Fennel
Foeniculum Vulgare
MAIN ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS
Fennel essential oil: Phenols as trans-anethole, methyl chavicol, terpenes as a-pinene, a-thujene, y-terpinene, limonene, myrcene, phellandrene, ketones as fenchone, oxides as cineole, alcohols as fenchol, acids, lactones and courmarins.
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Parts Used: Seeds
Traditional Use and Health Benefits
Fennel first made its appearance in the annals of history in Pliny’s “The Naturalis History” around 2,000 years ago. The Roman physician believed this herb so powerful that he used it to treat 22 different ailments.
The Ancient Greeks used Fennel for weight loss, calling it “marathon”, derived from a word meaning “to grow thin”. Other traditional uses include; digestive aid, longevity herb and to ease menstrual cramps.
Fennel Seed Benefits
Digestion Fennel Seeds help to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive system, which stimulates bile flow and reduces pain associated with digestion. They also exert an anti-spasmodic effect in the colon, making them effective at relieving bloating and excess gas. Fennel Seeds contain the phytochemicals; estragole, fenchone and anethole, which contribute to the plant's antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Fennel has also been found to remove carcinogens from the digestive tract, helping to prevent resulting diseases associated with these toxic substances.
PMS/Menstrual Cramps Fennel Seeds have been used by women in the Mediterranean area for many years to alleviate the symptoms of PMS and menstrual cramps. Research backs this up, with many studies showing that these seeds work just as well - even out performing some of their pharmaceutical counterparts. One study gave 55 young girls who suffered from menstrual pain either a Fennel extract or an over the counter painkiller. 80% of the Fennel group and 73% of the painkiller group reported complete pain relief or a significant decrease in pain. They also reported that 80% of the Fennel group as opposed to 63% of the painkiller group no longer needed rest. These results show that Fennel makes an excellent natural alternative to manage menstrual symptoms.
Menopause Fennel is also a powerful herb to assist women undergoing changes due to the menopause. Many studies have found it helps to minimize symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, night sweats and bone loss, but without increasing the risk of hormone driven cancers that have been associated with conventional HRT.
Detox Fennel is a wonderfully supportive herb to the liver, it contributes to liver enzyme function and helps detoxify and cleanse through this important organ. Drinking Fennel tea regularly helps to flush out excess fluids as it works as a diuretic, thereby helping the removal of toxic substances and reducing the risk of urinary tract problems. It also has diaphoretic properties that stimulate perspiration - the skin is a major organ for the elimination of toxins from the body.
Children’s Health It is important to note that it is pure Fennel tea that is helpful to children’s health, not herbal supplements. Fennel tea is excellent for children with colic and digestive weakness, enhancing digestion and assimilation of food. It helps in reducing colic symptoms by relaxing the gastrointestinal tract and releasing trapped gas. Gripe water, the commercial remedy for colic actually contains Fennel oil as one of its ingredients. The best way to administer Fennel is by boiling a small quantity in water, filter the water with a cloth and remove all the pieces of Fennel. The earliest age of introduction is about 1 month. A baby with colicky crying can be given Fennel boiled and filtered water. It is advised to give this water in small quantities not more than 150 ml/ dosage.
Apart from relieving colic, Fennel acts as a booster for a baby’s immunity. The presence of both vitamins C and E will gently detoxify whilst providing the immune system with a boost.
CONTRAINDICATIONS/PRECAUTIONS
No significant side effects have been found. However people with Estrogen dependent cancer should avoid fennel in large quantities.
Fennel seeds are very gentle, but there are rare cases in which fennel causes allergic reactions in the skin and respiratory tract. Fennel seeds are not considered dangerous; however, the essential oil can be toxic in high doses.
Fennel seed essential oil use should be avoided during pregnancy. It has been reported to have estrogen-like activities; therefore, internal consumption of the essential oil should be avoided by individuals with estrogen-sensitive conditions (reproductive cancers, tumors, or cysts). Internal use of the essential oil should be avoided by lactating women and children under the age of ten. The essential oil can overexcite the nervous system, and may cause convulsions in sensitive individuals. Avoid use with existing nervous system conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s, or multiple sclerosis. An overdose of the essential oil can cause skin irritation, allergy, nausea, vomiting, seizures, or pulmonary edema.
DISCLAIMER
This information is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.