AKA: Foeniculum vulgare, Large fennel, sweet fennel, wild fennel, finocchio, carosella, Florence fennel

Fennel belongs to the celery family, and it is a popular herb that is native to southern Europe and Western Asia. It was also known and used in ancient China, India, Egypt and Greece.  The plant has a stiff, erect, branching stem, threadlike, feathery green leaves and yellow flowers. The fruit is a dried seed that is oblong, grooved and 4 to 10 mm long. These somewhat compressed seed are black and brown on the outside and white on the inside. They give off a strong, aromatic odor that is akin to nutmeg and have a spicy pungent taste that makes them a popular ingredient in Italian dishes and sausages.

The entire fennel plant is edible, but medicinally, only the fruits and essential oils are used. The seed like fruits are collected in August in September and dried. Fennel is rich in phyto-nutrients and people have been using it for centuries to help increase bust size and increase milk production in new mothers. It has also been used to increase women’s sex drive as while as treat cases of angina, heartburn, and high blood pressure.

Uses

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. It is gargled for hoarseness and sore throats.

Fennel is also commonly used to treat amenhorrea, angina, asthma, anxiety, depression, heartburn, water retention, lower blood pressure, boost libido, respiratory congestion, coughs and has been indicated for high blood pressure and to boost sexual desire.

Fennel is a useful addition to any of the Breast Enlargement herbs.

Fennel is also commonly used to treat amenhorrea, angina, asthma, heartburn, high blood pressure and to boost sexual desire. Fennel is a mild appetite suppressant and is used to improve the kidneys, spleen, liver and lungs.

Fennel is an effective treatment for respiratory congestion and is a common ingredient in cough remedies.
To ease indigestion, make a tea from a few fresh sprigs of fennel, or a level teaspoon of leaves.
If your baby has gas or colic, use one teaspoon of the infusion of seeds to help relieve it.
A fennel seed infusion is also an effective and soothing eyewash.
Fennel is a common ingredient found in many traditional cough remedies, and it is an effective treatment for respiratory congestion and mucous accumulations.
Traditionally, fennel has been used to encourage the production of breast milk, help increase sex drive, as a diuretic, and to bring on menstrual bleeding.
In the lab, fennel oil has also shown the ability to counteract the spasms of the smooth gut muscle, which might explain why it has been used as an aid in flatulence.

Side effects

Fennel can cause allergic reactions in some cases, although this happens very rarely. It is also advisable to avoid large quantities of fennel if you suffer from an estrogen dependent cancer until the plants effects on estrogen like activity is studied further.
Avoid internal use during pregnancy.

Fennel is a popular herb that originated from the Mediterranean region. It is a hardy perennial with bright green  hollow stems, yellow umbrella like flowers and feathery leaves. It's fruit is a dry smallish oblong shaped seed that gives off a pleasant licorice aroma. Fennel seed has been used as a spice for centuries, added to soups and dishes and served in the Far East as an after dinner mint. The seed is also very popular as a herbal tea with a wonderful smell that can clear the mind and a delightful taste that can help you relax.

Why women should drink more fennel seed tea:

For centuries, fennel tea has been a traditional remedy for women who are dealing with menstrual cramps. Research studies reported in the International Journal and Gynecology and Obstetrics back this up showing that drinking fennel tea can provide moderate relief from menstrual related cramps and the pain that comes with them. Fennel seems to help work with women's body, helping to soothe out the muscles of the uterus thus providing relief from cramps.

Fennel is also rich in phytoestrogens, plant compounds that have  a structure that is very similar to animal hormone estrogen. Along with regulating ovulation, estrogen plays an important role in both bone and heart health for women. It is believed that phytoestrogens found in fennel can have impact on the body as estrogen does thus helping ease menopausal symptoms and also play a protective role against other health disorders such as osteoporosis. The latest research shows that these non-steroidal plant compounds are also important antioxidants and can help women protect themselves against breast and bowel cancers.

Many women who drink fennel tea to help with PMS symptoms have also found that the tea can also help stimulate the system and increase their libido. For centuries, nursing women have also been using fennel tea as a natural herbal way to help stimulate breast milk production. Since fennel mimics estrogen, its use to encourage lactation has validity, however nursing mother should always check with their physician first before using this ancient remedy.

Other Things that you can use fennel seed for…

The oil found in the seeds has the ability to decrease intestinal cramping and help push food through the digestive tract. It can also help with gas, bloating and upset stomachs and is considered mild enough to use on a infant.

Speaking of babies...

Fennel tea has also seen success when it comes to treating a colicky infant. If your baby is crying and nothing you do seems to soothe him or her, try some fennel tea (at room temperature) in a bottle and see if that will help.

Fennel can also be used as a way to stimulate the nervous system and suppress the appetite, making it the ideal herbal tea to help with weight loss. In fact, during colonial times, the Puritans used to use it during fasting, to help, to ease the hunger pains and to help them stay alert.

Fennel tea also has anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically making it great for puffy eyes. Simply soak a wash cloth in some cooled fennel tea and then place over your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes.