To help relieve acid stomach, flatulence,
stomachache and nausea.
Acts as an appetite suppressant.
As fennel is thought to promote milk flow,
herbalists often recommend it to new mothers.
An infusion of the seeds can be used
externally as an eyewash.
Side Effects None known at this time
Safety Issues Fennel acts as a uterine stimulant and should
therefore not be taken in high doses during pregnancy.
History of Fennel Fennel is a perennial weed that has bright yellow umbrella shaped flower
heads and can grow up to 6 feet tall. It is a member of the Parsley family.
It's history is colorful and varied. The Romans
believed that snakes drank the juice from the Fennel plant to improve their eyesight and
doctors of the time recommended it for "dimness of the human vision".
The Greeks noted fennel for its a ability to
suppress the appetite - it was one of the earliest diet aids. Their name for fennel is
marathron which is thought to be from a verb which means 'to grow thin'.
By medieval times chewing fennel seeds gained
great popularity as a way to stop your stomach rumbling during long church sermons!
Modern herbalists recognize all the varied uses
that their ancient predecessors had for this herb.
