The fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is also known as fennel, fennel, fennel, fennel, amarathia, palm, fennel. It is a herbaceous and aromatic plant. It is dicotyledonous and belongs to the family of Shadows. It contains 7% essential oils and was known in ancient Greece, China, Egypt and India. In particular, Pliny mentions 22 medicinal properties of the plant.
Ingredients of fennel
Contains vitamins A, B and C, minerals and an essential oil. It also contains fiber, manganese, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin B3, B6, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and niacin. It has a combination of phytonutrients, such as flavonoid routine, quercetin, glucosides and a special ingredient, anethole.
Fennel can be used in the following forms.
- Beverage
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Essential Oil
- The whole plant in cooking.
The medicinal uses of fennel
Fennel was known in ancient Greece, China, Egypt and India. According to Greek mythology, the knowledge that came from the gods of Olympus, reached people inside a fennel bulb that contained a burning coal. The ancient Greeks used it widely for its healing properties. Hippocrates suggested this herb as a sedative for stomach aches and colic in infants. Dioskourides claimed that it reduced appetite and increased milk production in breastfeeding mothers. He states: "When drunk with cold water it softens the discomfort and heat of the stomach". The Greeks also believed that fennel contributed to weight loss. The Romans especially valued fennel. Pliny gave him the name "Phoeniculum”, Probably because the dried herb looks like dry grass - Latin“ foenum ”.
In addition, it is used in cooking, confectionery, perfumery and distillery. It is often found in Cretan cuisine, well-known recipes are fennel pies and black-eyed beans with fennel and spinach. In the Middle Ages, chewing fennel seeds was a popular method of stopping belching during church services.
The 10 Properties of fennel:
- Fat soluble, accelerates the digestion of fatty foods.
- Emollient for digestion.
- Indigestion.
- Abdominal pains.
- Increases the flow of milk during breastfeeding.
- Infantile colic.
- For disorders of the urinary and reproductive system.
- It also relieves premenstrual pain. High doses can facilitate menstruation or relieve the symptoms of menopause.
- Aphrodisiac, increases sexual activity.
- Laxative, facilitates the elimination of secretions. It has a calming effect on bronchitis and cough. For asthma and flu.
