Botanical name of fennel is Foeniculum Vulgare.
Fennel in Urdu/Hindi is called Saunf.
it grows one to two meters high from the ground and is a perpetual herb. It is native to Mediterranean countries but now cultivated all over the world. In this article you will discover the most amazing health benefits of fennel (the incredible gift of nature).
Its Chemical Composition:
Estragole, fenchone, α-pinene anethole, β-pinene, α-Terpineol, α-phellandrene, myrcene, β-phellandrene, para-Cymol, and campfer are the main chemical compounds found in Fennel.
Fennel Essential Oil:
Fennel essential oil is extracted from the its seeds through steam distillation and is highly concentrated and volatile. Fennel essential oil like other essential oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil (olive oil or coconut oil) before topical use.
Fennel Health Benefits and Uses:
Carminative:
Chewing fennel seeds after a meal has been a common practice from centuries for improving digestion in Chinese and Indian cultures. Recent studies have shown that fennel is useful for eliminating intestinal gases and prevent the digestive system from the formation of additional gases. It is helpful in relieving constipation, stomach pain, abdominal pain and also reduces hypertension.
Appetite suppressor:
It is believed that fennel seeds were being used by people in the middle ages as an appetite suppressant during fasting days and by soldiers during battles. Due to this property fennel is useful in weight loss and Greeks were the first to recognize this as a slimming agent.
Detoxifier:
It is useful in eliminating body toxin, inert fluids and fats. It helps in boosting blood circulation resulting in eliminating excess water and minimizing cellulite (a type of fat causing dimpling of skin). It assists the body in the expulsion of body toxins through urine and is effective for arthritis and gout relief.
Antiseptic:
It is good for treating the infections formed in different parts of the body, it is specially used for curing respiratory system infections, healing cuts and wounds. It prevents the formation of septic in wounds and also prevents tetanus. It is observed that the use of fennel pacify toothache, earache and is also protective against urinary tract infection.
Antispasmodic:
Spasm is a sudden involuntary contraction or convulsive movement in muscles, respiratory tract, intestines or nervous system. The use of fennel eases the respiratory system, muscles and nerves resulting in the prevention of spasms.
Fennel is Diuretic:
Water retention is a condition in which body cells starts storing extra water which results in body swelling, and the use of these seeds eliminates the accumulation of water from the body by increasing the frequency of urination. It is good for the elimination of uric acid and other toxins from the body and also restrains the formation of uric acid crystals and toxins in the body. With the diuretic property of fennel it also cleanses kidneys, lowers the body blood pressure and lowers the body fats.
Vermifuge:
Fennel seeds are beneficial in getting rid of parasitic worms found in the intestines and excretory tracts thus preventing bulimia and runtish growth.
Emmenagogue:
Due to the anti-spasmodic property of fennel it is effective against menstrual cramps and other complexities with irregular menstrual cycles. Sweet fennel is helpful in regulating menstrual cycles and relieving from other symptoms caused by fitful menses.
laxative:
These seeds are also used to improve the function of digestive system and is helpful for easing constipation naturally with no side effects.
Stomach Protector:
Being a stomach protector it assists the stomach in maintaining its normal function and the secretion of all the stomach acids and bile. It also prevents the formation of stomach ulcers and infections.
Expectorant:
Fennel seeds are being used for curing cold, flu and respiratory viral infections. It prevents the formation of mucus and phlegm which otherwise cause congestion in the respiratory tract. It is also used for treating persistent cough.
Other properties of sweet fennel are it lowers stoutness, cure insects bites, remove skin wrinkles, treating cellulite and it is also believed to be used on snake bite.
Precautions:
Pregnant women and the women diagnosed with any type of cancer should avoid excess usage of Fennel, because of Trans Anethole (found in fennel) boosts the production of estrogen hormone. The excess of estrogen hormone is responsible for some types of cancer in women. The excess usage of fennel can also have stupefactive effects resulting in mental imbalance and paroxysm.
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Note:
This article is for information purpose and all the content of this article is based on study and research, Although the use of fennel has no side effects except a few conditions and is widely used in almost every kitchen, as we are not aware of your medical conditions always consult a medical practitioner prior to using fennel.
If you know any health benefits of fennel other than the ones listed here, kindly share with us in comments, we will try to include that too in this article on the next update.
