Fennel - Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel is a hardy perennial herb with yellow flowers and leaves like feathers. Common fennel is often found growing wild near the water in dry soil. Sweet fennel needs rich soil and a lot of water. The plants roots leaves and stems can be eaten but the seeds are the most concentrated. The seeds can be used
whole, ground or distilled for oil. In ancient Greece and Rome fennel was believed to give one strength, courage and long life. Garlands of fennel were given to as praise to victorious warriors. The Egyptians and Romans ate the perennial herb after eating to release toxins from the body and tone the digestive tract.
Fennel has culinary uses and is also used as an herbal medicine. Fennel is a uterine stimulant used to treat menstral disorders but should not be used during pregnancy. The herb helps with weight loss deadening hunger, gastrointestinal upsets, flatulence, coughs and increases milk production in nursing mothers. The herb has anti-inflammatory properties and breaks up chest congestion to help breathing. Fennel tea can be gargled as a breath freshner, for sore throats and infected bums.
When using the essential oil from the distilled seeds, always use diluted and externally. People with diabetes should use in moderation due to a high sugar content and fennel should be avoided with liver problems.
Fennel is a hardy perennial herb with yellow flowers and leaves like feathers. Common fennel is often found growing wild near the water in dry soil. Sweet fennel needs rich soil and a lot of water. The plants roots leaves and stems can be eaten but the seeds are the most concentrated. The seeds can be used
whole, ground or distilled for oil. In ancient Greece and Rome fennel was believed to give one strength, courage and long life. Garlands of fennel were given to as praise to victorious warriors. The Egyptians and Romans ate the perennial herb after eating to release toxins from the body and tone the digestive tract.
Fennel has culinary uses and is also used as an herbal medicine. Fennel is a uterine stimulant used to treat menstral disorders but should not be used during pregnancy. The herb helps with weight loss deadening hunger, gastrointestinal upsets, flatulence, coughs and increases milk production in nursing mothers. The herb has anti-inflammatory properties and breaks up chest congestion to help breathing. Fennel tea can be gargled as a breath freshner, for sore throats and infected bums.
When using the essential oil from the distilled seeds, always use diluted and externally. People with diabetes should use in moderation due to a high sugar content and fennel should be avoided with liver problems.