What is fennel?
Fennel is a sweet-smelling herb originally from the countries that
border the Mediterranean Sea.
Its flavor is similar to that of anise, or licorice. Fennel leaves, stalks, and bulbs are edible and have a crunchy texture. You can add it to salads, baked goods, pesto sauce, or even your next cup of tea.
There are many other potential ways to put the perennial fennel plant to use. This yellow-flowered, sweet-smelling plant can potentially improve your health.
Its flavor is similar to that of anise, or licorice. Fennel leaves, stalks, and bulbs are edible and have a crunchy texture. You can add it to salads, baked goods, pesto sauce, or even your next cup of tea.
There are many other potential ways to put the perennial fennel plant to use. This yellow-flowered, sweet-smelling plant can potentially improve your health.
Breast-Feeding
Breast-Feeding
According to a 2008 study, fennel contains estrogen-like
compounds. These compounds act like estrogen in the body. They stimulate
breast milk production in goats and are believed to do the same in
women. This use dates back centuries, and many new mothers today still
use herb-based drinks to boost their milk production.
Colic
Colicky infants
Colic is a condition that causes newborns to cry inconsolably for
hours at a time. There is no known cause for colic, but it can put
enormous stress on parents. A study conducted in Russia found that
fennel seed oil may reduce the intensity of colic, measured in hours of
crying, by as much as one-quarter.
Respiratory system
Gargling an infusion of fennel seed oil can loosen mucus in your
lungs and relieve your cough or sore throat, according to researchers in
Italy. Ask your healthcare provider if gargling once a day with 5 to 7
grams (between 1 and 1.5 teaspoons) of fennel seed could help ease your
symptoms.
Menstrual cramps
Relief of menstrual cramps
A recent study conducted in Iran found that the combination of
fennel extract and vitamin E drastically reduced cramping pain from
menstruation. The fennel mixture was actually more effective for study
respondents than over-the-counter pain relievers.
Wounds and bites
Wounds and bites
In certain cultures, fennel has a tradition
of being used to heal wounds and poisonous bites as well as eliminate
ingested poisons. This is because the essential oil of fennel is
believed by some to have properties that promote topical healing and
possibly internal healing as well.
Boosting libido
According to folklore, fennel can be used as an aphrodisiac, or
a substance that boosts sexual drive. Unfortunately for lovebirds,
there is not a lot of scholarly research to back up this particular
claim so far.
Taste and fragrance
Taste and fragrance
Fennel can be distilled to create a volatile oil. Volatile oils
typically have a pleasant smell and are easily absorbed by the skin.
This means that fennel oil is ideal for soaps and perfumes. Fennel also
has a pleasant flavor and is often used to improve the taste of
medications.
Disease
Fighting disease
Recent scientific studies show that simple spices, which include
sweet fennel and red chili, are potentially effective in fighting and
slowing the growth of certain bacteria associated with cholera.
Takeaway
The next time you add fennel to your salad or homemade bread
recipe, take note of the other ways in which this herb is working to
keep you healthy. If you’ve never tried a fennel remedy, consider
talking to your healthcare provider about it
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