Fennel Herb

Common Name And Occurrence:

Fennel is a perennial herb that comes from the Umbelliferae family. The fennel plant is indigenous to Europe but is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world such as in India, China and Egypt. The fennel herb is highly aromatic with a variety of culinary and medicinal uses. Fennel gets its aromatic flavour from anethole, an aromatic compound found in anise and star anise as well. However, this distinct liquorice flavour is much milder in fennel than in anise. Cooking fennel is relatively easy and it can be added to a variety of dishes such as curries and pasta. Fennel recipes form an integral part of the culinary traditions in many different countries. Different parts of the plant such as the fennel bulb, the foliage, and fennel seeds have various medicinal purposes.

Parts Used And Medicinal Uses:

The fennel bulb has a high amount of Vitamin C needed for the proper functioning of the immune system. In addition, the bulb is rich is fibre, which helps reduce cholesterol levels. Fennel bulbs can be consumed raw or can be lightly roasted or sauted. The leaves are a good source of potassium which helps to reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart attack. Fennel leaves are often used in fennel salad.

Fennel seeds are a common ingredient in bread, salads and in many cuisines across the Indian subcontinent. Medicinally, fennel seeds have the ability to inhibit spasms in muscles thereby relieving cramps. Roasted fennel seeds are usually used as a breath-freshener. Fennel seeds are ground and brewed in boiling water to produce fennel seed tea. Fennel seed tea has been proven to aid in the treatment of dyspepsia and has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties.

Fennel oil from the seeds is a remedy for digestive complaints such as constipation, nausea and vomiting. It also has a diuretic effect on the body. Sweet fennel oil is often used in aromatherapy and provides a relaxing soothing effect on the body. It can be applied on the skin to smooth wrinkles and heal small cuts and bruises.

Administered As:

Fennel pollen is the most potent form of fennel, with the maximum amount of flavour, but is the most expensive. The fennel flowers are first picked at full bloom and then dried to extract the best flavour from the pollen.

Organic fennel is much healthier than normal fennel as it is grown without conventional pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Organic fennel has been known to stabilize hormonal activity in women, but this herb should be not be used in excess quantities.