Foeniculum vulgare
Part Used: Dried mature seed
Fennel is a hardy perennial, umbelliferous herb, with yellow flowers and feathery leaves, grows wild in most parts of temperate Europe, but is generally considered indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean, whence it spreads eastwards to India. It has a thick, perennial root-stock, stout stems, 4 to 5 feet or more in height, erect and cylindrical, bright green and so smooth as to seem polished, much branched bearing leaves cut into the very finest of segments. It has been used medicinally due to its aromatic and carminative properties. It is primarily used in the treatment of mild, spasmodic gastrointestinal complaints such as flatulence and colic in children, and indigestion, bloating and heartburn in adults. Both the seeds and the root are appetite stimulants and sooth the digestion. The volatile oil has both carminative and spasmolytic actions, and has been shown to increase liver regeneration experimentally. This herb has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactogogue, hallucinogenic, laxative, stimulant and stomachic properties.
Fennel helps to take away the appetite. It is often used as a sedative for small children and to treat colic. It improves digestion, and is very helpful with coughs. It is also used for cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy treatments to help rebuild the digestive system. It is used to enrich and increase the flow of milk for lactating women. Fennel oil is used externally to ease muscle and joint pain. Fennel has a long history of herbal use and is a commonly used household remedy, being useful in the treatment of a variety of complaints, especially those of the digestive system. The seeds, leaves and roots can be used, but the seeds are most active medicinally and are the part normally used. An essential oil is often extracted from the fully ripened and dried seed for medicinal use, though it should not be given to pregnant women. An infusion is used in the treatment of indigestion, abdominal distension, stomach pains etc.
References:
Botanical.Com. http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/f/fennel01.html
Plant for a Future. http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Foeniculum+vulgare&CAN=COMIND
