What is it
Fennel, whose scientific name is Foeniculum vulgare, is a perennial herbaceous plant up to one and a half meters high. It is native to the Mediterranean, but today it is widespread throughout Europe and in the temperate climate areas of Asia.
They are mainly used the fruits, which are mistakenly called seeds, but also the bulb, flowers and leaves.
The use of fennel is very ancient and there is evidence of its use also in Egyptian parchments.
Activities
Fennel has always been used for its antimeteoric properties that depend both on the ability to prevent certain types of fermentation at the level of the large intestine, and on the relaxing action on the smooth muscles of the intestine and in particular of the colon.
Fennel works by inhibiting the fermentation of sugars, which produces high amounts of gas to which flatulence and pain are often attributable. It also has a digestive action.
If you want to learn more about this topic, read the article If the stomach swells like a balloon.
Why is it used
Used since ancient times to relieve gaseous colic in newborns, recent studies have confirmed its effectiveness.
Fennel is also used in adults to reduce pain related to irritable bowel syndrome and as a mild intestinal disinfectant.
In herbal teas or grains it is often taken to stimulate digestion.
How to use it
Fennel can be used in daily doses of 500 to 1,000 mg of dry extract titrated to 2%, which can be taken in two doses before meals.
Effects
Some hypersensitive individuals may experience signs of fennel allergy, with irritation and itching of the mouth, tongue and gums. This type of irritation can occur more easily with essential oil (of which the plant contains between 1% and 2%) and in those who are allergic to apples.
Precautions
Fennel preparations should not be taken for long periods and if gastrointestinal inflammation occurs as a result of the intake. Fennel essential oil is also contraindicated in pediatric age.
Interactions
Fennel dry extract appears to reduce the effectiveness of certain antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin.
Nutritional values
100 grams of fennel contain:
| Kcal | 31 |
| Proteins | 1.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.2 g |
| Fats | 0.2 g |
| Fibres | 3.1 g |
| Sodium | 52 mg |
| Calcium | 49 mg |
| Iron | 0.73 mg |
| Magnesium | 17 mg |
| Phosphorus | 50 mg |
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.