FENNEL (Foeniculum Vulgare)

Common Names: Large fennel, sweet fennel, wild fennel

Fennel secured its place in the annals of folk medicine thanks to Pastor

Sebastian Kneipp, who was affectionately known as the "water doctor."
He used a hot infusion of crushed fennel seeds to cure stubborn cases of
coughing, whooping cough, asthma and lung problems. Today, fennel is
more commonly used to relieve digestive ailments, including bloating and
stomach pains.

Plant Facts: This perennial and biennial plant is a member of the Apiaceae
family. It emits a spicy odor and its seeds have a strong anise taste. The
fennel plant will grow in full sun to about 5 feet tall with dark green
leaves, yellow flowers and oval seeds.

Origin: Fennel originated in the Mediterranean region, where it is still
found in the wild. Today fennel is cultivated as a vegetable or
seed-bearing plant in the temperate zones of both Europe and Asia.

Parts Used: Fennel seeds are most often used in natural remedies, but the
leaves and roots also have medicinal value. Seeds that are collected in
late summer are particularly rich in active constituents. Roots that
are dug up in spring before leaves have come out also offer greater
medicinal power.

Components: The essential oil in fennel seeds contains anethol-which
relieves cramps- and fenchone-which stimulates the appetite.

Indications: Drinking a tea infused from fennel seeds may help relieve
mild digestive problems while the fresh root can be used as a diuretic.

Properties and Uses: Antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diuretic,
expectorant, stimulant, stomachic. The seeds are usually used, but both
seed and root are excellent stomach and intestinal remedies. Fennel
helps to arouse appetites, relieve colic, abdominal cramps and flatulence.
Also add it gargles for coughing and hoarseness.

METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION

Tea or Infusions: Infuse 1 tsp. of fennel seeds in 1 cup of boiling
water and steep for 10 min. Uncrushed seeds will yield a sweet-tasting tea
infusion. Crushed seeds will taste stronger and more bitter.

Eyewash: Briefly boil 1 tsp. of fennel seeds in 1 cup of water. Add 1 tsp.
of eyebright and 1/4 tsp. of salt; steep for 10 min. Strain the mixture
through a linen cloth, taking care to filter well. Use the mixture of
herbs remaining in the cloth as an eye compress and the strained liquid to
rinse the eyes. Always prepare only enough eye rinse to be used at a single
time. Storing unused eyewash for later use is not recommended.

Compress: Pour boiling water over a handful of fennel leaves and seeds.
Allow to steep overnight. Put the plant parts in a linen cloth and place
on any painful areas.

Labeled Products: Commercially, look for fennel syrup, honey, teas,
tinctures and candies. Fennel is also available in many combination
products on the market.

Daily Ritual: Rinsing daily with a fennel-seed mouthwash is a good way
to keep the lining of your mouth clean and healthy.

~Source unknown~



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In green old gardens, hidden away
From sight of revel and sound of strife, -
Here have I leisure to breathe and move,
And to do my work in a nobler way;
To sing my songs, and to say my say;
To dream my dreams, and to love my love;
To hold my faith, and to live my life,
Making the most of its shadowy day.

IN GREEN OLD GARDENS
Violet Fane [1843-1905]


SOURCE(S)

Onyx
"GreenWitchGarden"