Fennel - An Herb for a Healthy You!
- camillesamuel
- Jul 2, 2018
- 3 min read
Foeniculum Vulgare (commonly known as fennel) is known in Ayurvedic Medicine for aiding in various different diseases and disorders. Fennel has been shown to be effective for respiratory problems, endocrine issues, skin bruises, halitosis, reproductive concerns and for digestive improvements, just to name a few!
Fennel is a an herb that was cultivated in the Mediterranean and is used in a wide variety of cultures, including China and Egypt. For example, the Italians and Greeks use it as one of their staple herbs for spicing up many of their custom foods. It’s been used in foods and as a medicine for thousands of years.
This herb has a bulb at the lower end of the stalk. It grows over 4-6 feet tall and the foliage tends to resemble the herb dill. The herb bulb is extremely delicious when eaten raw. The fennel seeds are customary in Indian restaurants as a condiment after meals as a breath freshener!
The raw fennel bulb also contains vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, copper, thiamine (Vitamin B1), riboflavin (Vitamin B2), magnesium, folate (vitamin B9), iron, potassium, vitamin C, niacin (Vitamin B3), manganese and zinc. It also contains dietary fiber.
Fennel health benefits include:
Strengthening the Immune System: For women with autoimmune conditions and other health problems, the immune system plays an essential role in the body’s function. Fennel contains selenium which has the ability to stimulate the killer T cells of the body.
Lowering Blood Pressure: Due to the high content of potassium, fennel has the ability to lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation around the arteries. For results to occur, take fennel daily reap the rewards.
Fennel also contains magnesium and calcium which are essential for maintaining a lower blood pressure. It also has the ability to protect the heart due to its nitrate content, which in turn has vasodilatory and vasoprotective properties.
Improving Digestion: Fennel can improve digestion since it contains approximately quite a bit of dietary fiber. On the whole, this herb is beneficial for intestinal spasmodic conditions including bloating and gas. Fennel also has the ability to improve gastrointestinal motility and stimulate appetite.
Constipation is a problem related to many chronic conditions such as diabetes, IBS and IBD. Many women who have autoimmune conditions and/or thyroid problems have a problem with bloating, gas, constipation and appetite. Fennel is a great way to soothe the digestive system and clear the digestive system of toxic build-up.
Weight Reduction: As we know, a woman’s body weight fluctuates as she enters middle age. Hormones play an important role in maintaining a proper, healthy weight. To that end, fennel has been shown to help the general population lose weight effectively.
Fennel’s fiber content also provides bulk that relaxes the stomach muscles and creates satiety during meals. It is a source of vitamin B6, which increases metabolism by breaking down carbohydrates and proteins into amino acids and glucose which burns fat more efficiently.
Antioxidant Properties:
Flavonoids in fennel are important for improving disease symptoms, slowing down the aging process, reducing carcinogens and inflammation, plus it contains analgesic properties.
Fennel leaf and bulb, if consumed in the raw form, contain very high levels of natural antioxidants. Studies have shown that substances extracted from fennel contain a significant amount of antioxidants known to defend the effects of free radicals.
Anti-Microbial Properties:
If you're in need of an herb that gently fights harmful bacteria while not bringing harm to the immune system, then consider trying fennel essential oil. It contains bacterostatic effects that have been proven to fight against the pathogen Helicobacter pylori (or H pylori) which is a bacteria that commonly causes gastric ulcers and possibly gastric cancers. Studies have also shown that fennel can fight against other pathogens such as Listeria, Salmonella and some gram-negative bacteria.
Fennel is not only an aromatic cooking herb with licorice like flavor for spicing up warm soups, foods and toppings, it can also be used to fight inflammation, reduce microbial overload, improve digestive health as well as your overall well-being. For women with autoimmune and chronic conditions looking for a gentle way to improve health concerns, strengthen the immune system, and improve overall health, delving into natural therapies may be a more effective solution for you!
Fennel is an herb that has many benefits for various health conditions. If you’re looking for safe and effective ways to fight back and take control of your health - without the common side effects of pharmaceuticals - then herbs are a great alternative!
Camille McClellan, Naturopathic Practitioner, MD, IMD/PhD, MBS
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