What Is Fennel For?

In this post you will learn what the fennel is for and its main benefits for your health.  Fennel is a highly commercialized plant throughout the world, native to the Mediterranean coast, which can provide you with a good set of essential nutrients for the healthy functioning of your body. In addition, it has a wide variety of therapeutic uses thanks to its properties.

With a low calorie intake and high fiber content, it becomes the main dish for many diet menus to lose weight and stimulate the immune system.

The wild characteristics of the plant

1. It can reach up to two meters in height.
2. Its leaves are dark green and its stem is white.
3. It produces golden yellowish flowers in the form of umbels.
4. Its stems can also be light green in color and the bulb is sweet and crisp.
5. Its bulb is round, smooth and white.
6. Its seeds are light brown when dry, elongated and light in weight.

Nutritional benefits

1. Fennel is primarily a very good source of vitamin
2. Contains a good amount of dietary fiber.
3. Provides the consumption of important minerals such as potassium, molybdenum, manganese, copper, phosphorous, iron, calcium, magnesium and folic acid.
4. It gives you for every 100 grams about 29 grams of carbohydrates, 20 grams of fat, 24 grams of protein.
5. Fennel seeds are a rich source of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and B-complex vitamins (thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and niacin).
6. Its phytonutrients help strengthen the immune system thanks to its antioxidant properties.

Therapeutic uses of fennel

1. It acts as a laxative, relieving constipation.
2. Relieves menstrual cramps, eye strain and migraine.
3. Increases the secretion of gastric juices, helping to reduce stomach inflammation and the absorption of nutrients.
4. Also, it increases the secretion of breast milk.
5. Helps form collagen, which benefits skin health.
6. Also, it helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels in the blood by removing harmful LDL cholesterol.
7. Relieves eye disorders related to premature aging and macular degeneration.
8. As massage oil, it helps relieve muscle and joint pain.
9. Contains Anatole, cineol and some amino acids that control the proper functioning of the digestive system.
10. It also contains flavonoids, alkaloids and phenols, which work as a chemo-protector against the adverse effects of radiation during cancer treatment.
11. Fennel oil contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, relieves the symptoms of candidiasis (oral or vaginal) when used topically.
12. Also, fennel seed extract can inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors.
13. The iron contained in fennel is the main constituent of hemoglobin and histamine stimulates its production.
14. Fennel is also a vasodilator, which contributes to cerebral oxygenation, preventing anoxia and cerebral infarction.
15. Fennel leaf juice used topically in the eyes reduces eye irritation and fatigue caused by conjunctivitis and some allergies.
16. Promotes relaxation of muscles and tendons, which relieves the symptoms of rheumatism.
17. Thanks to its high potassium content, it increases electrical conduction within the brain,  improves brain function and cognitive abilities.
18. Likewise, its high potassium content relaxes the tension of the blood vessels, reducing blood pressure.

Healing properties

1. The diuretic properties of fennel help eliminate toxic substances from the body.
2. Its seeds are also used as a mucolytic. They dilute the phlegm accumulated in the throat, the nostrils and the lungs.
3. It cleanses the intestines; helps maintain peristaltic movement and bile production.
4. It improves general health because it strengthens the immune system.
5. Prevents heart attacks, strokes and atherosclerosis.
6. Fennel seed oil strengthens hair, reduces hair loss and prevents dandruff.
7. Prevents and relieves irritable bowel syndrome.
8. Helps treat depression and anxiety.
9. Prevents and combats bad breath and gingivitis.
10. It is used as a treatment for renal colic thanks to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
11. It helps treat insecurity problems, alcoholism and other addictions.
12. As an essential oil it fights cellulite.
13. It is used as a compound in medications to reduce the symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia and flatulence in infants and children.
14. Prevents and controls heart disease and stroke.
15. It is used as an ant flatulent, thanks to the carminative properties of the aspartic acid it contains.
16. It is commonly used as a powerful natural antacid.
17. It is used as a treatment for anemia thanks to its high iron and histamine content.
18. Also, it is used as a treatment for glaucoma and its prevention.
19. It is used in respiratory disorders as an expectorant for the relief of nasal congestion, bronchitis and cough.
20. Thanks to its regulatory action at the hormonal level, treatments are indicated for scanty or painful menstruation, menopause and premenstrual syndrome.
21. It is used to treat bacterial infections that cause diarrhea thanks to its disinfectant and antibacterial properties.
22. It is a natural appetite stimulant, so it is often used in treatments for anorexia.

Instructions

Here are two recipes for the best fennel teas you can make:

Fennel tea to soothe the liver

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds (5 g)
• 1 glass of water (250 ml)
• 1/5 tablespoon of stevia (2 g)

Preparation

1. First, buy your fennel seeds from a health food store to make sure they are organically grown.
2. Boil the water and remove it from the heat and immediately add the 5 grams of fennel seeds.
3. Let it rest for about 15 or 20 minutes.
4. After that time, strain the fennel and reserve the infusion.
5. Finally, add the stevia to sweeten.

Dose

To optimize the healthy functioning of the liver and kidneys, take 3 glasses a day after each meal for 3 days in a row twice a month.

Fennel tea to relieve intestinal infections

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon (5 g) each of fennel seeds, anise, and white horehound.
• 1 glass of water (250ml)

Preparation

1. First, buy fennel seeds, anise, and white horehound at a health food store.
2. Bring the water to a boil, immediately add the other ingredients and let it boil for three minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and let it rest for about 15 or 20 minutes.
4. After that time, strain and reserve the infusion.

Dose

During the time that you suffer from the intestinal infection, drink 3 glasses a day after each meal until the symptoms disappear. You can take it hot or cold.

What do you need

To enjoy all the benefits that fennel offers you, you need to consume it in its different presentations:

•  Fennel seed essential oil for topical use in massages and to strengthen hair.
•   Fresh (leaves and bulb) to consume in salads and other preparations.
•  Powder to add to food, shakes and make infusions.
•  Fennel seeds in breads, cakes, cookies and other preparations.
•  Cooked fennel stalks as a garnish.

Tips

• Anatole is one of the components of essential oil called fennel, which can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities.
• Excessive use of fennel can cause shortness of breath, tachycardia, irregular heartbeat, and some neural problems.
• Fennel essential oil can be narcotic in high doses.