FROM BREAST MILK TO FARTS: FENNEL SEED
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel is the tall feathery looking plant that is commonly seen growing as a weed on the side of the road and on wasteland type areas in temperate climates. It looks similar to and can be mistaken for Dill.
Fennel bulbs are commonly seen in the vegetable section of the supermarket these days and is becoming a little more known as a vegetable. It has a strong licorice flavour and can be used raw in salads or cooked as a hot vegetable.
It has long been suggested that consuming fennel helps with weight loss and it is an effective diuretic. Fennel seed is very effective at calming the digestive system, relieving flatulence, and other digestive issues such as indigestion, constipation and diarrhea. It was one of the ingredients in the ‘Gripe Water’ that we used to give to our babies to relieve colic.
Fennel promotes the production and flow of milk in breast feeding mums with the properties of the fennel passing through to the milk and so preventing colicky babies.
It also works for animals such as goats and fennel is used to boost milk production by canny goat farmers!
Other uses for fennel include menstruation problems, anemia, respiratory problems, and eye problems.
How do I use fennel?
Occasionally I buy fennel bulb and use it in cooking or salads, but after doing this research I think I’ll start buying it more often and juice it!
I mostly use the seeds. I use them in soups and stews for flavouring and to impart their wonderful assistance with digestion. I use the seeds to make tea a lot. Of late I combine them with fresh ginger. It makes a wonderful relaxing and refreshing tea. Slice some fresh ginger. Put in a cup along with about half a teaspoon of fennel seed. Fill with boiling water. Cover for a few minutes to keep the steam and with it the volatile oils in, then drink.
The seeds can also be chewed after meals to aid digestion and settle the belly.
Note: as with many things too much can be a problem. Fennel oil like all essential oils is concentrated and can cause unwanted health effects. I prefer to stick with safer options. If you do use it for any reason do your research and find out how to use it and what the dangers are first!