Fennel – nature’s gift to the digestive system

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Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as fennel, is an aromatic herb that has been used in cooking and traditional medicine for centuries. Thanks to its characteristic sweet aroma and numerous healing properties, it is a favourite herbal remedy in many cultures around the world. It was well known to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, Indians and Chinese. The Romans cultivated it for its fragrant seeds, while its edible fleshy bulb is a very popular vegetable in many countries.

What is fennel?

Fennel is a plant species in the carrot family, recognisable by its feathery fronds, yellow flowers, and aniseed-scented seeds. This Mediterranean plant now grows all over the world and has been used as food and medicine by people since ancient times.

Medicinal properties of fennel

People throughout history have used fennel to treat a number of ailments. This is because it has a range of properties that can benefit health, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. (1)

Fennel is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. In traditional medicine, fennel is recommended for (2, 3):

  • Digestive problems: Fennel relieves cramps, bloating, and other digestive problems. It has a relaxing effect on the intestinal muscles and reduces the formation of gas. It has a spasmolytic effect, that is, it relaxes smooth muscles and reduces cramps. It also acts as a carminative – reducing the formation of gas in the digestive tract.
  • Respiratory problems: Fennel is useful for relieving coughs, colds, and asthma. It is believed to act as an expectorant and to have antispastic properties.
  • Inflammatory processes: Because of its antioxidant properties, fennel may help reduce inflammation.
  • Diuretic: Fennel stimulates urination and may help with water retention.

Because of its many health benefits, fennel is still one of the most commonly used medicinal herbs. (4)

In general, it is considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, it is important to keep the following in mind (5):

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before consuming fennel, even though it has traditionally been used to promote lactation.

• Drug interactions: Fennel may interact with certain drugs such as anticoagulants and antithrombotic drugs.

• Allergic reactions: people with allergies to plants in the Apiaceae family, such as carrots, celery, and parsley, may also be allergic to fennel.

Fennel has a long history of traditional use and a wide range of pharmacological properties. Although further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and clinical effectiveness, fennel remains a natural remedy with promising benefits for a wide range of health problems. It is for good reason, then, that we call it the fragrant guardian of health.

Sources:

  1. Das B, Rabalais J, Kozan P, Lu T, Durali N, Okamoto K, McGeough MD, Lee BJ, Barrett KE, Marchelletta R, Sivagnanam M. The effect of a fennel seed extract on the STAT signaling and intestinal barrier function. PLoS One. 2022 Jul 8;17(7):e0271045. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271045. PMID: 35802574; PMCID: PMC9269469.
  1. Rather, Dr. Manzoor & Dar, Bilal & Sofi, Shahnawaz & Ahmad, Bilal & Qurishi, Mushtaq. (2012). Foeniculum vulgare: A comprehensive review of its traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety. Arabian Journal of Chemistry. 14. 10.1016/j.arabjc.2012.04.011.

Link:

 

  1. Nurul Jadid, Aulia Febrianti Widodo, Dini Ermavitalini, Noor Nailis Sa’adah, Setiyo Gunawan, Choirotin Nisa. The medicinal Umbelliferae plant Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.): Cultivation, traditional uses, phytopharmacological properties, and application in animal husbandry. Arabian Journal of Chemistry. Volume 16, Issue 3, 2023, 104541,ISSN 1878-5352.

 

  1. Badgujar SB, Patel VV, Bandivdekar AH. Foeniculum vulgare Mill: a review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary application, and toxicology. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:842674. doi: 10.1155/2014/842674. Epub 2014 Aug 3. PMID: 25162032; PMCID: PMC4137549.

  1. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-. Fennel. [Updated 2024 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501793/

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