Nature gives us another medicinal plant , which helps in the therapeutic treatment of conditions in the body. This time it is the seed of the fennel plant.
These seeds have been widely used since ancient times and lately highly recommended by scientific medicine , due to the verification of their properties for humans. In the kitchen it is also used for its light flavor.
Here we present the following article, where we present the medicinal benefits of this seed.
What are fennel seeds?
Fennel ( foeniculum vulgare ), a single species plant, is a highly aromatic perennial, up to 120 cm tall, highly branched. It is widely marketed in the form of essential oil or as a dry plant to take as an infusion.
Fennel seeds contain an essential oil , with a characteristic flavor, with the presence of flavonoids , with antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Note: The medicinal use of fennel is very ancient, as evidenced by writings by Charlemagne, Pliny, and Dioscorides . It is also known as “holy herb” , for its various therapeutic applications in natural medicine. The essential oil is concentrated mainly in the seed, but is distributed throughout the plant.
In gastronomy, it is used in various dishes as a condiment, due to its characteristic flavor.
Health benefits of fennel seeds
The benefits of the foeniculum vulgare seed that are listed below come from its great chemical composition . They also derive from the therapeutic use of natural medicine for centuries:
1. Strengthens the immune system
Thanks to its flavonoid content , the infusion of fennel seeds has great antioxidant power , delaying or preventing the harmful action of free radicals, which alter the functionality of cells.
Additionally, its content of vitamin C, anethole, limonene and pinene also contribute to strengthening the immune system.
Note: A study entitled “Use of antioxidants in the treatment of various chronic-degenerative diseases” highlights the importance of the use of flavonoids as an antioxidant agent. (1)
2. Reduces high blood pressure
The content of minerals such as potassium and sodium activate a specific channel in the blood vessels that favors their dilation and reduces blood pressure . It also contains magnesium which is beneficial for the vascular system .
3. Eliminate fluid retention
Fennel is a powerful medicinal plant , very effective in reducing swelling caused by fluid retention . Thanks to sodium and potassium , they contribute to the increase in urine production and the elimination of excess fluids in the body.
Note: Fennel seeds favor the elimination of toxins and prevent the appearance of urinary infections.
4. Combat digestive conditions
Fennel seeds improve the symptoms of stomach disorders , as well as reduce the discomfort caused by poor digestion. In addition, they also help us fight constipation.
Balancing the functions of the digestive system is perhaps its main therapeutic action by promoting digestion.
Important: Fennel seeds prevent the formation of intestinal gases , blocking the fermentation processes of food in the digestive phase. They relieve the discomfort of both gastritis and colitis .
5. Fight viruses and bacteria
The properties of fennel seed tea can help fight some types of viruses and bacteria . Fennel seeds have immunostimulant properties for times of colds.
For this reason, it has been studied as a good natural remedy against some infections. They are slightly antiseptic, neutralize viral and bacterial infection.
Thanks to the properties that fennel seeds have, they can help fight some types of viruses and bacteria , making it a natural remedy to strengthen the immune system.
Its vitamin C content and high flavonoid content reinforce the immune system in defending the body against pathogens.
Note: A study on “Foeniculum vulgare Mill: a review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary application and toxicology” , conducted an extensive documentary review on the properties of fennel seed, including its antibacterial action . (two)
6. Regulates hormonal changes
Used in complementary medicine , fennel bulbs and seeds are common ingredients in many supplements to regulate female hormones . It is believed that it could help raise estrogen levels naturally and without health risks.
In fact, one study found anethole to be an important compound in fennel seeds, as an estrogenic agent . (3)
Important: Remember to consult your doctor before trying any of these remedies and about any questions you have about it.
7. Reduces symptoms of menopause
Complementary medicine through the use of medicinal plants has shown that the use of fennel seeds is beneficial in the symptoms of menopause.
This is how its use is recommended, for a reduction in manifestations such as lack of sleep, vaginal dryness, anxiety, and the characteristic hot flashes.
Treatment with these seeds is effective and safe to reduce the symptoms of menopause in postmenopausal women without serious side effects.
Note: One study (4) found that menopausal women in the fennel group experienced a slight increase in weight and body fat distribution, which was not significant.
8. Reduces eye inflammation
Among the properties of these seeds, the soothing and anti-inflammatory properties of the mucous membranes stand out. That is why with these seeds, eye washes are carried out that relieve redness and dryness. Eye baths are intended to relieve inflammation of the eyelids or blepharitis.
Note: A study reveals that the aqueous extract of foeniculum vulgare possesses significant oculohypotensive activity . (5)
9. Reduces inflammation of the gums and bad breath
Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect , with the extract of fennel seeds, very effective mouthwashes can be made , in cases of inflammation of the gums and to relieve irritated throats and even mitigate halitosis .
10. Increases the production of breast milk
Fennel has been used to treat colic in infants and as a galactogogue . Foeniculum vulgare seeds have been used for millennia to increase milk secretion.
Apparently, its main component, anethole , acts as an inhibitor of dopamine , a hormone responsible for inhibiting galactogenic activity .
Important: There is not enough scientific evidence to prove this property in women to increase milk production; in theory the estrogenic effect decreases milk production.
11. Promotes relaxation and sleep
Thanks to its relaxing action , natural medicine has used fennel seeds to stimulate sleep. It is estimated that its properties relax the muscles, including those of the digestive system, favoring the preparation of the organism before going to bed.
Note: In an animal study, the use of foeniculum vulgare seeds, an anti-stress effect was found . (6)
12. Increases libido
Fennel seeds are also used to increase libido, in men and women. It contains substances such as estragole, very similar to estrogen , which increases sexual instincts in women.
In men, due to its content of vitamin C, vitamin B9, flavonoids and zinc , the use of fennel alleviates prostate and bladder problems , promoting better reproductive function in men.
Important: A study on “Foeniculum vulgare Mill: a review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary application and toxicology”, has shown that it is an important medicinal plant used in a wide range of ethnomedical treatments. (7)
Properties of fennel seeds
The properties of these medicinal seeds are given by their chemical composition. Below are its components and benefits.
vitamins
Fennel seeds provide B vitamins (B3, B6, B9), folic acid, provitamin A, vitamin C.
minerals
Fennel has a diversity of properties . For example, it provides minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, which are important to fulfill vital functions in the human body.
Additionally, fennel seeds contain essential oil with anethole, estragole, limonene, fendone, pinene and other volatile components.
The high content of anethole makes all the plants that contain it antispasmodic, carminative , antiseptic and expectorant. They also have eupeptic, secretolytic, galactogogue properties and, at very high doses, emmenagogue activity.
How to consume and use fennel seeds?
There are a variety of ways to consume the seeds of this plant. Here we present the most common:
fennel seed tea
Fennel tea is ideal for reducing and preventing bloating , aids digestion, helps prevent gas, and combats bloating.
Ingredients:
- Fennel seeds
- Water
- sweetener to taste
Preparation and consumption
- Put the water and seeds in a pot over medium heat and cover with a lid.
- Let it come to a boil and remove from the heat immediately.
- Let stand for 15 minutes, strain.
- Sweeten to taste and consume.
Fennel Seed Mouthwash
Fennel has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties , it has a pleasant aroma, making it a great ally to fight bad breath naturally and almost immediately.
Ingredients:
- Fennel seeds
- Mint leaves
- Water
Preparation and use
- Bring water to a boil in a pot and add the fennel seeds.
- When it starts to boil, add the mint leaves and let it boil for another two minutes.
- Cool and then you can use it as a mouthwash as many times as you need.
Eye infusion of fennel seeds
This infusion is useful for use in eye conditions such as redness and dryness. It is also intended at home to relieve inflammation of the eyelids or blepharitis.
Ingredients:
- Fennel seeds
- Salt
- Water
- Cotton
Preparation and use
- Bring water to a boil in a pot and add the fennel seeds.
- When it starts to boil, add the salt and let it boil for about two more minutes.
- Let cool and then moisten a cotton ball with the infusion, placing it on the eyes for a few minutes.
Key Findings
- Fennel seeds are a powerful anti-inflammatory .
- They are also used by traditional medicine for conditions in the eyes and other mucous membranes.
- They are also a good expectorant .
- They have a variety of uses thanks to their chemical composition .
- They are part of medicinal plants .
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.