Fennel Seed

Botanical: Foeniculum vulgare

Family: Umbelliferae (carrot) - Apiaceae (parsley)

Other common names: Fennel Fruit, Large Fennel, Sweet Fennel, Wild Fennel

Fennel Seed is a common herb used to promote good digestion and ease gas and bloating.  This Mediterranean herb can also be found in many medicinal formulas designed to help ease women through monthly fluctuations.  Fennel is also thought to help produce milk for nursing mothers.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Fennel Seed comes from the Fennel plant, which was originally from Europe, where it is still grown today, and it is also cultivated in many parts of North America, Asia and Egypt.  Its English namel is derived from the Latin word, foenum, meaning "hay," due to the finely divided leaves of the Fennel plant.  Ancient Greek athletes ate Fennel Seed so they would gain strength, but not weight, and during the Middle Ages, the seeds were chewed to stave off hunger during fasting periods and also during long Church sermons.  Eating the leaves has been a traditional tonic for the eyes, brain and a means to improve memory.  The major constituents of Fennel, which include the terpenoid, anethole, are found in its volatile oil.  Anethole and other terpenoids are thought to inhibit spasms in smooth muscles, such as those in the intestinal tract, and this is believed to contribute to Fennel's use as a carminative (gas-relieving and gastrointestinal tract cramp-relieving agent).   Related compounds to anethole may have mild estrogenic actions, although this has not been proven in humans.  Fennel is also thought to possess diuretic (promoting urine production), cholagogue (stimulating production of bile), pain-reducing, fever-reducing and anti-microbial actions.   The seeds are used as a flavoring agent in many herbal medicines and to help disperse flatulence.  The seeds and roots are also said to help open obstructions of the liver, spleen and gallbladder, as well as ease painful swellings.  Fennel is believed to help relieve yellow jaundice, gout and occasional cramps.   Fennel Seed was formerly considered an official drug in the United States and was listed for the treatment of indigestion.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) to three (3) capsules, one (1) time each day with water at a morning or mid-day mealtime.

Contraindications:
Since Fennel increases concentrations of estrogen in the bloodstream, it should be avoided by pregnant women and by women who have any kind of estrogen-sensitive disorder, such as breast or uterine cancer, fibrocystic breasts, fibroids or ovarian cysts.  Fennel should not be taken in excessive (many times the recommended dosage) amounts, and diabetics should use it in moderation, because of its natural sugar content. It is not recommended for people with liver damage.  Fennel does not allow the body to absorb the antibiotic, Cipro, and both should not be taken at the same time.  Anyone allergic to celery, carrots, dill or anise should avoid Fennel, and the herb may produce photosensitivity in sunlight.

Capsule Information:
Our Fennel Seed supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.