Fennels

Fennel

The singele species of biennial or perennial in this European genus is found on wasteland and in dry, sunny places, especially in coastal areas. Fennel is an ornamental plant that has been cultivated as a vegetable since Classical times. Under Charlemagne (742-814) it spread into N and C Europe, being grown on the imperial farms. All parts are aromatic, with an anise-like scent and flavor, which is dependent on the proportions of its main constituents: anethole, which has a sweet anise aroma; and bitter-tasting fenchone and estragole. These vary according to strain and region; sweet, or Roman, fennel predominates in Mediterranean regions, and the less pleasant bitter or wild, fennel is most common in C Europe and Russia. The seeds were eaten in medieval times as a flavoring, and during Lent to allay hunger.

A herb growing up to 1.2 m with bright green feathery leaves and golden yellow flowers. Found mainly on limestone soil, especially near the sea.
Fennel secured its place in the annals of folk medicine thanks to
Pastor Sebastian Kneipp, who was affectionatley known as the "water
doctor". He used a hot infusion of crushed fennel seeds to cure stubborn cases
of coughing, whooping cough, asthma and lung problems. Today fennel is more
commonly used to relieve digestive ailments, including bloating and stomach pain.

In the seventeenth century, this aromatic herb gained a reputation for being a slimming aid, and stome still believe this holds true. Fennel seeds were once placed in keyholes to keep out ghosts. Today they are valued for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and are also used to treat arthritis, diabetes, flatulence, and ulcers.

Fennel is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows wild in fields and on hillsides. One of the oldest plants used in herbal medicine (in ancient China fennel was valued as a cure for visual ailments), it is now cultivated for medicinal purposes in many parts of the world, including, United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Between July and September, the plant grows large, golden-yellow flower clusters, which produce the new seeds. When the flowers are mature, the seeds are harvested and dried and can be crushed and brewed to produce a highly potent medicinal tea. Today fennel is best known for its antispasmodic and anti-cramping properties. In addition, it stimulates the appetite, promotes good digestion and is an excellent remedy for gas. Because the tea is safe and gentle, it can be mixed into food for infants and children.

Fennel seeds contain an essential oil with the important active ingredients anethole, fenchone, and estragole. The tea, made from the crushed seeds, acts as an expectorant. In the digestive tract, fennel tea removes toxins and inhibits excessive intestinal fermentation, thereby reducing gas. To reduce inflammation or swelling around the eyes, apply compresses soaked in fennel tea.

Fennel tea is helpful for the relief of bloating and flatulence. The so-called "four-winds tea blend", which contains equal parts fennel, anise, caraway and coriander seeds, has proved especially useful for this purpose. All four of these herbs have similar therapeutic properties and uses.

Due to its mucus-dissolving properties, fennel tea is often used as an expectorant for the treatment of whooping cough, asthma, bronchitis, and other upper respiratory infections. It can also be used as a garlic for a sore throat.

Tall, clump-forming, biennial or perennial, with deep roots, erect, hollow stems, and glossy, pinnate leaves, to 30cm (12in) long, divided into thread-like leaflets. Tiny, dull yellow flowers are produced in umbels in summer, followed by ovoid, gray-brown seeds, 6mm (¼in.)long.

Common Name:	Fennel
Other Names:	Bitter Fennel, Fenkel, Fenouil, Sweet Fennel, Wild Fennel
Botanical Name:	Foeniculum vulgare
Family:	Apiaceae
Location:	S. Europe; Naturalized in N Europe, Australia, and Elsewhere, Mediteranean, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Spain, North Africa, North America
Cultivation:	Light, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Foeniculum vulgare is not reliably hardy in areas with cold, wet winters; var dulce needs rich, light soil, a warm position, and ample moisture to produce compact "bulbs" that are hilled up as they develop. The flowers attract beneficial insects, such as hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and tachinid flies, which prey on garden pests. Fennel should not be planted near beans, kohlrabi, or tomatoes, as it is said to affect their growth adversely, and also that of Coriandrum sativum (See, Cilantro). Fennel and Anthethum graveolens (See, Dill), should not be grown close together since hybridization produces seedlings with an indeterminate flavor. Subject to statuatory control as a weed in some countries, notably in parts of Australia.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring at 13-18°C (55-64°F); by division in early spring; var. dulce is grown as a half-hardy annual. "Purpureum" comes true from seed. Fennel self-seeds freely in light soils.
Harvest:	Leaves are picked for use at any time during the growing season; leaf bases are most tender in spring. Stems for use in cooking are cut as required. Roots are lifted in autumn and dried for use in decoctions. Unripe seeds are collected in summer for using fresh. Ripe seeds are harvested before they fall by cutting the seedheads and upturning into a paper bag for drying; they are used whole, ground, or distilled for oil.
Height:	2m (6ft)
Width:	45cm (18in)
Hardiness:	Z4-10
Variations:	Var. dulce syn. Var. Azoricum (Florence Fennel, Sweet Fennel, Finocchio) Is a smaller plant with bulbous stalk bases Height: 60cm (24in) Width: 45cm (18in). Mammoth Is a slow-bolting Florence Fennel, best sown in autumn. Perfection Is a fast-growing Florence fennel, developed for northern climates. Purpureum (Bronze Fennel) Has deep brown foliage and is slightly hardier than the species. Smokey Is a superior bronze fennel with a sweet, licorice-like flavor.
Plant Facts:	This perennial and biennial plant is a member of the Apiaceae family. It emits a very spicy odor and its seeds have a strong anise taste. The fennel plant will grow in full sun to about 5 feet tall with dark green leaves, yellow flowers and oval seeds.
Origin:	Fennel originated in the Mediterranean region, where it is still found in the wild. Today fennel is cultivated as a vegetable or seed-bearing plant in the temperate zones of both Europe and Asia.
Components:	The essential oil in fennel seeds contains anethol—which relieves cramps—fenchone— which stimulates the appetite.
Indications:	Drinking a tea infused from fennel seeds may help relieve mild digestive problems while the fresh root can be used as a diuretic.
Daily Ritual:	Rising daily with a fennel-seed mouthwash is a good way to keep the lining of your mouth clean and healthy. This rinse will also inhibit the formation of tooth decay and keep your breath fresh.
Extraction:	Steam Distillation
Parts Used:	Seeds, Fennel seeds are most often used in natural remedies, but the leaves and roots also have medicinal value. Seeds that are collected in late summer are particularly rich in active constituents. Roots that are dug up in spring before the leaves have come out also offer greater medicinal power. Leaves, stems, roots, seeds, oil of seeds.
Color and Odor:	The essential oil is colorless and has a very sweet and somewhat warm, anisic aroma.
Background:	Known to the early Greeks and Romans and grown in Europe as a popular vegetable often eaten with fish. Fennel is one of the main constituents of babies' gripe water.
Properties:	Carminative, diuretic, stimulant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, tonic A sweet, aromatic, diuretic herb that relieves digestive problems, increases milk flow, relaxes spasms, and reduces inflammation.
Vitamin Content:	Vitamin A, Thiamin
Precautions:	Bitter fennel oil has been determined to be hazardous. Use with caution and do not take internally.
Drug Interactions:	Taking fennel with these drugs may lower the seizure threshold: Amitriptyline, (Elavil, Levate) Amoxapine, (Asendin) Bupropion, (Wellbutrin, Zyban) Ciprofloxacin, (Ciloxan, Cipro) Desipramine, (Alti-Desipramine, Norpramin) Doxepin, (Sinequan, Zonalon) Fosphenytoin, (Cerebyx) Carbamazepine, (Carbatrol, Tegretol) Ganciclovir, (Cytovene, Vitrasert) Imipramine, (Apo-Imipramine, Tofranil) Levetiracetam, (Keppra) Methylphenidate, (Concerta, Ritalin) Metoclopramide, (Apo-Metoclop, Reglan) Metronidazole, (Flagyl, Noritate) Moxifloxacin, (Avelox, Vigamox) Nortriptyline, (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor) Ofloxacin, (Floxin, Ocuflox) Olanzapine, (Zydis, Zyprexa) Oxcarbazepine, (Trileptal) Phenytoin, (Dilantin, Phenytek) Prochlorperazine, (Compazine, Compro) Quetiapine, (Seroquel) Tramadol, (Ultram) Venlafaxine, (Effexor) Taking fennel with these drugs may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight: Bumetanide, (Bumex, Burinex) Celecoxib, (Celebrex) Ciprofloxacin, (Ciloxan, Cipro) Doxycycline, (Apo-Doxy, Vibramycin) Enalapril, (Vasotec) Etodolac, (Lodine, Utradol) Fluphenazine, (Modecate, Prolixin) Fosinopril, (Monopril) Furosemide, (Apo-Furosemide, Lasix) Gatifloxacin, (Tequin, Zymar) Hydrochlorothiazide, (Apo-Hydro, Microzide) Hydrochlorothiazide and Triamterene, (Dyazide, Maxzide) Ibuprofen, (Advil, Motrin) Indomethacin, (Indocin, Novo-Methacin) Ketoprofen, (Orudis, Rhodis) Ketorolac, (Acular, Toradol) Lansoprazole, (Prevacid) Levofloxacin, (Levaquin, Quixin) Lisinopril, (Prinivil, Zestril) Loratadine, (Alavert, Claritin) Methotrexate, (Rheumatrex, Trexall) Naproxen, (Aleve, Naprosyn) Nortriptyline, (Aventyl HCl, Pamelor) Ofloxacin, (Floxin, Ocuflox) Omeprazole, (Losec, Prilosec) Phenytoin, (Dilantin, Phenytek) Piroxicam, (Feldene, Nu-Pirox) Prochlorperazine, (Compazine, Compro) Quinapril, (Accupril) Risperidone, (Risperdal) Rofecoxib, (Vioxx) Tetracycline, (Novo-Tetra, Sumycin) Taking fennel with these drugs may reduce blood levels of the drug: Ciprofloxacin, (Ciloxan, Cipro) Levofloxacin, (Levaquin, Quixin) Moxifloxacin, (Avelox, Vigamox)
Planet:	Mercury
Element:	Air
Magical Influences:	Longevity, Courage, Purification.
Uses:	Digestive Sytem—An excellent carminative and digestive remedy for indigestion and flatulence. Tones the muscles of the digestive tract. Counteracts the effects of alcohol consumption; useful for recovering alcoholics. Urinary System—Fennel's cleansing action clears toxins from the body. It's diuretic action promotes the flow of urine and helps with water retention and obesity. Reproductive Sytem—Helps to regulate menstruation when periods are scanty and painful. Valuable for threating menopausal problems. Also promotes lactation. Skeletal System—Helpful for gouty conditions. Skin—Valuable for treating cellulite by helping to detoxify the accumulation of wastes. Emotions—Fennel energizes, comforts and enlivens the mind. It induces a sense of courage, caution and calmness.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for indigestion, gas, colic, and insufficient lactation (seeds), urinary disorders (root). Externally as a mouthwash or gargle for gum disease and sore throat. Combines with Chamaemelum nobile (See, Roman Chamomile), Filipendula ulmaria (See, Meadowsweet), Geranium maculatum (See, American Cranesbill), and Mentha x. piperita (See, Peppermint) for digestive problems, and with Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (See, Bearberry) for cystitis. Oil is combined with oils of Eucalyptus globulus (See, Eucalyptus) and Thymus vulgaris (See, Thyme), and diluted with vegetable oil as a rub for bronchial congestion; also added to laxative preparations to prevent griping and to "gripe water" for babies: not given to pregnant women. To treat various skin ailments, fish tapeworms, bronchitis, and menstrual irregularities; to aid digestion; to increase the libido. Germany's Commission E has approved the use of fennel oil and seed to treat cough, bronchitis, and dyspeptic complaints such as heartburn and bloating.
Typical Dose:	A typical dose of fennel may range from 0.1 to 0.6 ml of fennel oil, taken three times a day following meals.
Possible Side Effects:	Fennel's side effects include lack of appetite, skin sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting.
Disease Effects:	This herb may have estrogen-like effects and should not be used by women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive conditions.
Culinary Uses:	Leaves are eaten in salads, and as a garnish and flavoring, especially with snails, olives, and fish dishes, such as pasta con le sarde (Sicily). Leaf bases, especially of the variety dulce are eaten raw in salads (as cartucci in Italy) or cooked as a vegetable. Whole, cracked, or ground seeds are used to flavor bread, biscuits, sausages (notably finocchiona, an Italian salami), and stuffings. Flower heads are used to flavor capers. Dried stems are used in barbecuing fish. Seeds or leaves are used to make herb tea.
Economic Uses:	Fennel oil is used as a flavoring in the food industry, and in liqueurs, such as Fenouillette and Sambuca; also in toothpastes, soaps, air fresheners and perfumes.
Uses and Blends:
Preparation of the Tea Pour 3/4 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of freshly crushed fennel seeds. Allow this mixture to steep on a hot stove for 5-10 min., but do not allow it to boil again. Drink this tea for the relief of digestive complaints. The recommended dose is 1 cup of tea 3 times a day, between meals. Three to six weeks of this daily fennel-tea regimen usually brings relief. Children older than 5 years of age should take only half of this amount; infants should be given one-eighth of the adult dose. Folk Remedy for Abdominal Pain, Cramping and Other Gastrointestinal Spasms: Heat 1 tsbsp. of crushed fennel seeds and 1 cup of whole milk until the mixture boils. Strain and slowly sip the hot liquid. To Relieve Digestive Complaints in Infants and Children: Fennel tea's sweet flavor and antispasmodic effect make it a good choice for children with stomach upset. In infants with colic, a few tablespoons of fennel tea brings fast relief: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of crushed fennel seeds. Allow it to steep for 10 min., and then strain. The tea is also helpful to older children with abdominal pain and flatulence. You can make fennel tea with milk instead of water or use the tea to thin whole milk or puréed foods. To Promote Lactation: In folk medicine, fennel tea is commonly used to increase milk flow in nursing mothers. To make the tea, use 1 tsp. of crushed seeds per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 min., and then strain. Drink at least 3 cups of the tea each day. The infusion may also relieve breast infections or nipple soreness. Soak a gauze compress in the lukewarm tea and apply it to the affected area of the skin. To Treat Eye Inflammations: Bring 1/2 cup of water and 2 tsp. fo crushed fennel seeds to a boil. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool. Soak a gauze compress in the lukewarm tea, cover your eyes with it and leave it on for 15 min. Or, use the tea as an eyewash. For Bronchitis and Coughs: 1 1/2 oz. Fennel Seeds 1 oz. Dandelion Leaves 1 oz. Mullein Flowers. use 1-2 tsp. of the herbs per cup of boiling water. Steep the mixture for 10 min.; strain. Sweeten the tea with 1 tsp. of honey to enhance its expectorant effect and relieve coughs quickly. For Asthma and Whooping Cough: 1 oz. Fennel Seeds 1 oz. Anise Seeds 2/3 oz. Marshmallow Root 2/3 oz. Thyme Use 1-2 tsp. of the herbs per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 min.; strain. Sip at least 3 cups of the tea daily to relax the airways and relieve spasms. For Flatulence in Adults and Colic in Infants: 1 1/2 oz. Fennel Seeds 1 oz. Caraway Seeds 1 oz. Anise Seeds Use 1-2 tsp. of the herbs per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 min., strain. Sweeten with honey if desired, unless the tea is given to an infant. DIGESTIVE URINARY REPRODUCTIVE Fennel 6 Fennel 6 Fennel 5 Orange 4 Juniper 4 Cypress 4 Peppermint 2 Rosemary 3 Clary Sage 3 SKELETAL SKIN EMOTION Fennel 6 Fennel 5 Fennel 5 Lemon 4 Celery 4 Lemon 4 Chamomile (G) 2 Juniper 4 Juniper 3
Methods of Administration:	Tea or Infusions: Infuse 1 tsp. of fennel seeds in 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 10 min. Uncrushed seeds will yield a sweet-tasting tea infusion. Crushed seeds will taste stronger and more bitter. Eyewash: Briefly boil 1 tbsp. of fennel seeds in 1 cup of water. Add 1 tsp. of eyebright and ¼ tsp. of salt; steep for 10 min. Strain the mixture through a linen cloth, taking care to filter well. Use the mixture of herbs remaining in the cloth as an eye compress and the strained liquid to rinse the eyes. Always prepare only enough eye rinse to be used a ta single time. Storing unused eyewash for later use is not reccommended. Compress: Pour boiling wqater over a handful of fennel leaves and seeds. Allow to steep overnight. Put the plant parts in a linen cloth and place on any painful area. Labeled Products: Commercially, look for fennel syrup, honey, teas, tinctures and candies. Fennel is also available in many combination products on the market.
Bibliography:	Aromatherapy Blends and recipes by Franzesca Watson Copyright © 1995 Thorsons, Harper Parker Publishing Inc. Pp 102-103 Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham Copyright © 1989 Llewellyn Publications, Inc. Pp 84-85 The Complete Natural Guide to Healing Copyright©1999 International Masters Publishers, AB Group 1 Card 15, Group 2 Card 25 The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright©2005 Dorling Kindersley Limited. Pp.214-215 The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD. Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp.215-216