The Health Benefits of Fennel

The Health Benefits of Fennel

Over the years, I have written about the many benefits of juicing with fennel, including its mood elevating properties. Here is what http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/fennel-herb.html has to say about this amazing plant.

“The health properties of fennel are warming, carminative, antispasmodic, antidepressant, stomachic, pectoral, diuretic, diaphoretic, aromatic, anti-microbial, pain reducing, fever reducing, and promotes milk-flow in nursing mothers.

Fennel has a long history as a commonly used household remedy for a variety of complaints, especially digestive disorders and it has been used traditionally as a remedy for gas, acid stomach, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gout, motion sickness, cramps, and spasms.

Fennel has a diuretic effect, which increases the amount and frequency of urination, which is thought to help remove toxic substances from the body.

Fennel is thought to be an effective herbal remedy for respiratory congestion and is a common ingredient in cough remedies.

It relaxes the smooth muscle lining of the digestive system, and is used for cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy treatments to help rebuild the digestive system.

Fennel is used as a natural treatment for anemia. Fennel contains iron and histidine, an amino acid found in fennel. Histidine stimulates production of hemoglobin and other components of the blood.

It is common practice, especially in India, to chew fennel seeds after a meal. Some of the components in the plant stimulate secretion of digestive and gastric juices, reduce inflammation of the digestive tract and facilitate proper absorption of nutrients.

Fennel is used as an herbal treatment for diarrhea caused by bacterial action; it is believed that the properties of some components of it are disinfectant and anti-bacterial. Histadine is an example of one of several amino acids in fennel that aid digestion, helping to relieve diarrhea due to indigestion.

The tea is believed to increase milk production in nursing mothers, and may also relieve colic in babies. An infusion of the bruised seeds is a safe and effective natural treatment for flatulence in babies.

When used with urinary disinfectant herbs like arctostaphylos uva-ursi, the herb is thought to be an effective herbal treatment for cystitis.

The plant is rich in phytoestrogens, and is an emenagogue, easing and regulating menstruation by regulating hormonal action in the body. It is believed to be helpful as a natural treatment for amenhorrea, anxiety and depression.

The ground seed of fennel is made into a tea and taken as a treatment for the symptoms related to snake bites, insect bites or food poisoning. This application is a complementary remedy for symptoms, and must never replace appropriate medical care.

A gargle made from fennel infusion is used as an herbal remedy for relief of hoarseness and sore throats.

The essential oil may be used topically to ease muscular and rheumatic pain and an infusion (steeped tea) of the fennel seeds may be used to prepare a compress as a treatment for conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelids.

Besides being used in cooking, fennel is found in many commercial products such as toothpaste, soaps, perfumery, air fresheners, and antacid preparations.

The dried plant is used as an insect repellent; the crushed leaves are used as a flea repellent for dogs and the dried leaves are believed to help keep fleas away from kennels and stables.”

Taken from http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/fennel-herb.html