What are the Benefits of Fennel?
Fennel is a light-green, seed-like aromatic herb. It is also often known as Florence fennel, finocchio, or sweet anise.
While it can be used for culinary purposes, it has a number of
properties that make it an excellent herbal remedy for many health
problems.
Studies have found that fennel has wonderful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, carminative, decongestant, and antispasmodic properties. The seeds contain a variety of minerals, phytoestrogens, and phytonutrients such as flavonoids, caretenoids, fenchone, camphene, and anethole. These elements allow Fennel to be used to treat flatulence, bloating, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hypertension, low milk production in nursing women, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hormonal imbalance, low libido, bruises, bad breath, colic in babies, eyesight decline, sinus congestion, and chronic coughs.
Uses of Fennel
Bad Breath
Bad breath or Halitosis is often caused by digestive disorders. Fennel seeds are an excellent natural remedy for bad breath since the seeds can help resolve these digestive problem as well as provide a fresh aromatic scent.- Chew one to one-and-a-half teaspoons of fennel seeds throughout the day.
- A warm fennel tea can be used as a mouthwash to diminish bad breath.
Cold, Flu, and Sinus Disorders
A few studies suggest that Fennel seeds may help with sinus congestion, chronic coughs, and flu symptoms.Nasal Congestion
Boil 1 liter of water in a pot and add 4-5 teaspoons of fennel seeds. Lean over the pot and inhale the vapours by covering your head with a towel or a large cloth.
Sore Throat
Gargle warm Fennel tea 2-3 times daily and before going to sleep at night.
Cough and Flu Symptoms
Make Fennel tea by boiling one teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of water for about 5 minutes. Add honey to sweeten and drink this tea three times daily.
Colic in Babies
Colic is a condition that affects babies, and it is characterized by prolonged and uncontrollable crying. While the actual cause of colic is not always known, one common theory is that it may be caused by digestive problems including intestinal spasms or cramping. If this is the case, Fennel can be used to help relieve these symptoms. A simple solution is to make Fennel water or Fennel syrup and store it in the refrigerator for emergencies.Fennel Water
Boil one teaspoon of Fennel seeds in a cup of water for 5 minutes. Add half a teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture cool down, and then strain out the seeds. Give one teaspoon of this Fennel water to the baby three times a day or until symptoms subside.
Fennel Syrup
To make Fennel Syrup, boil 3 teaspoons of fennel seeds in a cup of water. Add half a cup of sugar and boil until the mixture develops the consistency of syrup. Give 1/4 teaspoon of this Fennel syrup to the baby twice daily until symptoms subside.
Menstrual and Menopausal Problems
The antispasmodic, phytoestrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of Fennel may soothe the muscles in the uterus, which can help relieve the cramping and discomfort associated with PMS and menstruation. Fennel can also help ease hot flashes and other menopausal problems by balancing the estrogen levels in the body. Therefore, a simple remedy for menstrual cramps, PMS, and symptoms of menopause is to make a Fennel tea as follows:- Boil a cup of water.
- Add a teaspoon of fennel seeds to the boiling water.
- Leave the mixture on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Using a strainer, pour the tea into a mug.
- Add honey as an optional sweetener.
