How to Use the Medicinal Herb Fennel
A Plant Profile of the Use of Sweet Fennel in Medicine
Jun 15, 2009
Sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce) is a member of the Apiaceae (also known as the Umbelliferae) plant family; there are various species of fennel which should not be confused with sweet fennel, if being used medicinally. The other main variety of fennel, bitter fennel, looks similar to sweet fennel but does not possess the same medicinal properties; in addition, sweet fennel is always cultivated whereas bitter fennel can be cultivated or found growing wild.
Origins of the Herb Fennel
Sweet fennel is a native of the Mediterranean region, found primarily in Italy, France and Greece; historically, the Italians were great users of fennel. Today, sweet fennel is also cultivated in many places of the world including India, Germany and Bulgaria; it is used for essential oil production, in herbal medicine and for culinary purposes.
How to Identify Sweet Fennel
Sweet fennel is similar to dill (Anethum graveolens) both visually and medicinally; however, sweet fennel usually grows taller than dill at a height of 6 feet. Sweet fennel is also not dissimilar to bitter fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. amarga), although bitter fennel is taller again than both sweet fennel and dill. Sweet fennel is a perennial or biennial herb; it is a hairless plant with feathery leaves and produces umbels of yellow flowers from July to October.
Roman Use of the Herb Fennel
Sweet fennel is also known by the synonyms French fennel or Roman fennel, indicating its traditional use and historical origins; the ancient Romans used fennel extensively, both medicinally and for cooking. The extensive use of fennel in medicinal remedies is indicated in the recordings of Pliny, in 1st century CE. Pliny recorded at least 22 medicinal remedies for fennel; one of these remedies was the use of fennel by Roman soldiers who took fennel to stay healthy.
Other Historical Uses of Fennel
Fennel was also used by the ancient Greeks, who named it Marathon, due to its prolific growth near the village of Marathon, close to Athens. The Greek physician, Hippocrates, specified the use of fennel to treat colic in babies. The Greeks also used fennel as an aid to weight loss. Culpepper, a 17th century English herbalist, prescribed fennel for digestive complaints.
How to Use Fennel as an Essential Oil
As an essential oil, sweet fennel is useful in treating indigestion, constipation, flatulence, gout, aches and pains, PMS, menstruation difficulties, breast engorgement, cellulite and athlete's foot. Sweet fennel essential oil is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, digestive, diuretic and a decongestant. Sweet fennel essential oil, distilled from the crushed seeds, should always be used; bitter fennel essential oil, from either the crushed seeds or the whole plant, has no medicinal value in aromatherapy. Essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil before applying.
How to Use Fennel in a Herbal Tea
Sweet fennel seed can be used to make a herbal tea which is useful in treating digestive complaints; it is relatively easy to make by putting one teaspoon of sweet fennel seeds in a cup of boiling water, although always check with a qualified herbalist if unfamiliar with using herbs. Grippe water for babies can also be made from a very weak sweet fennel seed infusion to treat colic.
Cautions for Using Fennel Medicinally
Sweet fennel should never be used medicinally by epileptics, due to the chemical make-up of the plant and oil. Sweet fennel essential oil may be narcotic in large amounts and should not be used in pregnancy or if an alcoholic. As is the case when using any medicinal plant, herb or oil, professional advice should be taken if unfamiliar with the use of such elements.
References:
Lawless, Julia 1995 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils UK: Thorsons
Lawless, Julia 2001 The Aromatherapy Garden UK: Kyle Cathie Limited
Podlech, Dieter 2001 Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain and Europe UK: Collins Nature Guides
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