| Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare
Plant Family: Umbelliferae
Common Names: Fenchel, Fenkel, Hinojo, Large Fennel, Sweet Fennel, Wild Fennel
Origin: Fennel is considered indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean, but grows wild in temperate Europe, India and is widely cultivated in France, Iran and Russia. It especially grows where Italians have been
History: Fennel was well known in the ancient world and very popular in the Roman Empire. Foeniculum is a Roman name, from the Latin word foenum, 'hay' and was corrupted to Fanculum in the Middle Ages, where the common name 'Fenkel' comes from
Culpepper states: 'It is a herb of Mercury, and under Virgo, and therefore bears antipathy to Pisces'.
Tradition: In mediaeval times on Midsummer's Eve, Fennel and St. John's Wort were hung over doors:
as a protection against witchcraft and other evil influences
Fennel was used:
- in new houses as protection from fire, accidents and evil
- as an antidote for poisonous herbs or mushrooms
- for serpent and other venomous bites
- in ancient fertility rites
- to cover cold stone and earth floors
- grown near the home to ward of negativity and evil
- to neutralize vegetable and fungus (mushroom) poisoning
Plant Constituents
Contains:
- Anethol
- anisic acid
- anisic aldehyde
- d-pinene
- Fenchone, a colorless liquid which smells like camphor
- organic sodium
- phellandrine
- potassium
- sulphur
- volatile oils (50-60%)
Usage
Medicinal Parts Used: Seeds, leaves, roots
Fennel is used for:
Blood Conditions
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- sedative for small children
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- abdominal cramps
- acidic stomachs
- calms irritation from flatulence, griping pains and over-activity of the bowel
- colic in infants and babies
- digestive problems
- digests fats efficiently
- flatulence (gas/wind)
- heartburn
- hiccoughs
- improves digestion
- nausea
- stomach and intestinal problems
- stimulates appetite
- stimulates sluggish digestion
Female Conditions
- increases milk supply in nursing mothers
Genitourinary Conditions
- gout
- urinary stone formation (eases the pain and breaks down the stones)
Liver
- efficient digestion of fats
- obstructions of the liver and gall
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- chronic coughs
- eases coughs in children
- expels mucous accumulations
- shortness of breath
- wheezing in the chest
It can be used as a gargle for:
Other
- cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy treatment
- obesity
- obstructions of the spleen
- spasms
Externally it can be used as an eyewash for:
- eyestrain
- irritation of the eyes
- soothing tired eyes
- strengthening and restoring failing sight, combined with Rue
and the Oil is used for:
- colic (rubbed on child's abdomen)
- rheumatic pains
Other Uses:
- added to medicines to improve flavor
- as a food supplement during calving
- grown in pastures to increase milk in herd
- scenting soaps and perfumes
- seeds are used for flavoring food, liqueurs
- to get rid of fleas
- young shoots and leaves eaten in soups, as garnishes, with fish, baked in breads, etc.
Action:
- anti-bacterial [an agent that destroys bacteria; bactericide]
- anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
- antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
- aromatic [a substance having an agreeable odor and stimulating qualities]
- carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- galactagogue [an agent that encourages or increases the secretion of milk]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
Precautions
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Fennel without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
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