Foeniculum officinale, F. vulgare

Family

Umbelliferae (Parsley Family)

Etymology

The genus name Foeniculum and common name fennel derive from the Latin foenum, "hay," in reference to the finely divided leaves of the plant.                         

Range of Appearance

Fennel, native to the Middle East and Mediterranean, is a perennial that can grow from 5 to 6 feet in height. The plant has a bluish green hue and grows in colonies in waste places, on roadsides, along fence lines, and in vacant lots. When crushed, it gives off a distinct licorice-like aroma. It has clustered basal leaves and alternate stem leaves. Both the basal and stem leaves are pinnate, look fernlike, and are compounded three or four times. The yellow flowers grow in flat-topped umbels. Fennel prefers full sun and low to moderate amounts of water, and it does best in well-worked, well-drained soil.

Parts Used

Seed, aboveground plant

Physiological Effects

Anesthetic, antibacterial, antiemetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antitussive, aperient, aromatic, calmative, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, galactagogue, laxative (mild), mucolytic, phytoestrogenic, stimulant, stomachic                                     

Medicinal Uses

Fennel seed improves the body's energy by enhancing the digestion and assimilation of food. It clears phlegm, stimulates interferon production, relaxes the bronchi, loosens bronchial secretions, decongests the liver, and clears stagnation. It aids in the digestion of fatty foods and is often added to laxative blends to ease gripe. It also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, thus curbing appetite. It is considered an excellent herb for children. Fennel is used in the treatment of amenorrhea, asthma, bloating, bronchitis, colic, cough, diabetes, dyspepsia, endometriosis, fatigue, fever, flatulence, gout, halitosis, hangover, heartburn, hernia, hiccups, hypertension, indigestion, jaundice, kidney stones, laryngitis, low libido, malabsorption, menstrual cramps, nausea, obesity, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatism, stomachache, teething, weak vision (including floaters), and vomiting. Topically, fennel seed tea can be used as a soothing anti-inflammatory eyewash.

Culinary Uses

Fennel seed makes for sweet breath, with a flavor similar to that of aniseed and licorice; it is a popular culinary seasoning. The leaves of the plant are also edible raw or cooked.

Other Uses

Fennel seed can be prepared as a compress, bath herb, or facial steam to moisten dry skin or as a mouthwash to freshen the breath.

Constituents

Beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, silicon, zinc, essential oils (anethole, fenchone, pinene, limonene, safrole), phenolic ether, flavonoids, coumarins, stigmasterol

Contraindications

Excess use of fennel seed can overstimulate the nervous system. Avoid therapeutic dosages during pregnancy.

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

Hyperlink it to https://brigittemars.com/iplant-app/