Fennel seed improves digestion
Fennel Benefits: Exploring This Medicinal Herb
Updated Jul. 22nd, 2024 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Top Medicinal Constituents Found in Fennel Seeds
- Key Health Benefits of Fennel
- Different Varieties of Fennel Supplements
- Potential Side Effects & Cautions To Consider
- Nutritional Information
- Reader Comments (10)
Fennel seed is a gentle digestive aid that has a pleasant licorice taste and aroma. It can be used as a flavouring in baked goods and desserts. Fennel offers these health benefits due to its active ingredients, like the essential oils contained inside the seeds.
Top Medicinal Constituents Found in Fennel Seeds
There are over 28 compounds that have been identified in fennel seeds. These medicinal compounds include anethole, fenchone, methyl chavicol, and limonene, to name a few. These constituents are what give fennel its amazing health benefits. In animal and test-tube studies, they found that the organic compound anethole has antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, plus it protects against unhealthy cell growth.
Key Health Benefits of Fennel
As mentioned above, fennel is a great digestive-supporting supplement. It decreases that “heavy” feeling you get in your stomach after eating a large meal by promoting movement in the gastrointestinal tract. Ironically, it also decreases intestinal spasms when it is taken in larger quantities.
In the respiratory tract, the essential oils decrease mucus secretions and increase the activity of the little hairs that line the tract. The hairs are responsible for moving mucus out of the lungs and up to the throat where it can be expectorated.
Fennel seed is recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of concerns including:
- Coughs
- Colds
- Allergies (Environmental)
- Indigestion and Diarrhea
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
- Menstrual Cramps
Different Varieties of Fennel Supplements
Fennel seeds are usually crushed or ground to release the essential oils (medicinal ingredients). They can be purchased loose, in tea bags or encapsulated. Fennel may be found in formulas for soothing the digestive tract or decreasing coughs.
Potential Side Effects & Cautions To Consider
It has been reported that fennel can lead to allergic bronchial and skin reactions but these reactions are rare. Fennel essential oil is a concentrated form of fennel. All essential oils carry an increased risk of toxicity when they are used internally and should not be given to pregnant women or children.
I always thought that when I’d start to have children I’d always breastfeed. However, turns out it wasn’t like I had planned. My mother in law did some research and suggested that I buy fennel seeds which I did. I drank it 3 times a day. I don’t know if I was supposed to drink it more but sadly it didn’t work for me. I was very disappointed because I was looking forward to increasing my flow. I read that it worked for many women and I am very happy for them. Knowing that fennel has many other great benefits, I will continue drinking it whenever needed. One thing that I must say, it doesn’t taste “good” but what you must remember is anything in life that’s good for you never tastes good.
Hello Tia,
Thank you for sharing your story and we're sorry to hear it didn't yield the results you were hoping for; but like you mentioned, this herb has many other amazing benefits for your overall health.
Stay healthy & well!
I love eating fennel as a vegetable and recently even stumbled across a recipe for fennel chips which sounds like such a great and healthy alternative! I love how many wonderful properties that fennel has to offer, and it is so interesting to see how it can aid in digestion as well. It is a vegetable that is easily available here too so that is a great bonus! I love when fennel is crunchy and has that satisfying snap to it!
Hello Health Nut,
Thank you, we're glad you've been enjoying our recipes as well!
Stay healthy !
I have been using fennel seeds for years, mostly in cooking. It has an amazing aroma and gives a pleasant zing to casseroles, curries and the like. I use ground fennel seeds sometimes depending on the dish. I also chew a teaspoon of the whole seeds when I need a kick to my digestion from overeating. I have never purchased an oil of Fennel but would be interesting in trying it out to see how I like it.
Hello Roger,
Fennel does have a unique aroma and taste, it would be great for those recipes. Happy you could learn the health benefits of one of your kitchen staples. If you'd like to find some new healthy recipes, check our recipe section out:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/healthy-recipes/
Stay healthy & well!
I drink fennel tea and it is honestly one of the best flavored teas that I have ever tasted. You instantly get the taste and it is very pleasant. After drinking fennel tea I also feel super relaxed and calm. It just leaves my stomach feeling great and settled. I really like the taste and the effects that it does to my body. It is especially soothing after a meal, it is great for digestion! I love fennel!
Hello,
Fennel tea is great for digestion, to have after a heavy meal or when your stomach is feeling upset. Thank you for sharing your experience with fennel tea.
We have an article on digestive health if you're interested:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/digestive-health/
Have a healthy day!
I love that at the farmer's markets I go to, fennel fronds are commonly tossed into the compost. Because of this, I usually get a nice amount of fennel to add in to my dark leafy greens. And, yes, I do indeed love the pleasant licorice taste and aroma: I would say that that is an accurate way to describe the flavor of fennel. One additional benefit of fennel that you do not mention is that it promotes oral health and hygeine by raising pH in the mouth and protecting against cariogenic bacteria!
Hello Rachel,
Fennel is tasty if you enjoy that liquorice flavour. It's a great addition to salads and other dishes to offer a unique punch of flavour. Happy you enjoyed learning about its health benefits and you can also explore healthy recipes here: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/healthy-recipes/