. If a soft plant with sluggish stems is offered for sale, then you should not purchase this product.

If, after purchase, the greens of the plant will not be used on the same day, then it can be stored in the refrigerator only for 3-5 days, in the compartment for vegetables and fruits.If the acquisition of a root system is required, then the rhizomes should be represented by firm, elastic roots of a pale green color. If you sniff the plant, then the rhizomes will deplete the delicate anise aroma.

Do not buy bulbs that are cracked or damaged, and do not buy a product with very loose edges.

When buying, the best option is heavy bulbs with a dense structure with attached stems or minor residues on the tubers of green leaf plates.So the buyer will be able to see how long ago the shrub was removed from the ground and how long it can still be stored.

Methods and rules for storing fennel

Seeds and rhizomes are used as storage. When the fruits are fully ripe, they acquire a brown tint on the bush. Umbrellas with the resulting fruits are carefully cut and dried.

After that, the resulting crop is determined in a closed glass container or another type, but so that it is tightly closed.This is necessary so that moisture does not get inside, and the seedlings do not lose their useful qualities.

Harvesting of the rhizomes of the spicy plant is carried out only in the second year of growing the shrub.

The procedure is carried out in early spring or late autumn. The event is carried out at the moment when the stem at the base grows to 1 cm in diameter. The resulting greens are dried under a canopy or in a dark room. When exposed to sunlight, leaf plates lose their useful qualities.

Thus, fennel is a shrub-type plant. It is used as a medicinal substance for many diseases, and also enhances the taste of both first and second courses. Contraindications should be considered before use. With their presence and the use of a fennel drink, side effects can be provoked. Before using, choose the right product and know how to store herbs, seeds and green rhizomes.

More information can be found in the video:

Fennel useful properties and contraindications | Applications

Fennel is a plant known for a long time, it grows in warm climates around the world.It has a dense edible bulb and seeds with strong aromatic properties. The seeds help facilitate digestion, relieve tension and muscle pain. Both seeds and bulbs have a mild licorice flavor. Fennel is effective and safe and can be used for babies with stomach cramps, for young women with menstrual pain, and for breastfeeding mothers. After eating, you can simply chew fennel seeds to improve digestion and freshen up the breath.

Botanical name: Common fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Family: umbrella (Apiaceae)

Parts used: seeds, bulbs

Energy: warming, drying

Taste: spicy

Properties of the plant: aromatic, carminative, anti-spasmodic, lacticidal

Usage: poor digestion, digestive cramps, menstrual cramps, infant colic, low lactation

Method of use: tea, tincture, syrup, culinary spice

Fennel is native to the Mediterranean, but has now spread throughout the world, especially in dry soils near the sea coast.Wherever it grew up, it was widely used in food and medicine. There is evidence that the ancient Greeks and Romans knew about him. In her 12th-century book “Healing”, Hildegardfon Bingen wrote: “Eating fennel or its seeds daily reduces the amount of mucus and decay products, helps to regain fresh breath and makes the eyes see clearly.”

HEALING PROPERTIES AND ENERGY FENNEL

Herbalists attribute many of the properties of fennel to its aromatic qualities, which come from its high content of essential oils.Essential oils give plants their strong and aromatic odors. Before we had the ability to recognize individual chemical constituents, people perceived the qualities of herbs in a sensory way. Aromatic herbs (other than fennel, these include mint, thyme and basil) have the ability to stimulate sluggish and stagnant digestion.

As an antispasmodic herb, fennel is used primarily to relieve muscle tension, digestive cramps and menstrual cramps, but it has a variety of other uses.This gentle remedy helps breastfeeding mothers produce more milk. It has been used to maintain eye health for centuries, and herbalist David Hoffman recommends fennel compress for conjunctivitis and eyelid inflammation. It is also a mild diuretic and can be used in combination with other herbs for swelling and urinary tract infections. Fennel has a mild expectorant effect, which makes it suitable for use in herbal cough mixtures.

TO IMPROVE DIGESTION

Fennel is my favorite herb for treating a wide range of digestive problems.Feeling nauseous after eating? Try fennel. Do you have diarrhea-related digestive cramps? Try fennel. Do you have gas and bloating? Fennel reduces flatulence. It is often added to herbal blends for people with irritable bowel syndrome because it can relieve both diarrhea and constipation. As an antispasmodic, fennel can relieve gut pain caused by cramps (including diarrhea or flatulence).

But don’t wait for digestive discomfort to experience the benefits of fennel.Chewing fennel seeds after meals will help support good digestion and keep your mouth feeling fresh.

FROM MENSTRUAL CONFUSION AND FATIGUE

Several clinical trials have shown that fennel is effective in reducing cramps and fatigue associated with menstruation. In one, researchers compared the use of fennel extract with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The young women were divided into two groups: one group took fennel and the other took NSAIDs.After two consecutive menstrual cycles, those who took fennel experienced more improvement in their condition than those who took the medication. It is important to note that fennel is not only more effective than brand name drugs, but has a much better safety rating than NSAID drugs.

FROM COLORS IN CHILDREN

Approximately 20% of young children suffer from abdominal colic. Colic is also diagnosed in healthy babies who cry more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for 3 weeks or longer.Seeing a child crying from colic can be painful for parents, who often feel helpless because they cannot alleviate the condition of a suffering toddler.

I want more parents to know about fennel! This is the best gift for newborns suffering from colic, as well as their parents. This ancient remedy has been used by herbalists, midwives, wise mothers for centuries. Modern researchers, no doubt impressed by the experience of its traditional use, have studied the effects of fennel on colic in infants and have obtained excellent results.

One study used a fennel seed oil emulsion to treat colic children. Colic was completely eradicated in 65% of the infants who received the fennel preparation, compared with 23% of those who received the placebo. There were no side effects in either group, confirming the efficacy and safety of fennel.

In another study, an herbal mixture of fennel, chamomile and lemon balm was used to treat children with colic.In this study, 85% of children who received the herbal remedy cried, on average, 2 hours less per day. While those who did not receive it, there was an average reduction in crying of just 28.8 minutes per day.

HOW TO USE FENNEL

Fresh fennel bulbs are delicious and a good source of vitamin C. Try adding them raw to salads or grilling them whole. Fennel seeds have more volatile oils and are considered more potent herbal remedies than bulbs.Choose light green seeds that give a light liquorice flavor when chewed.

Fennel seeds may be eaten whole or ground; as well as in the form of tinctures, tea, syrups and make compresses from them.

APPLICATION

Dried fennel seed powder or whole seeds can be used as a way to flavor food and improve digestion in general.

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE

Therapeutic amount for fennel preparations:

• in the form of tea or powder: 1-2 g, 3 times a day;
• as a tincture (dried seeds): 1: 3, 60% alcohol, 3–6 ml per day.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Allergic reactions to fennel are extremely rare, but have been found.

BAKED ROOTS WITH FENNEL

This simple recipe is one of the favorites in our family. My husband and I do our best to eat locally sourced vegetables all year round, so in the fall we buy large quantities of root vegetables such as beets and carrots and store them in our basement to enjoy during the snowy winter months.The sweetness of these vegetables is enhanced by the aroma and flavor of fennel.

We love this dish sprinkled with high quality or aged balsamic vinegar. You can peel carrots and beets if you like, but we never do that. Garlic fried in the peel becomes sweet and tender, just remember to remove it before eating.

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups diced beets (2.5 cm side)

4 cups carrots, cut into halves (2.5 cm)

1 head of garlic, divided into cloves in the peel

1 h.spoon (2 g) fennel seeds

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup olive oil

2 st. balsamic vinegar

COOKING METHOD:

1. Preheat the oven to 175–180 ° C. Combine all ingredients (except balsamic vinegar) in a large baking dish, pour over with olive oil, salt and pepper and stir well.

2. Place the vegetable dish in the oven and bake for 60 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Stir the vegetables every 20 minutes while baking.

3. Remove vegetables from oven and pour over balsamic vinegar, stir.

4. Serve the baked root vegetables warm. The leftovers must be consumed within 3 days.

BITTER PASTELS WITH FENNEL FOR DIGESTION

Eating bitter spices with meals is a proven way to enhance digestion.Although the bitter taste is highlighted in the title of this recipe, aromatic herbs and spices are combined with honey to balance the bitterness and give you pleasure. This recipe uses powdered herbs along with honey to form lozenges (a fancy French term for pills). I recommend eating one lozenge 15 minutes before meals

INGREDIENTS:

For pastilles:

1 h.a spoonful of powder of angelica root (angelica, Angelica archangelica)

1 teaspoon dried coriander powder

1/2 tsp powder of yellow gentian root (Gentiana lutea)

1/2 teaspoon dried orange peel powder

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp honey

Cooking fennel

Fennel is a very widespread plant at the moment.It can be bought in markets and grocery stores in almost any locality. Fennel is often used in cooking in various dishes. In addition, fennel is cultivated as a medicinal plant, its useful properties for the human body were still known to the doctors of Ancient Greece, including Hippocrates, Avicenna, and Dioscorides.

The use of fennel in cooking has been known since ancient times. For culinary purposes, fennel uses not only greens, but also seeds and tubers.Fennel greens are spicy and aromatic, with a sweetish aroma slightly reminiscent of anise. Young shoots of fennel in cooking are usually used in the preparation of various marinades for salads, due to which their taste becomes more delicate. Also, young shoots are used for canning vegetables, most often for preserving cucumbers and cabbage.

Fennel tubers are very, very popular in the preparation of fish dishes, especially from white fish (in particular, carp). There are also a lot of various recipes on the Internet where fennel is also used in the preparation of dishes from poultry and pork.

The fruits and roots of the plant have been widely used since ancient times in baking bakery and even some confectionery products. The ground seeds of this plant are a raw material for vegetable oil, which is often used in confectionery production.

All parts of fennel are also used by experienced housewives as an additive for soups.

Fennel fruits are used in the production of medicinal tea, as well as various infusions, tinctures and even liqueur. To enhance the aroma, fennel powder is added to a variety of drinks, including teas and syrups.

Fennel leaves are often added simply fresh to salads, various fish and meat dishes when stewing. The seeds of this plant are put in spicy soups, pickles and pickles. Fennel sauce goes well with cold fish.

Fennel is most widely used in cooking in French and Italian cuisines.

Grind fennel seeds

Fennel seeds: effects on the body and methods

· Fennel seeds have been used by traditional healers since ancient times.Modern medicine also did not disregard them and actively uses …

Properties of fennel seeds

Grind fennel seeds (2 tablespoons), pour warm milk (1 glass), add salt or nutmeg if desired. The mixture should be insisted, taken before breakfast. Fennel seeds in …

Caraway seeds to help: which plants will strengthen the immune system and

· Seeds of fennel, caraway seeds and dill. During the period of coronavirus, the elderly are in the most vulnerable position, as well as those who have high blood pressure and suffer from osteochondrosis.

Tea with fennel: benefits, recipes, reviews,

From the fruits of fennel. They can be purchased at any pharmacy. The first thing to do is to grind the fennel seeds, take 1 teaspoon and pour a glass of boiling water. Soak for 45 minutes and then.

Fennel – medicinal properties, contraindications,

Dill water for flatulence and bloating in children: grind fennel seeds in a coffee grinder, 1 tsp. pour 1 glass of boiled water, leave in …

Fennel seeds in medicine, dietetics and cooking

Add whole fennel seeds or chop them.They are put in both sweet and salty dishes. If you decide to use them whole, be sure to slightly crush the seeds …

Fennel – medicinal properties, contraindications,

Dill water for flatulence and bloating in children: grind fennel seeds in a coffee grinder, 1 tsp. pour 1 glass of boiled water, leave for 20-30 minutes, drain.

Tea with fennel: benefits, recipes, reviews,

From the fruits of fennel. They can be purchased at any pharmacy. The first thing to do is to grind the fennel seeds, take 1 teaspoon and pour a glass of boiling water.Soak for 45 minutes and then.

Fennel tea beneficial properties, contraindications,

Fennel tea can be brewed from plant seeds, herbs and fennel bulbs. Fennel seed tea. Before brewing tea, grind the seeds in a mortar, taking about one teaspoon.

Fennel – use in medicine and cooking

The beneficial properties of fennel are due to its rich biochemical composition, the most famous and studied are the following:

Fennel fruits: useful properties, application and

dill (seeds) – 1 teaspoon, anise (seeds) – 1 teaspoon, water – 700 milliliters.Mix fennel, dill and anise seeds, grind into powder using a mortar or coffee grinder. Boil the water.

TOP-7 recipes for dishes with fennel, how to cook

When the fennel seeds have cooled down, they must be ground with a coffee grinder or the seeds must be ground in a mortar. Mix the fennel dough. Next, you need to prepare the filling.

Fennel. Medicinal properties and contraindications for

Fennel seed helps in the care of the oral cavity. Many manufacturers include milled fennel seeds in rinses, powders, and pastes.

Fennel: beneficial properties and contraindications

Mix 15 g each of parsley leaves, fennel seeds, mint. Add 45 g buckthorn bark. Mix everything, grind. Collection pour 260 ml of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes. Heat for 3 minutes in a water bath.

Fennel for weight loss: beneficial properties and

The beneficial properties of fennel have been known for a long time, it is even given to young children from bloating. Fennel is also important for weight loss. How to use fruits, seeds, …

Fennel for weight loss: useful properties,

Seeds; Green fennel seeds go well with fish and meat diet meals.It is better to grind them before use. They have a licorice smell and anise flavor.

Fennel: useful properties and contraindications

Fennel leaves are used in cooking, and seeds – for the production of essential oil, which is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, perfumery, as well as alcoholic beverages.

Fennel: useful properties and contraindications for

To make tea from fennel, you need to take 1 tsp. seeds, grind them in a mortar to a state of powder, which is poured with a glass of boiling water and left to infuse for 10 minutes.

Caraway to help: what plants will strengthen the immune system and

· Seeds of fennel, caraway and dill. During the period of coronavirus, the elderly are in the most vulnerable position, as well as those who have high blood pressure and suffer from osteochondrosis.

How to use fennel. Encyclopedia of Healing Spices. Ginger, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, saffron and 100 more healing spices

Read also

Pickled fennel with herbs

Pickled fennel with herbs
Fennel 1 kg Thyme 20 g Garlic 5 cloves Rosemary 25 g Mix of lettuce leaves 50 g Olive oil 20 ml Pine nuts 150 g Salt, pepper Cooking time – 25 min + pickling Calorie – 39 kcal Rinse and chop fennel fennel,

Fennel

Fennel
Fennel is a biennial or perennial herb belonging to the Umbelliferae family.Its homeland is the Mediterranean. Currently, it is widespread in culture. Fennel is especially popular in Japan, Italy, France, Argentina and

Fennel

Fennel
Fennel is a biennial or perennial herb belonging to the Umbelliferae family. Its homeland is the Mediterranean. Currently, it is widespread in culture.Fennel is especially popular in Japan, Italy, France, Argentina and

Fennel

Fennel
A perennial herb, but under production conditions it is grown as an annual or biennial. Fennel in appearance is very similar to dill, but more spreading and reaches a height of 2 m. The homeland of this plant is Southern Europe. Particularly good

Fennel ordinary Foeniculum vulgare Mill

Fennel ordinary
Foeniculum vulgare Mill
Characteristics and origins.Fennel ordinary is a powerful biennial or perennial umbrella plant, reaching 2 m in height. Comes from southern Europe, from the Mediterranean Sea region and Asia Minor. Even the ancient Romans,

How to use ginger

How to use ginger
• Ginger is used in baking (it is introduced into the dough during kneading, at the rate of 1 tsp. Powder or 1 tbsp.l. grated root per 1 kg of dough) • It is added to sweet dishes – marmalades, jellies, compotes. Put the spice in the compotes 5 minutes before removing from the heat

Fennel with tomato sauce

Fennel with tomato sauce

• fennel – 4 small heads of cabbage
• bulbs – 2 pieces
• olive oil – 2-3 tbsp. l.
• fennel seeds – 1/4 tsp.
• dry white wine – 2/3 cup
• lemon – 1 piece
• tomato paste – 2 tbsp.l.
• salt, white pepper to taste
Fennel heads

Fennel

Fennel
Fennel is similar in appearance, properties and medicinal effects to garden dill. The smell and strong sweetish taste of fennel is close to anise. Fresh fennel leaves are rich in vitamin C and carotene. Fennel stems are used for salting zucchini, squash,

FENNEL

FENNEL
A very fragrant umbellate aromatic plant whose seeds smell like anise, especially in southern Italy.Fennel is eaten like celery. It is not uncommon to meet ordinary people who have lunch or dinner, holding the root

under their arm.

Fennel. Useful from root to seeds

Fennel. Healthy from root to seed
Have you ever bought “dill water” for babies at the pharmacy? Half a bottle of such sweet water is enough for the child to stop feeling discomfort in the tummy and fall asleep peacefully.Modern pharmacists for decoction and infusion

How to use chicory

How to use chicory
Since the plant is very common in our area, it would be wrong not to use chicory in food. Moreover, there are a lot of its varieties and some are suitable for salad. Leaves of the Flemish variety witloof are boiled, stewed, used

Fennel – description and varieties, composition and calorie content, the benefits and application of fennel

ARTICLE CONTENT:

If in childhood I was asked what fennel is, then, most likely, I would have thought and with a clever look answered that this is the name of some German general.This word sounds painfully important!

At a young age, I did not have a chance to come across this spice, since in our house there were traditional and well-known salt pepper (inseparable comrades, just like a cat dog!), As well as cinnamon, cloves and vanillin. There was no question of any overseas fennel then.

He appeared in my life much later – in those years when I already lived separately from my parents, raised my son and actively comprehended the art of vegetarianism. Yes, it’s art! Because, as you know from the articles on Sun Mint, it is quite difficult to stay healthy just by giving up meat.It is important to balance your diet and monitor it constantly.

And it was equally important for my taste buds to continue to receive a variety of taste sensations and not slide into banal porridge. Otherwise I would become a sad vegetarian! This is how spices appeared in my life, and with them the science of Ayurveda, which tells in detail how to use them in cooking and in everyday life.

It was from Ayurvedic sources that I learned that fennel is a great thing for those who suffer from internal heat.It cools! And this is not a general of German origin, but a useful multifunctional plant.

Fennel powder is part of a special seasoning mixture that is recommended for my type of constitution – it includes all 6 flavors and therefore makes each dish incredibly tasty and satisfying. In addition, I learned how to brew spices like a hot drink, as I have long ago given up black and green tea for health benefits. Currently, my fragrant collection of such healthy “teas” consists of cloves, coriander and fennel.What other seasonings do you think you can boil and drink? Any ideas on this?

In a word, thanks to vegetarianism, another unique product entered my life, which I tried to learn to the maximum. Now I am sharing my findings with you.

To content

Nutritional value and composition of fennel

Nutritional value per 100 g

Fennel alkalizes your body as it has an acidic pH of 4.0 – 5.0.

To Contents

Fennel Description

Fennel

By tradition, I will start by introducing this plant to you as part of the family – it belongs to the Umbrella (aka Celery). This means that among the relatives of fennel there are such famous personalities as dill, coriander, celery, caraway, and carrots.

Could you think that the aromatic, aromatic curved fennel seeds are the cousins ​​of the crunchy orange carrots? You may have even mixed them within the same dish!

From the unknown relatives of the plant, one can distinguish kupyr, kokorysh, angelica, gladysh, omezhnik, hogweed, hand warp.In general, these Umbrella have funny names. One gill is worth something! 😆

But back to the hero of my article today, who is called ordinary fennel (in Latin – Foeniculum vulgare) and which belongs to the species of the genus Fennel. Perhaps you did not know, but this type of plant is also called pharmaceutical dill or voloshsky.

It is a herbaceous plant that, depending on the variety, can live for a year, two, or maybe more.

Ordinary fennel is covered with a mysterious bluish bloom.

It has a branched wrinkled fleshy root with many processes. It resembles a spindle in shape and can grow up to 1 centimeter thick.

The stem of fennel is thin, but long, rounded, sometimes reaching two meters in height, but more often it remains at the level of 90 centimeters and slightly higher. It, like the root, branches, but much stronger, while standing straight and pleasing to the eye with its silvery shade with a bluish tinge.

The leaves are arranged alternately, have an ovoid-triangular shape and are three times and four times pinnately dissected.As a result of all these manipulations of nature, foliage is obtained as if consisting of thin threads. At the bottom of the stem are larger threads.

Fennel blooms with small yellowish flowers, including five petals and collected at the very top in fluffy umbrellas, each of which consists of rays from 3 to 20 pieces. They can be seen at the time of flowering – from about July to September, depending on the type and variety of plants.

After all fennel umbrellas have bloomed, from September to October, fruits appear on the stems – oblong-shaped and greenish-brown two-seedlings, the length of which varies from 5 to 10 millimeters, and the width – from 2 to 3.They are also called droppings. Each such grain easily splits into two equal parts – half-fruits, which are scientifically called mericarpies.

In fact, outwardly fennel looks the same as its brother dill, but only one feature still gives it away – fennel bushes have an intense aroma similar to anise. And dill, as you know, has its own specific, unlike anything else, smell.

Fennel history

This plant, like many other gifts of nature known to us, was first discovered on the fertile soils of the Mediterranean, according to some researchers – on the territory of modern Italy.It was with the filing of the Romans that it spread throughout the world.

It is noteworthy that the ancient Greeks gave fennel the name “marathon” – after the name of the city near which they first met it. In addition, historians claim that the people mentioned were able to win the battle with the Persians there. Thus, fennel became a symbol of victory, as it grew on the battlefield.

And it was also believed that the bundles of this fragrant plant, hung in the corners, not only ennoble the atmosphere in the house, but also protect its inhabitants from the evil eye and other witchcraft spells.Apparently, for this reason, fennel was popular both in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, as well as among the Egyptians, Chinese, and Indians.

The healing properties of fennel were respected not only by healers, but also by doctors who were already considered scientists at that time – Hippocrates, Pliny the Elder, Avicenna, Dioscorides.

They actively used parts of the plant in their practice. Still would! After all, it helped with poor digestion, bloating, increased gas production, bad breath, and various inflammations.In those distant times, mankind began to use fennel as an expectorant, urinary and choleretic agent.

In the middle of the 16th century, the work of the court physician of the Roman emperor Ferdinand I saw the light of day. Pietro Andrea Mattioli (that was the name of the healer) created a voluminous treatise on the topic “The Power and Effect of Fennel”, in which he outlined in detail all the amazing properties of the plant and the numerous methods of its use on practice.

A rather curious incident took place in England in the 1830s.A physician named Stephenson, who had been quite successful in treating patients with renal colic with some mysterious potion, appeared before the members of the English Parliament. Doctors were forced to reveal a secret drug recipe based on fennel. Stephenson, however, did it not at all free of charge, but for five thousand pounds!

In the same century, the treatment of gall and kidney stones with fennel was actively practiced in Europe.

And the German Catholic priest Sebastian Kneipp, famous for his “hydrotherapy”, used fennel tea as a medicine for coughs and headaches.

Are you wondering why fennel is so called? I was also curious and found out that this term originated from the English “fenel”, which, in turn, was formed from the older form “fenol”. But that’s not all! Fenol originates from the Latin feniculum (short for fenum), which means hay. Here is such an etymological chain!

Another name reminds us of the Italian roots of fennel – Volosh dill, which appeared on Russian soil a long time ago.Volokhs in the old days in Russia were called all the Romanesque peoples, which included the Italians. By the way, in Russia, where the plant came from the Balkan countries, it began to be actively cultivated only in the 17th century.

For a long time, fennel bushes have been widespread in the Mediterranean countries, as well as in the Middle East. Today they are grown all over the world, and the largest producers are America, France, India. In Russia, fennel is grown in the Krasnodar Territory.

To Contents

Fennel Flavor

Fennel is one of the few spices that is pleasant to chew just like that.

I have already said that this plant has its own special secret. Dill looks like dill, but the taste and smell is anise. Well, fennel, of course, is not entirely aniseed, it has its own unique sweetish aftertaste, which makes it softer and more pleasant. I think they are more reminiscent of sugary sweet licorice. Have you tried it?

If you dare to chew fennel seeds too, then, along with the sweetness, you will also feel an intense freshness – such that all the store-bought gum has a rest! The taste of this spice fills everything, and also noticeably cools.Just do not be zealous with this natural freshener, as overuse it starts to taste bitter.

To Contents

Fennel Cooking Applications

Fennel seeds are suitable for both fresh and pickled salads.

If you want to diversify your vegetarian menu, be sure to add this spice to it. Its pleasant refreshing taste and aniseed aroma will transform any dish and, moreover, will help to digest it.

The easiest way to consume fennel is to make tea with it.

Just take its whole or freshly ground seeds and pour 1 teaspoon of boiling water over a glass of water. Although (I’ll tell you a little secret!) All herbs and spices are best brewed with water at a temperature not exceeding 90 ° C – this way you will have a better chance of retaining their beneficial properties.

Such aromatic and tasty, by the way, the drink not only cools, refreshes and invigorates, but also helps digestion. You can sip it warm while eating heavy foods like beans or flour products.I am sure your digestive tract will rejoice at this turn of events!

I really like to put fennel in sweet rice with dried fruits and nuts. Usually in this dessert dish I have it, natural vanilla and green cardamom.

I also occasionally make fennel powder in a mortar or coffee grinder, which I then add a little to hard-to-digest bean soups. Such a seasoning is also appropriate in light vegetable first courses. Try it in vegetarian stews and porridge.

What prevents you from spicing up your pastries with fennel? It flavors rye homemade bread just as well as traditional caraway seeds. In addition, this spice will help make tortillas, cookies, and muffins unusual in taste.

The anise aroma of fennel makes it appropriate in a variety of tinctures, marinades and pickles. Try adding a few grains of this plant when canning cucumbers and tomatoes, pickling cabbage, pickling mushrooms or zucchini with them. Most likely, familiar dishes will surprise you with new taste experiences!

This spice is part of the famous “Provencal Herbs”, which are always in my kitchen.And on yours? In addition, fennel is an indispensable part of the popular Chinese “Five Spices”, which, in addition to it, also include cassia, cloves, star anise and Sichuan pepper. I bought this scent set once, and have you tried it?

Fennel is not only a spice, but also greens, which can be safely put in soups and salads, in cereals and stews, in green cocktails and pickles. And even chewing in its original form is delicious after all. 😉

But that’s not all. This plant, or rather, some of its parts (bulbs), can also be used as a vegetable.The fact is that there are two main varieties of fennel – ordinary and vegetable, and so, the latter can be easily cut into all kinds of vegetarian dishes. What do you think it looks like and tastes like? Of course, on your celery brother, only fennel is not long and thin, but short and plump. But those, and those stems are juicy, fleshy, fragrant.

Vegetable fennel tastes sweet. It can be fried and stewed with various spices such as curry, allspice, coriander, asafoetida.

How do you use this plant in your kitchen? Do you use it only as a spice or do you eat it as a vegetable? Please share your culinary experience. 😉

To the content

Use of fennel on the farm

Fennel oil is very beneficial for skin, especially sensitive skin.

Thanks to the ancient doctors for discovering to the world the miraculous properties of this plant, which mankind uses to this day! Even the representatives of the current traditional medicine do not bypass the side of fennel.So, the drug “Anetin” is produced from its fruits, which has a beneficial effect on the state of the intestines and relieves spasms in the abdominal cavity.

And who has not heard of the famous dill water? After all, it is prepared not only from dill, but from fennel, which, as you remember, is also called Voloshsky or pharmacy dill.

The drink that I mentioned in the culinary section of the article is the very healing water that helps newborns and babies to cope with stomach cramps.This fate has generally passed for my children (the youngest toiled a little at night, but we were saved by motion sickness on fitball, not dill water!), But my friends successfully used this natural medicine in their maternal practice.

If you are giving a drink to a baby, it is better to brew fennel seeds, and adults can prepare healing water using essential oil. But only on condition that it is really natural!

Yes, a valuable oil is obtained from fennel, which is widely used in the confectionery and cosmetic industry for flavoring.It is also successfully used in aromatherapy as an analgesic, antispasmodic, sedative and expectorant.

And also the oil obtained from the seeds of this plant by gentle cold pressing is able to stop inflammatory processes in the body, heal wounds, have an antioxidant effect, activate the lactation process, and improve digestion.

It perfectly cleanses the body, freeing it from toxins and toxins. Thus, blood pressure is reduced and heart function is normalized.

The cooling effect of fennel cannot but have a beneficial effect on the skin, even the most sensitive. Allergy sufferers and owners of problem skin will understand me! Such oil soothes her well, whitens, smoothes fine wrinkles, saturates with vitamins and moisturizes.

It is also suitable for hair, making it shiny and manageable. Add it to your cosmetics, natural face and neck masks, shampoos, baths, massage oil, and you will soon notice the described effect.

The production of fennel oil is essentially waste-free, since the cake remaining after it is obtained is used for livestock feed.

And, really, what good is there to be wasted? Let’s improve the digestion of animals! 😉

There is also an unusual way of using this plant – brooms for a bath are made from its stems and leaves. If you take a steam bath with the help of such a natural tool, then you can significantly facilitate the course of all kinds of skin diseases (furunculosis, acne, dermatitis), as well as stop inflammatory processes.

Do not forget that fennel has long been considered an effective urinary and choleretic agent. It helps not only with colic, but also with coughs of various etymologies. It also has a beneficial effect on the excited nervous system and is effective for constipation as a mild natural laxative.

You can get all these bonuses without leaving your home, if, of course, you have your own fennel right in a pot on the windowsill. Want to? Then let’s try to grow it here and now!

How to grow fennel at home?

First of all, decide if you want to see a spice or vegetable in your mini-garden.Whichever plant variety you choose, be aware that fennel prefers fertile soil with good drainage. Therefore, it is best to purchase it in a specialized store or generously sprinkle it with compost.

A wooden box is ideal for planting seeds as they should be at least 25 centimeters apart. Moreover, its depth should be at least 30 centimeters. After placing the seed in the pre-moistened soil, cover it with a thin layer of earth.

It is important to remember that our friend fennel is perfectly cross-pollinated with its brother dill, as well as with cilantro, which cannot but affect the taste of the plants.

So if you want a clean fennel flavor and aroma, plant it away from the aforementioned greens.

Fennel grows well with an abundance of light, but also survives well in partial shade. His soil should always be moist, but here it is worth observing a sense of proportion and not flooding the plant so that the roots do not rot.

The green parts can be harvested as soon as the fennel is well rooted, and the bulbs of the vegetable variety are cut off when they are the size of a tennis ball. If they exceed the specified value, they will begin to taste bitter.

Fennel loves moisture so much that it is able to take it away from other plants if a careless farmer does not give it enough water. So, when planting fennel bushes in your backyards, make sure that they grow in the distance and get enough water.

Do you think you can grow fennel at home on your windowsill? Have you had such an experience?

To the content

Fennel ripening season and storage conditions

Outwardly, fennel is almost indistinguishable from dill.

In the form of a spice, fennel is available to us all year round. Although its seeds ripen closer to autumn, they are stored excellently. That’s why you can get this flavorful condiment any time you need it.

The situation is somewhat different with fennel greens and its bulbs, which, as we have already found out, are also eaten. Now I will tell you in detail about the nuances of choosing all parts of this plant.

How to choose the right fennel?

This spice, like any other, is best purchased as whole grains. Thus, as you can imagine, its specific taste and aroma are best preserved. Ground fennel tends to lose much of its flavor and aroma.

Be that as it may, any of these types of seasonings are best purchased in specialized stores – Indian, vegetarian, eco, or in spice shops. There probably are corresponding certificates for goods.

I prefer to take spices in vacuum packs. Oxygen does not affect the contents of the vacuum, which means that it does not deprive fennel of its taste and healing qualities. If you cannot find a seasoning in this form, try to buy it at least in tightly sealed bags.They must be whole and dry inside and out.

The worst case for buying fennel is by weight. Such seeds are exposed to temperatures, light and oxygen every second, which significantly affects their quality, with a minus sign, of course.

Shake the package (if it is, of course, not vacuum – shake it there, at least not shake it!) And see if the grains are loose inside or are they stuck together in one big fennel lump? The second option does not suit us, since, most likely, it happened from excess moisture.And, therefore, there is a danger that mold lurks inside.

The seeds of the plant should be approximately the same size, light greenish-brown in color (striped like that!) And have an oblong, slightly curved shape, reminiscent of a crescent. No debris should flicker among them – chips, straws, pebbles, sand.

Everything seems to be clear with spices. What about fennel greens? Yes, the same as with dill. By the way, do you still remember how to distinguish one from the other? Just sniffing or chewing on a leaf – dill, oddly enough, smells like dill, and fennel smells like anise.

So, during the summer you can find such unusual bunches of anise and dill in the markets or in stores. Give preference to fresh leaves with a strong aroma and bright saturated color. Avoid sad yellowish bouquets and run away from those with dark or light spots.

Fennel in the form of a vegetable is not very common on the market, but if you are lucky enough to see small white heads of cabbage the size of a tennis ball, be sure to try them.

Just before that, be sure to analyze how high quality they are. If the vegetable fennel has fresh green foliage and there are no suspicious stains on it, and it itself is clean, smooth and elastic, you must take it!

How to store fennel properly?

If you returned home with fennel seeds, drop everything urgently and look for a glass or ceramic jar with a tight screw cap. This is where your prey will feel best.Poured over? Move the cherished container away from light and heat. So the spice will be stored for about a year, without much loss in taste and aroma.

But greens, of course, will not live that long. It is advisable to chew it immediately – well, not on the way from the store, but at least in the first day or two after purchase.

To prolong the life of a fennel bunch, you can wrap it in plastic wrap or plastic bag. Yes, this is not the most environmentally friendly packaging, I agree! Try using an airtight glass container, just do not rinse the herbs before storing them or they will rot.

There is also such an option – to put your bouquet in a glass of clean cold water and put it on the shelf of the refrigerator (for example, in the door!). So you will have a chance to “hold out” your purchase until the meal, which should take place no later than in a day.

Vegetable fennel head is also wrapped in plastic wrap, in a bag or placed in a glass container. It can lie for a couple of weeks, but, of course, it will noticeably lose in taste and aroma. Try to eat this unusual food within a few days of purchasing.

To the content

Species and varieties of fennel

Fennel species

Botanists have counted about 10 different varieties of this plant, but cooks all over the world are interested in only 2 of the most popular of them.

Common fennel

Common fennel – the one I am writing about today to a greater extent, it is also pharmaceutical dill and Voloshsky. These bushes give aromatic grains that are used in cooking and medicine. Greens of this type are also used for food.

Italian fennel

Italian fennel , aka vegetable, aka cabbage, giving those very sweet fleshy heads of cabbage (bulbs), resembling small kohlrabi cabbage in shape, and celery in consistency. They grow halfway into the ground – just above the soil surface.

Fennel varieties

Caring breeders have developed many varietal varieties of this plant, both ordinary and vegetable. Still – it’s so tasty and healthy!

Fennel Corvette

Variety “Corvette”

One of the newest achievements of breeding thought, growing up to 60 centimeters in height and highly branching.The ripening period of the bulbs (and this variety belongs to the Italian vegetable type of plant!) – from 120 to 125 days. Vegetables are white, dense, juicy, fleshy, sweet, and their weight can reach 300 grams. From one hectare of “Corvette” get up to 1.2 kilograms of fennel bulbs and up to 2.5 kilograms of green mass.

Fennel Leader

Variety “Leader”

This variety belongs to the early maturing plant species, as the bulbs ripen approximately 40-50 days after planting.Leader bushes usually reach 170 centimeters in height. Its leaves are large, and therefore they are often harvested as fragrant greens even before the flowering season.

Fennel Soprano

Soprano grade

Another representative of vegetable fennel, which is mid-season. Its growing season is 115 days. The stems of the “Soprano” reach one and a half meters in height, branch well, and its leaves form a raised rosette. The bulbs of this variety are small, weighing only up to 100 grams, but they are tender and sweet in taste.They are oval in shape and have excellent density. Up to 2 kilograms of vegetables and up to 4 kilograms of greens are harvested from one hectare of such crops.

Fennel Aroma

Variety “Aroma”

Representatives of this variety can reach two meters in height. Its grains are really very fragrant, and therefore are popular in cooking. And from 1 hectare of “Aroma” you can get up to 3 kilograms of green mass.

Crimean fennel

Variety “Crimean”

Differs in the increased content of essential oil in seeds – up to 5%.In addition, the grains of this variety are resistant to shedding and ripen rather quickly. “Crimean” bushes are usually undersized.

Other fennel varieties:

Show all

To the content

Useful and harmful properties of fennel

Fennel gulls are not only delicious, but also healthy.

Benefits of Fennel

• Perhaps I’ll start with the information known from ancient treatises. Our distant ancestors believed that fennel is an amazing plant that can withstand any poison. The statement is quite loud, almost mystical, although, in fact, there is no magic here – fennel really cleans the body very well. Perhaps, we will not check in practice whether it removes all toxic substances. 😉
  
  

  Interestingly, in India and China, where fennel is very popular, it is still used today as an antidote for snake and scorpion bites.

• In addition, medical works of past centuries indicate that with the help of fennel edema, as well as diseases of the kidneys and bladder, and urolithiasis were treated.
• Rumor has it that eating parts of this plant has a beneficial effect on the organs of vision.
• Thanks to its antioxidant properties, this product rejuvenates the body and protects it from the development of severe ailments, including cancer.
• It promotes the activation of the lactation process in lactating women.
• Fennel helps with all sorts of digestive problems. You probably remember that “dill water” can be given even to newborns. This natural medicine eliminates flatulence, relieves colic, cleanses the intestines, enhances its peristalsis, improves appetite, normalizes stool, and helps to digest food.
• Moreover, fennel soothes so-called internal heat, which is characteristic of certain types of people. In Ayurveda, they are called the type of Pitta constitution (I also belong to them!).Very often, representatives of this Ayurvedic group suffer from all kinds of heartburn, ulcers, skin diseases. Fennel cools the body from the inside, soothes it, significantly improving the condition of the skin (personally tested!).
• This is probably why this plant is widely used in cosmetology.
• Someone this product calms, but someone, on the contrary, adjusts to a playful mood. The ancients claimed that fennel is an aphrodisiac and increases libido in women and men.
• Potassium and magnesium in fennel have a positive effect on the health of the heart and our nervous system.
• We also remember that with the help of this plant you can defeat almost any cough, as it is considered an effective expectorant. Hot fennel decoction also soothes sore throats and eliminates hoarseness.
• This natural miracle medicine helps women to survive the difficult critical days and the onset of menopause.
• Fennel essential oil is an extensive topic for a separate article.After all, it is able to get rid of a number of ailments. Added to an aroma lamp or a bath, this fragrant oil destroys fungi and bacteria, improves mood, and relaxes. Taken internally, it cleanses the body, improves digestion and skin condition. It can also help treat constipation and freshen breath.
• By the way, chewing fennel grains is very beneficial. Not only will you get rid of an unpleasant odor in the mouth, you will also strengthen your teeth and gums.
• If you are seasick in transport, try the procedure indicated in the previous paragraph during your trip.Fennel should relieve nausea and dizziness.
• As a vegetable crop, this plant fits perfectly into the menu of people who are losing weight, since its bulbs contain coarse fiber and are low in calories.
• By the way, fennel tea, which I love so much, also helps to cleanse the body and get rid of excess weight.
• Iron in all parts of the plant improves blood condition and helps with anemia.

Harm of fennel

Well, of course, our honey-fennel barrel will seem extremely suspicious if we do not add a small fly in the ointment to it and talk about the dangerous properties of the plant we are interested in today.

• So, fennel, like any other product, should not be consumed a lot! Otherwise, an overdose may occur, which in this case will be expressed by nausea, vomiting, headache and even convulsions.
• It is recommended to use it with caution during pregnancy and with a predisposition to epilepsy. This is because the plant contains bioflavinoids – neurotransmitters that tone the muscles. And this, as you know, can be dangerous for expectant mothers and epileptics.
• The essential oils in the spice increase the heart rate, make breathing difficult and cause neurotic problems. Of course, subject to their excessive use.

Back to Contents

Interesting Facts About Fennel

1. The ancient Greeks were very fond of this plant, and therefore the mention of it can be found in the famous Greek myths. So, for example, they believed that it was from the fennel stem that a special rod was made, with which the Bacchantes called on their patron, the god of winemaking Dionysus.Then they, of course, indulged in orgies, but that’s a completely different story, not for the Solar Mint! 🙂
2. And also, according to Greek legend, the great Prometheus, who brought fire to wild people, hid it from the gods precisely in the stem of this plant.
3. You’ve probably heard about the “drops of the Danish king”. Well, at least from the song of the Soviet era with the same name. The words to it were written by the great poet Bulat Okudzhava, and the music was written by the composer Isaac Schwartz. The song begins like this:

   “Since childhood, I believed,
   That from all diseases
   Drops of the Danish king
   Can’t find it more useful.”

4. Bulat Shalvovich had every reason to praise this medicine. It included fennel essential oil, ammonia, liquorice with water in its composition and really helped Danes and then other peoples from coughing from the end of the 17th century to the beginning of the 20th century.
5. The amazing breath-freshening properties of fennel seeds have awarded them the honorary title of “seeds of meetings”. Yes, our ancestors chewed fennel before dating! How do you like this idea? 😉
6. In 1418, the Portuguese discovered Madeira – an area that later became an autonomous region of this state.