The main active constituents, which includes
the terpenoid anethole, are found in the volatile oil. Anethole and
other terpenoids may have estrogen-like activity and inhibit spasms
in smooth muscles, such as those in the intestinal tract. Recent studies
have found fennel to possess diuretic, choleretic (increase in production
of bile), pain-reducing, fever-reducing, and anti-microbial actions.
History
One author reports that fennel may have
bestowed immortality in the Greek legend of Prometheus. During third
century B.C. Hippocrates prescribed fennel to treat infant colic.
Four hundred years later, Dioscorides called it an appetite suppressant
and recommended the seeds to nursing mothers to boost milk production.
The Roman naturalist Pliny included fennel in 22 remedies. He suggested
that fennel cured eye problems, including blindness. Later it was
thought to treat jaundice.
Fennel seeds are a common cooking spice, particularly for use with
fish. After meals, they are used in several cultures to prevent
gas and upset stomach. The seeds are also used in Latin America
to increase the flow of breast milk.
The fennel tea traditionally made a good eye wash. It is a tested
remedy for gas, acid stomach, gout, cramps, colic and spasms. Fennel
seed ground and made into tea is believed to be good for snake bites,
insect bites or food poisoning. Excellent for obesity. It increases
the flow of urine and also increases the menstrual flow. Fennel
oil was traditionally rubbed over painful joints to relieve pain.
It was gargled for hoarseness and sore throat.
Digestive Aid: Fennel relaxes the smooth muscle lining the digestive
tract (making it an antispasmodic). It also helps expel gas. It
kills some bacteria.
In Germany, fennel is used like anise and caraway as a treatment
for indigestion, gas pains, and infant colic.
Women's Health: Fennel had been used to promote menstruation in
women. One studey suggests that fennel has mild estrogenic effect
(It acts like the female hormone estrogen). This may be partially
responsible for the use of fennel for milk production and for stimulating
menstruation. It may be useful to relieve the pains of menopause
in older women.
Description
Fennel is a biennial or perennial plant
that grows wild in the Mediterranean area and in the Asia Minor, but
is commonly cultivated in the US and Europe. The long, carrot shaped
root produces a stout, pithy, finely grooved stem with fine buish
stripes. The leaves are decompound, dissected into numerous filiform
segments, the upper leaves on broad sheaths that surround the stem.
Yellow flowers appear from July to October. The fruit consists of
two joined carpels, together taking an oblong form with prominent
ribs.
Dosage
Whole seeds may be chewed or used in tea. To make a tea, boil 1/2
teaspoon of crushed seeds in 250 ml (I cup) of water for ten to
fifteen minutes, keeping the pot covered during the process. Cool,
strain, and then drink three cups per day. As a tincture, 2-4 ml
can be taken three times per day.
Safety
No significant adverse effects have been reported. Pregnant or
lactating women, as well as anyone with an estrogen-dependent cancer,
should avoid fennel in large quantities until the importance of
its estrogen-like activity is clarified.
It is also recommended that people with a history of alcoholism,
hepatitis, or liver disease avoid this herb till a confusing set
of findings on the effect of fennel on the liver is clarified.
Fennel seeds are quiet safe; but some persons are sensitive to
fennel oil. It is found to cause skin rashes. When taken internally,
fennel oil may cause nausea, vomiting, and possibly seizures.
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