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Fennel | | |
Considered primarily indigenous to the Mediterranean shores, fennel has
been closely associated with ancient cultures and followed the spread of
civilization. Fennel is mentioned in Greek legends, poetry, and other
ancient writings, and praised for its medicinal value in many aspects of
health and longevity. Today, fennel is used primarily for digestive
concerns and gastrointestinal afflictions. Some scientific research has
demonstrated that colicky babies can benefit from supplementation of
fennel. Fennel has shown to be effective for conditions of the upper
respiratory tract as well.
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| Common Name | | | Fennel
| | | Botanical Latin Name / Classification | | | Foeniculum vulgare, F. officinalis
| | | Parts Used | | | Seeds, leaves, roots, stem base
| | | Other Names | | | Fenkel, Finkle, Sweet Fennel, Wild Fennel.
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| | | Description | | | Fennel, a hardy, perennial, umbelliferous herb, with yellow flowers and
feathery leaves, grows wild in most parts of temperate Europe, but is
generally considered indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean, whence
it spreads eastwards to India. It has followed civilization, especially
where Italians have colonized, and may be found growing wild in many parts
of the world upon dry soils near the sea-coast and upon river-banks. It
flourishes particularly on limestone soils and is now naturalized in some
parts of this country, being found from North Wales southward and eastward
to Kent, being most frequent in Devon and Cornwall and on chalk cliffs
near the sea. It is often found in chalky districts inland in a semi-wild
state.
For the medicinal use of its fruits, commonly called seeds,
fennel is largely cultivated in the south of France, Saxony, Galicia, and
Russia, as well as in India and Persia.
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| | | Traditional Internal Uses | | | According to the Greek legend of Prometheus, fennel was thought to have
bestowed immortality.1 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.2 Fennel has also been used as a
remedy for cough and colic in infants.
Fennel was well known to the
Ancients and was cultivated by the ancient Romans for its aromatic fruits
and succulent, edible shoots. Pliny had much faith in its medicinal
properties, according no less than twenty-two remedies to it, observing
also that serpents eat it 'when they cast their old skins, and they
sharpen their sight with the juice by rubbing against the plant. In
mediaeval times, fennel was employed, together with St. John's Wort and
other herbs, as a preventative of witchcraft and other evil influences,
being hung over doors on Midsummer's Eve to warn off evil spirits. It was
likewise eaten as a condiment to the salt fish so much consumed by our
forefathers during Lent. Like several other umbelliferae, it is
carminative.
Though the Romans valued the young shoots as a
vegetable, it is not certain whether it was cultivated in northern Europe
at that time, but it is frequently mentioned in Anglo-Saxon cookery and
medical recipes prior to the Norman Conquest. Fennel shoots, fennel water
and fennel seed are all mentioned in an ancient record of Spanish
agriculture dating A.D. 961. The diffusion of the plant in Central Europe
was stimulated by Charlemagne, who enjoined its cultivation on the
imperial farms.
The ancient Greek name of the herb, Marathron, from
maraino, to grow thin, probably refers to its use in cases of obesity as
mentioned by William Coles in 1650. Fennel was also said to convey
longevity, and to give strength and courage. The fragrant aroma of fennel
was often referenced throughout the poetry of Milton.
Fennel was
also considered to be a remedy for snakebite. In the past, the poor ate
fFennel to satisfy hunger pangs on fast days and to make unsavory food
palatable. Fennel sprigs used to be placed in horses' harnesses to keep
flies away. Chinese medicine prescribes fennel for food poisoning,
hernias, abdominal pain and indigestion.
Fennel is primarily used
in the treatment of mild, spasmodic gastrointestinal complaints such as
flatulence and colic in children, and indigestion, bloating and heartburn
in adults. Both the seeds and the root are appetite stimulants and sooth
the digestion. The volatile oil has both carminative and spasmolytic
actions, and has been shown to increase liver regeneration
experimentally.
Fennel is a useful remedy for upper respiratory
catarrh and has a calming effect on bronchitis and coughs. It is also
diuretic, and is used to treat urinary calculi. The volatile oil is
bactericidal and anti-fungal, and has been shown to be effective in vitro
against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. It is also slightly
oestrogenic, and is a well-known means of promoting the flow of breast
milk.
Externally, the oil relieves muscular and rheumatic pains,
and the infusion may be used in a compress to treat conjunctivitis and
blepharitis. The seeds have a traditional reputation as an aid to weight
loss and longevity.
The German E Commission recognizes fennel's
usefulness in treating conditions like dyspepsias such as mild, spastic
gastrointestinal afflictions, fullness, and flatulence. It also mentions
the use of fennel for catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, and fennel
syrup or fennel honey, specifically, for catarrh of the upper respiratory
tract in children.
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| | | Indications | | | Breast-Feeding Support, Circulatory System / Circulation, Milk Production, Sore Throat, Throat Infections
Primary Indications: Gastrointestinal Disorders, Dyspepsia, Colic, Indigestion, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Secondary Indications: Respiratory Problems, Bronchitis, Menstruation Problems
Other Indications: Conjunctivitis / Blepharitis, Blepharitis, Urinary Tract Infections and Inflammation, Weight Control / Obesity, Food Poisoning, Hernia, Asthenopia (Eyestrain), Longevity
Sore Throat
Primary Indications: Flatulence, Appetite (Increased or Decreased), Swelling / Inflammation
Secondary Indications: Catarrh, Coughing
Other Indications: Muscle Ache, Joint Pain, Abdominal Pain
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| | | Actions | | | Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Anticatarrh, Antifungal, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Circulatory Stimulant, Decongestant, Diuretic, Expectorant, Spasmolytic, Stimulant
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| | | Constituents / Nutrients | | | Fennel seed consists of the dried, ripe fruits of Foeniculum vulgare
Miller var. vulgare (Miller) Thellung [Fam. Apiaceae], as well as their
preparations in effective dosage.
The seeds contain at least 4
percent essential oil with not more than 5 percent estragon.
The
major constituents, which include the terpenoid anethole, are found in the
volatile oil. Anethole and other terpenoids inhibit spasms in smooth
muscles,3 such as those in the intestinal tract, and this is thought to
contribute to fennel's use as a carminative (gas-relieving and
gastrointestinal tract cramp-relieving agent). Related compounds to
anethole may have mild estrogenic actions, although this has not been
proven in humans. Fennel is also thought to possess diuretic (increase in
urine production), choleretic (increase in production of bile),
pain-reducing, fever-reducing, and anti-microbial actions.4 Fennel was
formerly an official drug in the United States and was listed as being
used for indigestion.5
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| | | Pharmacological Summary | | | Fennel's anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties have been demonstrated
in in vitro laboratory studies. It has also been shown to mimic
estrogen justifying its historical use with the conditions of the female
reproductive system. The most recent clinical trial involved a group of
colicky babies and demonstrated that fennel supplementation significantly
outperformed the placebo.
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| | | Scientific Research and Pharmacologicial Actions | | | Anti-bacterial: The volatile oil is bactericidal and anti-fungal,
and has been shown to be effective in vitro against Staphylococcus
aureus and Candida albicans. It is also slightly oestrogenic, and is a
well-known means of promoting the flow of breast milk.
Soothe
indigestion: Like many other aromatic herbs, fennel appears to relax
the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract to help expel gas.
European research shows it also kills some bacteria, lending support to
another of its traditional uses-to treat diarrhea.
Stimulate
menstruation: One study suggests the herb has a mild estrogenic
effect, meaning it acts like the female sex hormone, estrogen. This action
may have something to do with its traditional use as a milk and
menstruation promoter.
Ease colic: In a recent Israeli
study, researchers gave an herbal fennel tea to 33 colicky babies and a
non-medicinal drink to 35 other colicky infants for seven days. More
babies who received fennel tea showed improvement that those who received
the placebo drink. Although the study is from conclusive, it can't hurt to
try giving fennel tea to a colicky baby. "It' worth a try, because
colic is such a complex thing," says Dr. DerMarderosian.
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| | | Research | | | "Calming A Colicky Baby?"
"Herb teas are both culinary, medicinal"
"The Effect of Fennel Seed Oil Emulsion In Infantile Colic"
"Antihirsutism (Reduced Hair Growth) Activity of Fennel"
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| | | Precautions / Contraindications | | | Fennel is included on the Food and Drug Administration's list of herbs
generally regarded as safe. But because of its estrogenic effect, pregnant
women should avoid medicinal amounts of the herb.
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| | | Interaction with Medications | | | None documented.
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| | | Possible Side Effects | | | No significant adverse effects have been reported. However, in rare cases
fennel can cause allergic reactions of the skin and respiratory tract.7
Anyone with an estrogen-dependent cancer (e.g., some breast cancer
patients) should avoid fennel in large quantities until the significance
of its estrogen-like activity is clarified.
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| | | Dosage | | | The German Commission E monograph recommends 1-1 1/2 teaspoons (5-7 grams)
of seeds per day.6 As a tincture, 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 mL) can be taken
three times per day between meals.
Dried Extract: Fennel
capsules are generally available in strengths that range from 400 to 700
mg. Within herbal blends, quantities of fennel are significantly smaller.
Typically, a capsule strength of 400 to 500 mg is recommended to be taken
3 times daily.
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| | | Usage | | | For minor wounds: Clean the wound thoroughly. Mix the diluted
eucalyptus oil with an equal quantity of an alcohol-based topical
antiseptic and apply a few drops to the affected area. Seek medical
attention if signs of infection develop (redness, localized warmth,
fever).
For arthritis pain or muscle aches: Rub several
drops of well-diluted eucalyptus oil into the skin. Alternatively, soak in
an herbal bath made by wrapping a handful of eucalyptus leaves in
cheese cloth and allowing the bath water to run through the
bundle.
For gum disease: Place a few drops of well-diluted
eucalyptus oil onto your fingertip and massage into your gums.
Alternatively, purchase a toothpaste containing eucalyptus oil.
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| | | Preparation | | | To make a tea, boil 1/2 teaspoon (2-3 grams) of crushed seeds per 1 cup
(250 mL) of water for ten to fifteen minutes, keeping the pot covered
during the process. Cool, strain, and then drink three cups (750 mL) per
day.
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| | | References | | | 1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press,
1985, 145-6.
2. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of
Herbal Medicine. Middlesex, UK: Viking Arkana, 1991, 424-6.
3. Forster
HB, Niklas H, Lutz S. Antispasmodic effects of some medicinal plants.
Plant Med 1980;40:303-19.
4. Tanira MOM, Shah AH, Mohsin A, et al.
Pharmacological and toxicological investigations on Foeniculum vulgare
dried fruit extract in experimental animals. Phytother Res
1996;10:33-6.
5. Hare HA, Caspari C, Rusby HH. The National Standard
Dispensatory. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1916, 63, 1129.
6.
Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission
E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA:
Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 128-9.
7. Blumenthal M,
Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs:
Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine
Communications, 1998, 128-9.
Our thanks to the
following information resources: Botanical.com, Vitacost.com, American
Botanical Council (Herbalgram.org), and Purplesage.org.
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| | 1 product | | | Fennel (Read all about Fennel.)
Botanical Latin Name: Foeniculum vulgare, F. officinalis
Plant Part: Seeds, leaves, roots, stem base | |
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Fennel - Health - Respira Tonic
500 ml
42.36 US
More Info
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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