Fennel
Introduction
This fact sheet provides basic information about fennel, an herb native to southern Europe and Asia Minor, and cultivated in the United States, Great Britain, and temperate areas of Eurasia. All parts of the fennel plant are aromatic. According to Greek legend, man received knowledge from Mount Olympus in the form of a fiery coal enclosed in a stalk of fennel. The herb was known to ancient Chinese, Indian, Egyptian, and Greek civilizations, and the Roman scholar Pliny (AD 61-113) recommended it for improving eyesight. The name foeniculum comes from the Latin word for fragrant hay. Fennel was highly sought after during the Middle Ages, used by the wealthy in cooking and by the poor as an appetite suppressant during fasting. The plant was introduced to North America by Spanish priests, and the English brought it to their early settlements in Virginia.
Common Names
- Common Fennel
- Sweet Fennel
- Bitter Fennel
- Carosella
- Florence Fennel
- Finocchio
- Garden Fennel
- Large Fennel
- Wild Fennel
Latin Names
Foeniculum vulgare
What It Is Used For
- Fennel has been used as a flavoring, scent, insect repellent, and herbal remedy for poisoning and gastrointestinal conditions.
- It is also used as a stimulant to promote lactation and menstruation.
- A combination of peppermint, fennel, caraway, and wormwood may have a soothing effect on the intestines and can be useful for indigestion, heartburn, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Fennel is considered a purported antidote to poisonous herbs, mushrooms, and snakebites.
- Tea made from crushed fennel seeds has been used as an eyewash.
- Powdered fennel is said to repel fleas from kennels and stables.
How It Is Used
- Fennel oil: 0.1 to 0.6 milliliters (about 2 to 12 drops)
- Fennel seed: 5 to 7 grams (about 1 to 1.5 teaspoonfuls)
- All parts of the plant are used for flavoring; the stalks can be eaten as a vegetable, and the seeds are traditionally used as a carminative.
What the Science Says
- There is a lack of clinical evidence to support the use of fennel for any specific medical indication.
Side Effects and Cautions
- Fennel is not recommended for small children and should not be used for prolonged periods.
- There is insufficient information regarding safety and efficacy during pregnancy and lactation; therefore, it is advised to avoid use.
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