Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)

Question 1

How do you recognise Fennel?

Answer 1

Very finely divided leaves. • Native to Mediterranean regions.

Question 2

What are Fennel’s main constituents?

Answer 2

Constituents: • Essential oil including fenchone & anethole – anti-infective, antispasmodic. • Flavonoids including quercetin & kaempferol – antiinflammatory. • Phenols – anti-oxidant, hepatoprotective

Question 3

What family is Fennel in?

Answer 3

A perennial member of the Apiaceae

Question 4

What is Fennel good for?

Answer 4

• Traditionally it was said to be warming, drying, and able to clear phlegm from the stomach and lungs. Tincture dose 20 – 30ml/week. Actions: • Carminative. • Relaxant. • Antimicrobial. • Galactogogue Diuretic. • Anti-inflammatory. • Oestrogenic. • Expectorant. • Hepatoprotective. Applications: • Indigestion & colic including in babies. • Increasing supply of breast milk. • Respiratory infections. • Asthma. • Urinary tract infections. • Menstrual cramps

Question 5

What is Fennel’s Latin name?

Answer 5

Foeniculum vulgare

Question 6

What parts of Fennel do you use?

Answer 6

Leaves used as a culinary herb & the ‘bulb’ as a vegetable. Medicinally the seeds are primarily used but also leaves and flowers. Seeds popular as a tea.

Question 7

What safety issues might Fennel have?

Answer 7

None, safe herb.

Question 8

What useful research does Fennel have?

Answer 8

External links:
Foeniculum vulgare: A comprehensive review of its traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety
Foeniculum vulgare Mill: A Review of Its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Contemporary Application, and ToxicologyVery encyclopaedic! Includes some good information but also lots of references to nasty animal experiments. Interesting to compare pharmacology to previous review.