herbs - Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

What is it?

Fennel is native to Europe, but is now grown all over the world as a food, spice and a medicinal plant. It has a long history of use dating back to ancient Greeks and Romans. The seeds are used in herbal medicine and Aromatherapy and they have an aniseed smell and taste. 

Action

Fennel contains a volatile oil, which has several active constituents including anethole and fenchone. These are antispasmodic particularly to the bowel and help disperse gas and bloating. Fennel is also a digestive tonic, liver stimulant, mildly oestrogenic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diuretic and anti-microbial.

Uses

Our experts recommend Fennel for the following disorders:

Other information

Fennel has many uses including colic and griping in infants, increasing milk production in nursing mothers and for irritable bowel in adults. It is available as fresh bulb, seeds, tea, and tinctures, and can be used in tincture form for children aged above 1 year of age. Herb tincture dosage is lower than adult levels - a simple guide for children is one drop per stone of weight.

Cautions

• The safety of Fennel has not been established during early pregnancy, so it is best avoided.



• Fennel is generally free of side effects at normal usage and does not have any other contra-indications, although if the seeds are taken in large amounts they can be toxic.



• When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with Fennel.

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