Health Benefits of Fennel Seeds

Fennel is grown in moderate climate zones worldwide, although it is native to southern Europe. Its medicinal use is quite ancient; documents from the time of Charlemagne have been found where reference is made to its use.

Fennel is very versatile: the leaves and cut stems are used as an aromatic herb, its seeds as a spice, and the bulb as a vegetable. Its use as a spice or aromatic herb is characterized by an intense, aniseed flavor and aroma.

Fennel seeds can be found in healthy food stores whole or ground. Used as a spice, they are ideal for seasoning meats, especially pork or fish. They can also be added to salads, pieces of bread, sauces, stews, and soups. On top of being famous in culinary delicacies, fennel seeds are also known for their fantastic health benefits. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of their health properties.

Promote Digestion

Thanks to its high content of essential oils, especially anethole, fennel is a plant widely used to fight against various digestive problems. It is particularly useful to fight poor digestion, intestinal discomfort and to enhance the appetite. Besides, thanks to its fiber content, it is helpful to facilitate evacuation and against constipation.

Eliminate Bloating

This is one of its best-known advantages. Fennel, like anise, cumin, and coriander, is a carminative plant. In other words, it helps to expel gases and reduce the swelling of the stomach due to their accumulation.

To fight gas and bloating problems, it is recommended to prepare an herbal tea with a mixture of fennel seeds, green anise, coriander, and caraway, all medicinal plants that you can find at the herbalist. One tablespoon of this mixture is poured into a cup of boiling water and left to rest, covered, for 10 minutes. It is drunk hot, twice a day. However, if you are pregnant, we advise you to consult your doctor before ingesting it.

Protect From Free Radicals

Thanks to its content of flavonoids, method, histidine, chlorophyll, alanine, and tryptophan, the fennel seed infusion has great antioxidant power. That is to say, it can delay or prevent the harmful action of free radicals, which alter the functionality of the cells.

Reduce Cholesterol

The consumption of this plant is useful to reduce the level of bad cholesterol. This effect is due to its high content of calcium, magnesium, beta sterol, ascorbic, linoleic, and oleic acid. By reducing the level of cholesterol in the blood, you reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. It is advisable to drink a cup of fennel tea half an hour before main meals.

An Excellent Cough Remedy

Fennel seeds have important and well-known expectorant properties. That is why its use as a home remedy for colds and coughs is highly recommended, including for children. Two cups of fennel tea can be enough to clear the lungs.

Combat Anemia

These healthy seeds are rich in iron, and thanks to its high vitamin C content, iron is more easily absorbed by the body. This is why these seeds’ consumption is recommended to combat iron deficiency anemia, common in children and pregnant women.

Protect the Liver and Kidneys

Thanks to its diuretic power, it is a natural cleanser. Its detoxifying power helps us eliminate toxins from our body, promoting liver and kidney function.
Many people use it to prepare cleansing shakes by mixing them with other cleansing fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, celery, carrot, pineapple, citrus fruits, etc. Everything is liquefied raw and drunk immediately, at any time of the day.

Improve Eyesight

Finally, fennel seeds can also be beneficial externally when used as an infusion to relieve irritation and inflammation due to eye fatigue, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, styles, etc. Apply a gauze soaked in hot or cold fennel seed tea on closed eyes and leave it on for about 10 minutes, and this will work wonders.

Have you used fennel seeds for any other remedy? Share it with us in the comments below!