This tincture of Foeniculum vulgare seed was made in our lab using organic gluten free cane alcohol, pure vegetable glycerine and ultra-filtered water, using the Cold Percolation process (1:5, 60%)
Dosage: 60 drops or 2 droppers or 1/2 teaspoon, 2-3 times a day
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.
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.
