Fennel Seeds
Latin Name: Foeniculum vulgare
Herb Class/Action:
Fennel is classified as a carminative, antispasmodic, aromatic, expectorant, and galactagogue.
Parts of Plant Used:
The seeds (technically the dried fruit) are most commonly used medicinally. The bulb, stalks, and leaves are also used in culinary and herbal preparations.
Flavors:
Fennel seeds have a sweet, licorice-like, and mildly spicy flavor with a warm aromatic quality.
Energetics:
Fennel is energetically warming and moistening.
Medicinal Properties:
Digestive Support: Fennel seeds are a classic carminative, used to relieve gas, bloating, cramping, and indigestion. They relax smooth muscle in the digestive tract and stimulate appetite and digestion.
Infant Colic and Childhood Digestive Issues: Fennel tea is traditionally used for soothing colic, hiccups, and tummy upset in infants and young children, often blended with chamomile or catnip.
Respiratory Relief: Fennel acts as a gentle expectorant, helping to loosen and expel mucus from the lungs during colds, coughs, or congestion. Its aromatic oils soothe irritated respiratory tissues.
Hormonal and Reproductive Support: Fennel has mild phytoestrogenic properties and is used to support lactation in nursing individuals. It may also help ease menstrual cramps and balance hormones gently over time.
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant: Fennel seeds have natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions, and their antioxidant content supports tissue protection and cellular health.
In the Garden:
Fennel is a hardy perennial (commonly grown as an annual) native to the Mediterranean but now cultivated globally. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can grow up to 5–6 feet tall. The plant has feathery leaves, yellow umbrella-like flowers, and aromatic seeds. It attracts beneficial insects and pollinators but can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, so should be sited with care in companion planting. Seeds are harvested in late summer to early fall once they’ve dried on the plant.
Culinary Uses:
Fennel seeds are widely used as a culinary spice in both sweet and savory dishes. They’re added to breads, sauces, pickles, curries, sausages, and herbal liqueurs. In many cultures, they’re chewed after meals to freshen breath and aid digestion. Fennel seed tea is also a popular digestive beverage.
Precautions:
Fennel is generally safe for all ages when used in appropriate amounts. In rare cases, it may cause allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants in the Apiaceae family (e.g., carrots, celery). Its estrogenic properties suggest caution in people with hormone-sensitive conditions. Concentrated essential oil should never be ingested unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
