Benefits of fennel seeds

Fennel plant

The fennel with the scientific name (in Latin: Foeniculum vulgare (Apiaceae) is a double-edged herbaceous plant that grows up to an altitude of 80-150 cm. It is characterized by a distinctive strong aroma that originates in the Mediterranean basin, which has spread to England, Germany, and the south of the state. Austria, Tirol and Argentina. It is also present in China, India and Iran. It is a plant used since ancient times because of its distinctive flavor. Fennel is currently used as a spice in food preparation and has many common therapeutic uses among people. It can also be used in the treatment of colic cases in infants, in some respiratory infections, bronchitis, back pain, cholera, involuntary urination, and some eye problems. Some women use it to stimulate menstruation, facilitate birth, increase breast milk production and other uses. This article will talk about the benefits of fennel and its uses.

As mentioned above, fennel seeds are popularly used in many therapeutic purposes, where they are noted for multiple health benefits, and fennel is used in many popular medicine systems, such as Indian Ayurvedic Medicine, Greek Medicine, etc. Many of these uses have been scientifically proven, Its benefits include what comes:

Several studies have found that fennel has anti-bacterial, viral and fungal effects.
Fennel contains many antioxidants.
Helps reduce colic in infants 2 to 12 weeks old.
Contributing with other herbs in the alleviation of colitis, but this effect needs to further scientific research.
Some studies suggest that taking a tea containing a range of herbs, including fennel, anise, sesame, and pilberry, helps to treat constipation.
Some scientific studies suggest that eating fennel 4 times a day at the beginning of the menstrual cycle relieves the pain associated with dysmenorrhea due to its similar effects to estrogen, while other studies are inconsistent with this effect.
Some studies suggest that using fennel on the skin before exposure to sunlight reduces sunburn.
Some studies have found that fennel carries anti-inflammatory effects.
Some studies have found that fennel carries anti-sensitizing effects and inhibits immune reactions.
Some of the scientific studies that studied the effect of fennel in experimental animals found protective effects of liver cells.
Some scientific studies have found that fennel contributes to the treatment of anxiety disorders, which supports its old popular use for this purpose.
Studies in experimental animals have found fennel to have anti-stress effects.
Fennel helps improve memory, and some scientific evidence suggests the role of fennel in some cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Fennel contributes to increased milk production in lactating women.
Some studies suggest the role of fennel in many other health conditions including gastrointestinal dyspepsia, indigestion, bronchitis, cough, respiratory tract infection, upper respiratory tract, mild gastrointestinal contractions, gas and puff, and other conditions. More scientific research to clarify its effectiveness.
The fennel contributes to the treatment of increased hair growth in women. A study using an ointment containing fennel extracts found positive effects in treating this disorder.
Some scientific research has found that fennel carries repellent effects of phlegm.
Fennel can help relieve pain.
The fennel may act as a diuretic.
One of the preparations containing fennel has been found to play a role in fighting signs of aging.
Fennel can help fight cancer cells.
The fennel may contribute to lowering blood sugar level and controlling it in cases of diabetes.
Fennel can contribute to lowering the level of fat and cholesterol in the blood, and in the fight against atherosclerosis.
Studies have found that the water extract of the fennel contributes to reducing pressure in the eye, which contributes to the treatment of glaucoma.

Side effects and safety of use

Eating fennel in quantities normally found in food is safe in adults. Many studies have suggested that fennel consumption daily and for long periods of time is considered safe and may add health and nutritional benefits. There is insufficient information about the safety of its use in therapeutic doses. As to its use by lactating women, two cases of infantile injury were reported in the nervous system after mothers had consumed fennel tea, so it was also preferable to avoid eating it. The infant, there is no sufficient information on the extent of therapeutic doses used safely, although this use in one of the scientific research for a week without showing him any negative effects.

The use of fennel should be avoided by people with hemorrhagic disorders, because of the effect it may slow down blood clotting, and by people with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast, uterine and ovarian cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids Uterine fibroids), because the fennel may have similar effects to estrogen, and can cause allergies in people with food allergies to the islands, celery, and mullet.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions include:

Fennel interacts with some estrogen-containing contraceptive drugs because of its similar effects, but the fennel effect is weaker than estrogen in contraceptive drugs, which weakens its effects.
The fennel interacts with the antibiotic (Ciprofloxacin), which weakens its effect. Therefore, the fennel should be delayed for at least one hour after ingestion.
The fennel interacts with estrogen in a way that weakens its effect.
The fennel reacts with Tamoxifen, which is used in the treatment of some cancers that are sensitive to estrogen, so that this reaction weakens the effect of this drug.

Note : This article is not considered a medical reference, you should consult your doctor before starting any herbal or alternative treatment.