Fennel Health Benefits
“Fennel” Health Benefits
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| Genus: Foeniculum Vulgare Also known as: Finocchio, carosella, Florence fennel, fennell Parts used: Fruits (seeds); stalks and bulbs are used in cooking |
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Fennel
(Foeniculum Vulgare) |
If you suffer from bad breath; the quickest and easiest solution is to slowly chew a few seeds and let your saliva become coated with its properties. You can also empty the contents of a single fennel capsule onto a small plate and mix it with an equal amount of baking soda. Wet your toothbrush and dip it in the mixture, then brush your teeth, gums and tongue. You can also gargle with a tea made from the seeds. The fluid extract may be used orally for the same purpose.
In women’s health, this herb was traditionally used to stimulate menstruation. One study suggest that fennel has a mild estrogenic effect. Meaning it acts like the female sex hormone estrogen. Some women may try it to help begin their period or increase milk production. Older women might give it a try to relieve the discomforts of menopause.
Women advised by a doctor not to take birth control pills should not use fennel, or should anyone with a history of blood clotting or estrogen dependent breast tumors.
As with all herbs, fennel should only be used in amounts typically recommended for medicinal purposes and you should always consult with your doctor first, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
Fennel is a six foot perennial with feathery leaves and tall stalks capped by umbrella like clusters of tiny yellow flowers. The tiny oval shaped seeds are ribbed and greenish gray. All parts of fennel have the characteristics of anise/licorice fragrance.
Fennel grows easily from seeds sown in rich moist soil in the fall after the danger of frost has passed. Germination takes about two weeks. Thin seedlings to twelve inch spacing. Do not over water seedlings, but as plants grow, extra water increases stem succulence. Leaves may be harvested as soon as plant is established.
**NOTE** In reference to "natural remedies for pets" - fennel is also one of the plants said to be disliked by fleas, and powdered fennel has the effect of driving away fleas from kennels and stables.
SUGGESTIONS:
Other herbs containing carminative actions include alfalfa, angelica, basil, chamomile, meadowsweet, mint, rosemary, and thyme.
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| A 5:33 video of an herbalist discussing the components of fennel seed and the oils contained in fennel. |
