Fennel
Overview
Fennel is a perennial, pleasant-smelling herb with yellow flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean, but is now found throughout the world. Dried fennel seeds are often used in cooking as an anise-flavored spice. But don't confuse fennel with anise; though they look and taste similar, they are not the same. Fennel's dried ripe seeds and oil are used to make medicine.
Fennel is used by mouth for various digestive problems including heartburn, intestinal gas, bloating, loss of appetite, and colic in infants among othes. It is also used on the skin for excessive body hair growth in women, vaginal symptoms after menopause, and to prevent sunburn. But there is limited scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
In foods and beverages, fennel oil and fennel seed are used as flavoring agents.
In other manufacturing processes, fennel oil is used as a flavoring agent in certain laxatives, and as a fragrance component in soaps and cosmetics.
Classification
Is a Form of:
Herb
Primary Functions:
Heartburn, intestinal gas, bloating
Also Known As:
Adas, Almindelig Fennikel, Anethum Foeniculum, Anethum piperitum, Arapsaci
How Does It Work?
Fennel might relax the colon and decrease respiratory tract secretions. Fennel also appears to contain an ingredient that may act like estrogen in the body.
Uses
Colic in breast-fed infants. Giving fennel seed oil can relieve colic in infants 2-12 weeks old. Also, breast-fed infants with colic who are given a specific multi-ingredient product containing fennel, lemon balm, and German chamomile seem to cry for a shorter period of time than other infants with colic. In addition, giving a specific tea containing fennel, chamomile, vervain, licorice, and balm-mint can reduce colic severity in infants.
Recommended Dosing
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
CHILDREN
BY MOUTH:
- For colic in breast-fed infants: A 0.1% fennel seed oil emulsion has been given daily for one week.
Fennel Supplements Frequently Asked Questions
What is fennel capsules good for?
Fennel is an herbal supplement which can be used as treatment of infants and nursing children suffering from colic and dyspeptic disease, as a digestive aid, to treat upper respiratory infections, coughs and sore throat, reduces pain associated with menstrual cramps, it can increase milk secretion, promote menstruation.
Does fennel make you sleepy?
It can help you sleep
Since fennel can relax your muscles — including your digestive muscles — you may feel more ready for bed after drinking it. Ancient remedies called for the use of fennel to treat insomnia.
Does fennel seeds increase estrogen?
Though fennel and its seeds are likely safe when eaten in moderation, there are some safety concerns over more concentrated sources of fennel, such as extracts and supplements. For example, fennel has strong estrogenic properties, meaning that it acts similarly to the hormone estrogen.
Does fennel increase testosterone?
As sertoli cells are responsible for change of testosterone into estradiol so fennel can pose stimulatory effects on these cells and cause a decrease in blood testosterone and increase in estradiol levels.
Does fennel increase breast size?
Fennel Seeds contain a high level of flavonoids that helps to increase estrogen in the body. It helps to form new cells and tissues in the breast that helps to increase the size.
Is fennel anti inflammatory?
The powerful antioxidants in fennel, such as vitamin C and quercetin, can help reduce inflammation and levels of inflammatory markers. May benefit mental health. Animal studies have found that fennel extract may reduce aging-related memory deficits. May relieve menopausal symptoms.
Does fennel tea make you poop?
Fennel seeds are effective home remedies for constipation. They also treat indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and bloating. To make this remedy: Take a cupful of fennel seeds and roast them.
What is the best way to eat fennel?
To soften the flavor of the bulb, try braising, sautéing, roasting, or grilling it. Fennel stalks can take the place of celery in soups and stews, and can be used as a "bed" for roasted chicken and meats. Use fennel fronds as a garnish, or chop them and use as you would other herbs, like dill or parsley.
What are the side effects of fennel?
Side effects of Fennel include:
- difficulty breathing.
- tightness of chest/throat.
- chest pain.
- itchy or swollen skin.
Is Fennel good for hormones?
Menopause Symptoms Reduced
Extracts of fennel have estrogen properties that help balance the female reproductive system. The hormonal imbalance caused by menopause has been shown in to be reduced with consumption of fennel seed extract.
Is fennel a laxative?
It can relieve constipation
Fennel tea relaxes your digestive muscles, which might be just what you need if you're struggling with regular bowel movements. Drinking some fennel tea will help cleanse your body and move toxins through your system.
What happens if we eat fennel seeds daily?
For every additional 7 grams of fiber consumed per day, heart disease risk decreased by 9%. Fennel and its seeds also contain nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which play important roles in keeping your heart healthy.
What happens if we eat too much fennel seeds?
They can cause side effects if you use too much. An research study on animals in 2015 found that high amounts of fennel seed oils raised female hormones in mice. It isn't known if fennel seeds have the same effect on people or how much you would need to eat. It's also possible to be allergic to fennel seeds.
Can eating fennel seeds be harmful?
Fennel is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in the amounts commonly found in food. Some people can have allergic skin reactions to fennel.
How do you use fennel for breast enlargement?
Massage it gently around your breast for about 5-10 minutes. You can follow this every night before going to bed. Fennel seeds - The flavonoids in fennel have the ability to increase the amount of estrogen in the body. Add 1 tbsp fennel seeds to 1 glass of water and bring it to boil.
What is fennel used for medically?
Fennel is a perennial, pleasant-smelling herb with yellow flowers. Fennel's dried ripe seeds and oil are used to make medicine. Fennel is used by mouth for various digestive problems including heartburn, intestinal gas, bloating, loss of appetite, and colic in infants among othes.
Is it safe to eat raw fennel?
The fennel bulb can be eaten raw or cooked — both have their perks! When raw, fennel is crunchy and sweet; once cooked, it becomes silky soft. Raw or cooked, fennel has a faint flavor of licorice or anise.
How much fennel should you eat?
Fennel seed is available in capsule form. According to one manufacturer, the recommended dose is 3 capsules (480 milligrams) per day.
Is it safe to drink fennel tea everyday?
Remember that the longer you steep the tea, the stronger the brew will taste. There is no recommended daily limit established for how much fennel tea is safe to drink. Since fennel tea affects digestion, start with one cup at a time and see how your body reacts to drinking it.
What part of fennel do you eat?
Technically speaking, all parts of the plant are edible, but most people will find the stalks too tough and fibrous to eat. The leaves can be chopped and used to flavor salads, dressings, marinades and sauces. They tend to have a slightly more citrusy flavor than the base. The base (or bulb) is delicious raw or cooked.
Is fennel better raw or cooked?
The fennel bulb can be eaten raw or cooked — both have their perks! When raw, fennel is crunchy and sweet; once cooked, it becomes silky soft. Raw or cooked, fennel has a faint flavor of licorice or anise.
Is Fennel good for acid reflux?
Fennel. It has a mild licorice flavor and is low in acid, which can help soothe the upset stomach that can be both a cause and symptom of GERD.
Does fennel seeds cause weight loss?
Consuming saunf may help reduce fat storage by improving vitamin and mineral absorption in the body. Saunf has diuretic properties; therefore, drinking fennel tea can help remove toxins from the body, which in turn, may contribute to weight loss. Fennel seeds are responsible for kick-starting your metabolism.
Is Fennel good for diabetes?
Fennel seeds have alleviated diabetic properties which helps in fighting against diabetes. Due to its high source of nutrients like vitamin C and Potassium, it helps in lowering the blood sugar levels and also helps to increase insulin reactivity resulting in balancing the sugar.
Does fennel thin your blood?
Bleeding disorders: Fennel might slow blood clotting. Taking fennel might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, do not use fennel.
Is Fennel good for kidneys?
Consume high-potassium foods, such as fennel, in moderation when taking beta-blockers. High levels of potassium in the body can pose a serious risk to people with kidney damage or kidneys that are not fully functional. Eating a range of fresh foods is the key to good health.
Clinical Studies
- ^ a b c d e Gori L, et al. Can estragole in fennel seed decoctions really be considered a danger for human health? A fennel safety update. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. (2012)
- ^ a b c d e Swaminathan A, et al. Nitrites derived from Foneiculum vulgare (fennel) seeds promotes vascular functions. J Food Sci. (2012)
- ^ a b Rahimi R, Ardekani MR. Medicinal properties of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. in traditional Iranian medicine and modern phytotherapy. Chin J Integr Med. (2013)
- ^ a b c d e f g h Trellakis S, et al. Subconscious olfactory influences of stimulant and relaxant odors on immune function. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. (2012)
- ^ Tschiggerl C, Bucar F. Volatile fraction of lavender and bitter fennel infusion extracts. Nat Prod Commun. (2010)
- ^ Zangouras A, et al. Dose dependent conversion of estragole in the rat and mouse to the carcinogenic metabolite, 1'-hydroxyestragole. Biochem Pharmacol. (1981)
- ^ Alhusainy W, et al. Identification of nevadensin as an important herb-based constituent inhibiting estragole bioactivation and physiology-based biokinetic modeling of its possible in vivo effect. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. (2010)
- ^ Iyer LV, et al. Glucuronidation of 1'-hydroxyestragole (1'-HE) by human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases UGT2B7 and UGT1A9. Toxicol Sci. (2003)
- ^ Miller EC, et al. Structure-activity studies of the carcinogenicities in the mouse and rat of some naturally occurring and synthetic alkenylbenzene derivatives related to safrole and estragole. Cancer Res. (1983)
- ^ Randerath K, et al. 32P-post-labelling analysis of DNA adducts formed in the livers of animals treated with safrole, estragole and other naturally-occurring alkenylbenzenes. I. Adult female CD-1 mice. Carcinogenesis. (1984)
- ^Â Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Estragole (1-Allyl-4-methoxybenzene).
- ^ Smith RL, et al. Safety assessment of allylalkoxybenzene derivatives used as flavouring substances - methyl eugenol and estragole. Food Chem Toxicol. (2002)
- ^ Perry R, Hunt K, Ernst E. Nutritional supplements and other complementary medicines for infantile colic: a systematic review. Pediatrics. (2011)
- ^ Asero R. Fennel, cucumber, and melon allergy successfully treated with pollen-specific injection immunotherapy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. (2000)
- ^ Asero R. Relevance of pollen-specific IgE levels to the development of Apiaceae hypersensitivity in patients with birch pollen allergy. Allergy. (1997)
- ^ a b Pastorello EA, et al. Fennel Allergy Is a Lipid-Transfer Protein (LTP)-Related Food Hypersensitivity Associated with Peach Allergy. J Agric Food Chem. (2013)
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