What are the Fennel Health Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects - User Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Fennel is an herb with a long history of use, the botanical name of fennel is Foeniculum Vulgare, some other common names are saunf, Indian sweet fennel, misreya, salina, badiyan. 

Fennel is an herb that has been used since ancient times as both medicine and food, it is a yellowish green, biennial, or perennial herb commonly cultivated throughout India. It has been used for flavoring from ancient times. The whole plant is aromatic. 

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2. Chemical Constituent & Habitat of Fennel

An analysis shows fennel to contain moisture 6.3%, protein 9.5%, fat 10%, minerals 13.4%, fiber 18.5 %, and carbohydrates 42.3 %. Its minerals and vitamins are calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C. Its calorific value is 370. The composition of the oil varies widely according to variety and origin. Indian fennel oil contains a substantial amount of anethole and fenchone. It possesses a sweet taste, and the fatty acids of the oil are palmitic acid and petroselinic acid. The herb is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found year-round in the US, but now widely cultivated in India.

3. Common Names 

4. Ayurvedic Properties 

1. Rasa (Taste): It is sweet in (Madhura) taste.

2. Virya (Potency): It is cool in nature (Shita).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): It is sweet (Madhura).

5. Health Benefits and Uses 

The leaves of fennel are digestive, appetizing, and stimulating. They increase the secretion and discharge of urine, the seeds are sweet, laxative, aphrodisiac, and arrest bleeding. They also relieve flatulence and promote the removal of catarrhal matter and phlegm. Oil of fennel, distilled from the dry seeds is aromatic, carminative, antispasmodic, and used in various carminative preparations.

It is effective in improving digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, reducing pain and inflammation, boosting immunity, and promoting heart health. It can also be used to treat colic, indigestion, and diarrhea. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Colic

Fennel is one of the safest herbs for colic, it helps babies to release gas and relax the tummy. It may be used in combination with other herbs like peppermint and crushed caraway seeds or alone.

To prepare fennel tea boil a tsp of the herbs in a cup of water, steep it for about 20 minutes, strain and allow the tea to cool. A tsp. or two, and not more, of the tea given in the feed bottle, to the baby helps cure colic.

Digestive Disorders

The use of fennel is well known as a digestive aid, it may be given in small quantities to help young children digest carbohydrates. An infusion prepared by boiling a tbsp. of fennel seeds in 100 ml of water for half an hour, is highly beneficial in indigestion, biliousness, flatulence, constipation, and atonic dyspepsia. Chewing its seeds after meals prevents foul breath, indigestion, constipation, and vomiting.

Eye Disorders

It benefits the eyes, and herbalists recommend bathing the weakened, sore, or inflamed eyes with fennel tea. Regular application of the leaf juice boiled with honey is said to cure conjunctivitis.

Menstrual Disorders

Fennel seeds promote menstruation and regulate monthly periods, and regulate monthly periods, an infusion of the seeds is recommended for painful menstruation and other menstrual irregularities.

Respiratory Disorders

Leaves of fennel are useful in respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis, the juice may be given in the treatment of such conditions. Eating fennel seeds with figs is also good medicine for cough bronchitis and lung abscesses.

6. Side Effects

All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based and don’t have any side effects, but they may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have unique health issues.

Fennel should be safe for most people to consume, but you may experience a few side effects. Drowsiness and dizziness are common side effects of fennel. You should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you have consumed fennel capsules or powder before.

Fennel can affect breast milk production in some women if they are breastfeeding or pregnant, so it's best to avoid consuming this herb if you're pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. 

If you are allergic to fennel, you should not use this herb. Fennel is not recommended for people with kidney disease.