Fennel Tea
Also Known As: Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel is a hardy, perennial herb, with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. Native to the Mediterranean, the plant has been naturalized in much of the world.
Its favorite habitat is dry soil near the sea-coast and on river banks. Highly aromatic, this herb has both culinary and medicinal use. It is a primary ingredient of absinthe.
Fennel is green, crunchy, and has a slight aniseed or licorice flavor that comes from anethole, which is an aromatic compound that can also be found in anise and star anise.
What is Fennel Tea? Fennel tea is generally made from the seeds of the plant.
The root is sometimes used for specific medicinal use. Both parts of the plants are turned into tea by water infusion.
Fennel Tea Preparation:
- ¼ teaspoon of crushed seeds to 1 cup boiling water
- Add seeds to water and steep mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Do not boil the water with the seeds in the water.
Preserve the natural oils by boiling water, pouring it into a cup or teapot, and then adding seeds.
Cover the pot while steeping, cool the tea and strain. Drink tea or use as tincture.
Home Remedies Using Fennel Tea:
Benefits of Fennel Tea:
Historical use of Fennel Tea includes use in India and Ancient Rome to improve eyesight and clear cloudy eyes.
It was believed to have a restorative or energizing effect. It has been used as an appetite suppressant during religious fasting, and helped keep fasters awake.
It was used to treat snakebite, toothache, earache, colic, and was also used as a way to control weight.
Today Fennel tea is used to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including gas and bloating. It soothes the gastrointestinal tract; however overuse may cause the opposite effect and instigate spasms.
Fennel tea stimulates lactation, or milk production, and may be helpful in treating premenstrual and menopausal systems. It is thought to be an effective treatment for conjunctivitis, or eye infection.
Fennel also works as an anti-inflammatory, and will flush excess water and toxins from the body. It is used to simulate metabolism, serves as an appetite suppressant, and the weight loss properties are being researched.
Fennel tea is a great source of Vitamin C and Vitamin B. It strengthens the immune system and may reduce cholesterol levels.
As an excellent source of fiber it may help in the prevention of colon cancer. Fennel tea is also used to freshen breath and as a remedy for colds and flu.
Fennel tea made from the root of the plant can also be used for urinary tract cleansing. Research on Fennel tea includes, “A trial enrolled 125 infants with colic, who received either placebo or fennel seed oil at a dose of 12 mg daily per kg of body weight.
The results were promising. About 40 percent of the infants receiving fennel showed relief of colic symptoms, as compared to only 14 percent in the placebo group, a significant difference.
Another way to view at the results involves looking at hours of inconsolable crying. In the treated group, infants cried about 9 hours per week, compared to 12 hours in the placebo group.”
Side Effects of Fennel Tea:
Pregnant women should avoid drinking fennel tea because it can act as a uterine stimulant.
It should not be used as a wash, because it can irritate skin.
Drinking large amounts of fennel tea is not recommended as it may disturb the nervous system, cause hallucinations and make your muscles spastic.
