Fennel is a yellowish green, biennial or perennial herb commonly cultivated throughout India. It has been used for flavoring from ancient times. The whole plant is aromatic.
An analysis of fennel shows it to consist of moisture 6.3 per cent, protein 9.5 per cent, fat 10 per cent, minerals 13.4 per cent, fiber 18.5 per cent and carbohydrates 42.3 per cent. Its mineral and vitamin contents are calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C. Its calorific value is 370.
The composition of the oil varies widely according to the variety and origin. Indian fennel oil contains substantial amount of anethole and fenchone. It possesses a sweet taste. The fatty acids of the oil are palmitic acid and petroselinic acid.
Healing Power
The leaves of fennel are digestive, appetizing and stimulating. They increase the secretion and discharge of urine. The seeds are sweet, laxative, aphrodisiac and arrest bleeding. They also relieve flatulence and promote the removal of catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes. Oil of fennel, distilled from the dry seeds is aromatic, carminative and antispasmodic. It is used in various carminative preparations.
Digestive Disorders
The use of fennel is well known as a digestive aid. It may be given in small quantities to help young children digest carbohydrates. An infusion prepared by boiling a tablespoon of fennel seeds in 100 ml of water for half an hour, is highly beneficial in indigestion, biliousness, flatulence, constipation and atonic dyspepsia. Chewing its seeds after meals prevent foul breath, indigestion, constipation and vomiting.
Colic
Fennel is one of the safest herbs for colic, for helping the baby to release gas and relieve tummy. It may be used in combination with other herbs like peppermint and crushed caraway seeds or alone. A teaspoon of the herbs is boiled in a cup of water, and allowed to steep in the water for about 20 minutes. This is strained and allowed to cool. This tea, given to the baby in his feed bottle, helps cure colic. Not more than a teaspoon or two should be given at a time.
Respiratory Disorders
Leaves of fennel are useful in respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis. The juice may be given in the treatment of such conditions. Eating fennel seeds with figs is also a good medicine for cough, bronchitis and lung abscesses.
Menstrual Disorders
Fennel seeds promote menstruation and regulate monthly periods. An infusion of the seeds can be given in painful menstruation and other menstrual irregularities.
Eye Disorders
It is believed that fennel benefits the eyes. Herbalists today recommend badiing the weakened, sore or inflamed eyes with fennel tea. Regular application of the leaf-juice boiled with honey, is said to cure conjunctivitis
