Kitchen Herbs and Medicinal Uses - Fennel

Fennel is a plant that is green and white with feathery leaves and yellow flowers. Both the bulb and the seeds of fennel have a mild licorice flavor. The seeds are  more potent due to their essential oils. Fennel is packed with nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and manganese. Vitamin C is needed for immune health, tissue repair and collagen synthesis. Also, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant protecting the cells against damage caused by unstable free radicals. Manganeses is important for enzyme activation, metabolism, cellular protection, bone development, blood sugar regulation, and wound healing. Fennel is known for its many culinary uses but it has many other health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Essential oils from fennel seeds contain antioxidants and potent plant compounds. The essential oils have shown to contain more than 87 volatile compounds such as polyphenol antioxidants which are potent anti-inflammatory agents. Studies show diets rich in antioxidants lower risks of chromic conditions like heart disease, obesity, cancer, neurological disease, and diabetes. Fennel seeds also can act as an appetite suppressor. Eating fennel can also benefit  heart health by reducing high cholesterol, due to it high fiber content. This in addition to the magnesium, potassium and calcium content help to keep the heart healthy.  One of the active compounds, anethole contained in fennel, shows that it suppresses cancer cell growth, thus reduces spread.

For breastfeeding women, fennel helps to increase milk secretions and blood levels of prolactin, which is the hormone that signal milk production.  Other studies show fennel can inhibit certain bacteria and yeast growths. Research studies in age related memory deficits are showing fennel may help. There are some proposals suggesting fennel aids with coughing relief, flatulence, gastrointestinal ailments, and acts as a diuretic.