Fennel , Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel: A Versatile Herb with Health Benefits

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an aromatic herb with a licorice-like flavor. It has been used for centuries in cooking and medicine. Fennel is a great addition to various dishes, from salads and soups to stews and sauces. It’s also commonly used in teas, liqueurs, and perfumes.

The fennel herb is native to southwestern Asia and southern Europe, especially the Mediterranean.

Fennel in flower
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Foeniculum
Species: F. vulgare
Binomial name
Foeniculum vulgare
Mill.
Synonyms[1]
hide
Synonymy
Anethum dulce DC.
Anethum foeniculum L.
Anethum minus Gouan
Anethum panmori Roxb.
Anethum panmorium Roxb. ex Fleming
Anethum piperitum Ucria
Anethum rupestre Salisb.
Foeniculum azoricum Mill.
Foeniculum capillaceum Gilib.
Foeniculum divaricatum Griseb.
Foeniculum dulce Mill.
Foeniculum foeniculum (L.) H.Karst.
Foeniculum giganteum Lojac.
Foeniculum officinale All.
Foeniculum panmorium (Roxb.) DC.
Foeniculum piperitum C.Presl
Foeniculum rigidum Brot. ex Steud.
Ligusticum foeniculum (L.) Roth
Ligusticum foeniculum (L.) Crantz
Meum foeniculum (L.) Spreng.
Meum piperitum Schult.
Ozodia foeniculacea Wight & Arn.
Selinum foeniculum E.H.L.Krause
Seseli dulce Koso-Pol.
Seseli foeniculum Koso-Pol.
Seseli piperitum Koso-Pol.
Tenoria romana Schkuhr ex Spreng.

Medicinal properties of fennel for women

Fennel can be prescribed to 90% of women, as it

  • helps with hormonal balance.
  • increases lactation in breastfeeding mothers, through increasing estrogen.
  • prevents menopause and eliminates the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes.
  • has anti-obesity properties.
  • relieves vaginal inflammation and discomfort.
  • prevents menstruation.
  • has anti-aging properties.

Fennel Health Benefits

  • Digestive Aid: Fennel is known to aid digestion. It contains compounds that can help reduce bloating, gas, and heartburn.
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Fennel contains antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
  • Breast Milk Production: Some women use fennel to help increase breast milk production.
  • Antioxidant Rich: Fennel is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
  • The herb is rich in vitamins C and B which are important agents in collagen boosting, skin rejuvenating and wrinkle removal. In general, it is used in natural cosmetics production in many countries in the world.
  • Fennel extract is effective in cold relief treatment.
  • It strengthens vision, another miraculous property of this herb. It is also useful in treating night blindness and eyelid inflammation while protecting the eyes against aging related problems.
  • It contains a substance called anethole that has cancer-fighting properties, especially breast cancer as it reduces the NF-kappa B gene-modifying agent and inflammatory-stimulating molecule.
  • It also prevents colon cancer with its high fiber components.
  • The Coumarin in fennel is a blood thinner that can help those with artery problems.

Using Fennel in Your Kitchen

Here are a few ways to incorporate fennel into your meals:

  • Add to salads: Fennel pairs well with citrus fruits, nuts, and cheese.
  • Use in soups and stews: Fennel can add a unique flavor to soups and stews.
  • Sauté with vegetables: Fennel can be sautéed with other vegetables for a delicious side dish.
  • Make fennel tea: Steep fennel seeds in hot water to make a soothing tea.
  • Use as a spice: Fennel seeds can be ground and used as a spice in various dishes.