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Pharmacy Links

HERBS: FENNEL

30th March 2009

Foeniculum vulgare

Action: Aromatic, carminative, stomachic, expectorant, anti-catarrhal, alterative, galactagogue.

Systems Affected: Stomach, intestines, pancreas, lungs, eyes, female reproductive system. Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried seed, dose 1-4 grams by infusion.

Fennel has been used for culinary purposes for at least 2000 years. Special varieties have been developed, giving bulbous stalk bases (Florence Fennel), large stalks (Carosella) and decorative foliage (Bronze Fennel). The seed flavour also varies considerably from the Bitter or Wild Fennel and the less bitter German or Saxon Fennel to the Sweet or Roman Fennel.

The plant is a hardy biennial or perennial growing up to 2 meters in height. Native to the Mediterranean region, it has been introduced and naturalized elsewhere, and is often found growing wild on wasteland in temperate zones.

Fennel is a valuable herb combining several medicinal properties. The infusion is used to relieve stomach pains, flatulence, intestinal colic and cramps; to normalize appetite and sluggish digestion; and to treat inflammation of the internal mucosae (bronchitis, gastritis, enteritis, cystitis, etc.).

Fennel helps to break up and expel mucus, and is often included as an ingredient in cough mixtures.

Its reputation as a ‘slimming herb’ results from its action in stimulating and normalizing the pancreas which, together with the liver and gall-bladder, plays a major role in metabolism, especially of fats and sugars. Thus Fennel may help in losing weight gained because of difficulty in absorbing fats and sugars, but is unlikely to be of benefit with weight problems due to fluid retention, endocrine imbalance or other causes.

The infusion is also used as a lotion or wash to relieve fatigued and inflamed eyes. Fennel is particularly effective for yellowing of the whites of the eyes, a condition which often occurs when there is difficulty in absorbing fats: the infusion can be applied locally for symptomatic treatment, but is most beneficial when taken internally for this problem because of its effect on the digestive organs.

Fennel contains oestrogen-like compounds and has been used throughout history to stimulate milk flow in nursing mothers. It is also used to prevent colic in babies, and the effect of the herb in this respect tends to flow on to her baby when Fennel is taken by a nursing mother.

A rubbing oil prepared by soaking the crushed seed in olive oil (or any vegetable oil) for a week or so, is used for relief from lumbago and rheumatic pain.

Extract of Fennel is sometimes included as a flavouring and anti-griping agent in medicinal preparations, and all parts of the plant have culinary uses: the roots and stalks as a vegetable, the leaves as a garnish for fish and as an addition to salads, soups and sauces. The seeds are used in the manufacture of liqueurs and as a condiment.