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Fennel, or fennel, has numerous healing properties, which is why it has been used in natural medicine, among others as a remedy for flatulence and cough. In turn, fennel tea is widely regarded as a proven method, incl. for colic in infants, stimulating lactation or alleviating menstrual pain. However, the latest research proves that it can be dangerous to the he alth of children. Check how fennel works and how to use it safely.

Fennel , otherwisefennel , thanks to itshealing propertieslong ago found applicationin natural medicine. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was used against colic, headaches and skin diseases. Apparently, just before the fight, gladiators rubbed their muscles with fennel seed extract, because they believed in their strengtheningeffect . Currently, fennel seeds and the oil they contain are used, among others, in in ailments of the digestive system. Fennel tea is commonly used for flatulence and colic in babies. However, the oil contained in the drink has an estrogenic effect, so opinions on its use in children, pregnant and lactating women are divided. In turn, fennel tubers have been used in the kitchen, which also contain many he alth-promoting substances (especially potassium, vitamins K and C).

Fennel (fennel) for respiratory diseases

Fennel increases the volume of bronchial secretions and reduces its density, and also restores the proper movement of the ciliary epithelium, which is why it is used in herbal medicine as an expectorant. In addition, it fights microbes. Modern phytotherapy recommends chewing fennel seeds, among others in the course of flu.

Fennel will also work well in stomatitis and in mouth ulcers.

Thanks to its expectorant, antipyretic and diaphoretic properties, fennel is perfect for fighting colds.Fennel oilwith the addition of milk and honey is used as an expectorant in respiratory diseases. Inhalations with fennel oil may also be helpful. It is enough to add a few drops of the oil to a bowl with hot water, then cover your head with a towel, lean over the dish andinhale the fumes. The inhalation should not last longer than 15 minutes.

Worth knowing

Fennel - nutritional value of tuber (per 100 g)

  • Energy value - 31 kcal
  • Total protein - 1.24 g
  • Fat - 0.20 g
  • Carbohydrates - 7.30 g (including simple sugars 3.93)
  • Fiber - 3.1 g

Vitamins

  • Vitamin C - 12.0 mg
  • Thiamine - 0.010 mg
  • Riboflavin - 0.032 mg
  • Niacin - 0.640 mg
  • Vitamin B6 - 0.047 mg
  • Folic acid - 27 µg
  • Vitamin A - 963 IU
  • Vitamin E - 0.58 mg
  • Vitamin K - 62.8 µg

Minerals

  • Calcium - 49 mg
  • Iron - 0.73 mg
  • Magnesium - 17 mg
  • Phosphorus - 50 mg
  • Potassium - 414 mg
  • Sodium - 52 mg
  • Zinc - 0.20 mg

Data Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference

Fennel for flatulence and other ailments of the digestive system

Fennel fruits are used in digestive disorders and lack of appetite, because they stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and bile.

Fennel is also used in the treatment of urinary tract diseases.

In addition, they reduce the tension of the abdominal smooth muscles, so they are suitable for abdominal pain and flatulence. Fennel fruits also enhance the perist altic movements of the intestines, so they can be used in case of irregular bowel movements and constipation. It's good to know that fennel fruit is often added to laxatives to relieve intestinal cramps.

Important

Higher doses of fennel oil administered orally cause intoxication, clonic convulsions, irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, and congestion of the brain and lungs.

Fennel may cause an allergic reaction.

Preparations of fennel fruit (e.g. teas) should not be used systematically for more than 2 weeks.

Fennel tea for infant colic is dangerous?

Fennel teais widely considered to be a proven methodfor colic in babies , therefore parents are happy to give it to their children to combat unpleasant ailments. However, doing so may lead to accelerated puberty in girls, argue researchers in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery.

Please consult your pediatrician before giving your baby fennel tea.

All because the fennel oil contains ingredients thatwhich have a strong estrogenic effect. Babies who frequently drink fennel teas may have up to several times higher levels of estrogen (female hormones) in their body. Scientists who tested the level of estrogen in the blood of children aged 5 and 18 months and 3 and 5 years of age who drank fennel tea often and for a long time have proved this. It turned out that the prescribed standards were significantly exceeded. Therefore, the decision to give your child fennel tea is better to consult with a pediatrician. It is worth knowing that the content of estrogenic compounds in some teas may be higher or lower, but manufacturers are not required to provide such information on the packaging.

Fennel tea for lactation

In natural medicine, fennel tea is also recommended to stimulate lactation. Currently, fennel is the main ingredient of milk-propellant herbs sold in pharmacies. However, the estrogens contained in it can get into the baby's body with mother's milk, which is why the abovementioned reasons, breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before consuming fennel tea.

Fennel tea during pregnancy

Teas and other fennel fruit preserves are not recommended during pregnancy.

Fennel (fennel) for female ailments

It is said that fennel can help speed up menstruation, alleviate the symptoms of menopause, increase the level of libido (herb and fruit were considered an aphrodisiac in folk medicine), and even facilitate childbirth, but so far no scientific studies have been conducted to confirm these reports .

Fennel oil for parasites

In herbal medicine, fennel essential oil is used externally because it has a bactericidal and antiparasitic effect on scabies and lice.

Fennel - use in the kitchen

Fennel comes in several varieties, differing in fruit morphology and chemical composition. For example, the beta-dulce fennel is a highly valued spice and vegetable that can be used in cooking. Fresh, chopped fennel leaves can be added to the broth and to the fish soup. They smell less intense than regular fennel, with a slight anise scent. Fennel can also be eaten raw, in the form of a salad (it goes well with, for example, celery and apples). In turn, fennel seeds are added to grilled pork and to fried pork, e.g. for chops. In Italian cuisine, on the other hand, seeds are used to flavor fish stock. It is worth knowing that in the food industry, fennel oil is used for the purpose of flavoringconfectionery and vodka.

This will be useful to you

Fennel and courgette soup - recipe

Cut the fennel bulb from the stem and dice it. Peel the zucchini and cut into thin slices. Then chop the onion finely. In a saucepan, heat the butter and sauté the onion in it. Then add fennel and zucchini to it. Fry the vegetables for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. To the whole, add half a liter of chicken broth and cook for 15 minutes over low heat. Finally, check that the fennel is soft. If so, blend the soup and season it with a pinch of s alt, pepper and curry powder. The soup can be decorated with fennel greens, which are found on the cut stems.

Other fennel recipes:

Why is it worth eating fennel?

Source: x-news.pl/TVN Style

Bibliography:

  1. Kania M., Baraniak J., Grys A.,Herbal medicine and nutritional recommendations according to St. Hildegard of Bingen. Th. II,"Postępów Phytoterapii" 2014, nr 2
  2. Ożarowski A., Jaroniewski W.,Medicinal plants and their practical application , Publishing Institute of Trade Unions, Warsaw 1987
About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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