Fennel, or wild fennel as it is known in our country, is considered both a vegetable and an herb due to its wide range of nutritional and medicinal benefits. Fennel is rich in folic acid , vitamin C , magnesium, cobalt, iron and essential oils that contain powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is excellent for indigestion and is commonly used as a natural antacid to help reduce acidity and inflammation in the digestive tract and facilitate proper absorption and assimilation of nutrients from food.
Fennel has powerful anti-flatulent and carminative properties, which means it is able to prevent and stop the formation of gas in the stomach and intestines. It is also known to be extremely beneficial for sinus congestion, bronchitis, renal colic, anemia, hypertension, macular degeneration, constipation, bloating , diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) . Fennel is used to protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer.
It contains an important anti-inflammatory phytonutrient called anethole, which blocks both inflammation and carcinogenesis, which is the mutation of normal cells into cancerous ones. Fennel also has the ability to ease and regulate menstruation by properly regulating hormonal action in the body. Fennel is used among nursing women to stimulate a steady flow of milk for their babies.
It is also known to help strengthen hair, prevent hair loss, relax the body and sharpen memory. Fennel seeds can be chewed after meals to aid digestion and eliminate bad breath. Fennel seeds can also be made into an effective medicinal tea by steeping the seeds in hot water for 10 or more minutes. Fresh fennel juice can be combined with fresh celery stalk juice , cucumber and/or apple for a medicinal and healing drink.
Fresh fennel juice can also be used topically on swollen or inflamed eyes to reduce irritation, swelling and fatigue. Fresh fennel has a crisp, slightly sweet, anise-spicy flavor and is a great addition to fresh salads, smoothies, soups, stir-fries, stir-fries, and other vegetable dishes. You can usually find fresh fennel and fennel seeds in hypermarkets or farmers' markets. Fennel tea, capsules, tincture and extract can be found online or in organic health food stores.
