Fennel - beneficial properties and contraindications for use

Fennel is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Apiaceae family. Its closest relatives are dill and anise, with which, incidentally, it is often confused. The plant is also known as fennel. It appears as a segmented white bulb protruding from the soil with thick stems. The leaves and inflorescences resemble common dill.

The plant has medicinal properties. It is used in many areas of both folk and traditional medicine. Despite its many beneficial properties, fennel also has contraindications. Medications prepared from the plant are not recommended for those with seizures or varicose veins, as well as during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Chemical composition and general beneficial properties of fennel

The chemical composition of the plant includes the following elements:

Fennel is considered a low-calorie product, so it is often included in various weight loss diets.

Seeds

The seeds of the plant have many medicinal properties:

1. Digestive system. Relieves abdominal pain, increases secretion of the digestive glands, and has a mild laxative effect. The seeds are effective for flatulence, intestinal spasms, constipation, and intestinal colic.
2. Kidneys. Promotes normal functioning of these organs and the removal of stones and sand from the kidneys.
3. Gallbladder. Improving organ function, treating cholecystitis and gallstones.
4. Organs of vision.

   

5. Respiratory system. It helps clear mucus, relieve coughs, and eliminate sore throat and hoarseness. The seeds are used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, and infectious colds.
6. Skin. Antibacterial and antimicrobial action. Acne treatment. Treatment of mycoses in combination with other medications.
7. Nervous system. Normalization of natural sleep, elimination of depressive symptoms, and treatment of neuroses.

Grass

The herb has the following pharmacological properties in relation to various systems and organs:

1. It relieves digestive disorders and normalizes their function, eliminates gas and prevents its formation in the intestines, stimulates peristalsis, has a mild laxative effect, and accelerates the digestive process. The herb is used for diarrhea, constipation, and other symptoms of indigestion. It is also effective for bloating and flatulence.
2. Stimulation of hemoglobin production.
3. The herb is used to relieve renal colic.
4. Expectorant action.

   

5. Normalization of the menstrual cycle, elimination of painful uterine contractions during menstruation. Increased urine output and frequency of urination.
6. Balancing hormonal levels.
7. Relieves irritation and fatigue of the visual organs, prevents certain eye diseases, including macular degeneration.
8. Stimulation of breast milk production.

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The herb is also used in cosmetology to improve the condition of hair.

Roots

The root of the plant has the following beneficial properties:

1. Promotes vasodilation and normalization of blood pressure.
2. Normalizes gastrointestinal processes, stimulates digestion, improves metabolism, normalizes bowel movements, and eliminates flatulence. Fennel root has a beneficial effect on intestinal peristalsis.
3. Prevention of oncological processes, suppression of the development of existing tumors.
4. Normalizes blood cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of cholesterol plaque formation, and increases hemoglobin levels. The plant root is indicated for use in anemia.
5. Sedative effect. Medicines based on the plant's root are used to relieve stress and eliminate unmotivated outbreaks of anxiety and fear. They are also used as a sedative for emotional overactivity.

   

6. Prevention of age-related changes associated with vision loss. Fennel root-based medications are used to relieve eye strain.
7. Normalization of the body's hormonal balance.
8. Immunostimulating effect and prevention of infectious diseases due to bactericidal and antiviral properties.
9. Slows down the aging process. Antioxidant effect.

The plant's root is spindle-shaped, which is one of fennel's main distinguishing characteristics.

The main contraindications and harm of fennel for the body

Fennel should not be taken by people with an individual intolerance to this plant or patients with allergic reactions to certain of its components.

The question of fennel use during pregnancy remains unclear. Some gynecologists claim that fennel is beneficial during early pregnancy, while others disagree, warning of the risk of miscarriage after using the medicinal plant. Regardless, the decision regarding fennel use during pregnancy should be made by a physician.

Patients with epilepsy should also avoid using the plant, especially its root. The substance dopamine contained in this herb can trigger epileptic seizures.

Patients with hemorrhoids should use fennel-based remedies with caution. Exceeding the recommended dose may cause bleeding.

For diarrhea, use herbal remedies only as prescribed by a doctor. In some cases, such treatment can actually worsen the situation.

The use of fennel tea during breastfeeding and the advisability of its consumption by infants remains a matter of debate. On the one hand, the herb's benefits are obvious. However, scientists are perplexed by the taxonomy of fennel. Several studies have shown that the plant's oil is a genotoxin—a substance that poisons the body at the cellular level. Therefore, tea consumption by nursing mothers and newborns should be limited to the recommended doses.

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Rules for using fennel for medicinal purposes

The most common folk medicine recipes using fennel are presented in the table.

Fennel-based medications should be used with caution in infants, as well as in women during pregnancy and lactation.

For colic in newborns

Most newborns suffer from colic. It typically begins between 3 and 4 weeks of age and continues until 4 months of age. Intestinal spasms can last up to 4 hours.

Choosing a medication for a newborn baby is not an easy task, since almost all medications are contraindicated for children of this age.

To prepare dill water, pour 1 teaspoon of seeds into 200 ml of boiling water. Let the resulting liquid steep for half an hour and then strain.

The pediatrician determines the need for use, frequency, and single dose. Typically, babies are given 1 teaspoon of the medicine before and after feeding. The medicine can be stored, but it is advisable to prepare fresh medicine daily.

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During pregnancy

A doctor may prescribe a tea made from the plant during the first trimester of pregnancy. This should ensure that pregnancy is free of any complications. The remedy is effective in relieving morning sickness and stimulating appetite.

Many obstetricians advise against using fennel during pregnancy. The plant contains numerous active ingredients, and its use can trigger uterine contractions. In early pregnancy, this can lead to miscarriage, and in late pregnancy, to premature birth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6AjLTqN8Pc

The maximum daily dose of fennel tea is 100 ml. To be fair, pharmaceutical companies that produce fennel-based medications list pregnancy as a contraindication.

During breastfeeding

Numerous studies confirm the positive effects of fennel on women during breastfeeding. Herbal tea stimulates breast milk production, increasing lactation.

To make tea, pour 1 tablespoon of the plant's seeds into a glass of boiling water. For maximum effectiveness, steep the tea for 2 hours. Take 2 tablespoons of the tea half an hour before meals.

Healthy recipes with fennel

The plant is effective in combating excess weight. All its parts have antioxidant properties and help improve lipid and water balance in the body. Fennel itself is very low in calories. For weight loss, drink undiluted tea without sugar. You can prepare your own weight loss remedy:

1. 20 g of plant seeds are brewed with a glass of water and left for at least 20 minutes.
2. Fennel herb is mixed with dried linden blossom, chamomile, and nettle in a 2:1:1:1 ratio. 25 g of the resulting mixture is brewed in 0.5 liters of water.

   

3. Fennel seeds are mixed with plain green tea and chamomile. The mixture is ground in a blender, poured with boiling water, and left to steep for 15 minutes.

Chewing the plant's seeds speeds up metabolism. As a result, food is digested faster and doesn't get stored in the stomach. Chewing the seeds is recommended before and after meals.

Eating the seeds also suppresses hunger and reduces appetite. However, chewing them excessively is not recommended, as high concentrations of fennel in the body can cause serious harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fennel is a very beneficial plant with numerous medicinal properties. Although tea made from the herb is even given to infants, improper use of the plant's ingredients can cause serious harm to the body.