The Fennel Plant

(Western Herb)

Foeniculum vulgare

The Fennel plant is also known as Fennel Fruit, Wild Fennel, Fenkel, Sweet Fennel, and Finocchio.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

The Fennel plant is a semi-hardy perennial that grows four to five feet. It is often cultivated as an annual.

It has a celery like stem and feathery leaves and umbrella-like clusters of yellow flowers.

The seeds are slightly curved and grayish green in color and become brown when dried. The plant is native to the Mediterranean and is widely cultivated in Europe, and temperate parts of Asia, India, Australia, and North America.

Whole, cracked, or ground fennel seeds are used to flavor breads, sausages, stuffing, and liqueurs. The celery-like stems of the sweet fennel are eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. It has a taste of acrid and a temperature of warm.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* menstrual disorders such as cramps and spasms

* irregular menstrual flow

* PMS and water retention

* bloating

* upset stomachs

* dyspepsia

* colic

* flatulence

* coughs

* increasing milk for nursing mothers

* promoting function of the liver, kidneys, and spleen

* clearing the lungs

Apply externally for:

* easing muscular and rheumatic pain

* blepharitis (infection of the eyelids)

* conjunctivitis

PREPARATION

The Fennel plant is available in tincture, oil, and dried bulk at health food stores. Fennel seeds and ground fennel are used as a spice in cooking. In Europe it is processed into lozenges. honeys, juices, syrups, and water.

Parts used: Seeds, leaves, roots, stems

Collection: Ripened Fennel seeds are harvested in the fall. The young stems and leaves can be picked when you are ready to use them.

Constituents: Anethole, fenchone

Actions: Anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, aromatic, stimulate, expectorant, galactogogue, rubefacient, anti-emetic, diaphoretic, hepatic

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* In large doses, it acts as a uterine stimulate, so it is not suitable for pregnant women.

* Do not use in blends for children.

* Do not use fennel oil on skin that will be exposed to sunlight.

* Do not ingest fennel oil, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and seizures.

SPECIAL INFORMATION: Fennel can be used for retarding the appearance of wrinkles and as a cleaning tonic for oily skin.

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