FOENICULUM VULGARE (Fennel)
FOENICULUM VULGARE(Fennel). Fennel is a perennial herb with 
bright yellow flowers and fluffy foliage, that being indigenous to the Mediterranean [1] has nowadays been extended to other parts of the world and can be easily found in other continents. Its flavour is similar to that of anise and licorice [2].
Fennel flowers, leaves and stems have been used since very long time ago as a culinary condiment, being mainly used as a spice or even as food in many parts of the globe, but mainly in India [3].
Botanical Classification
Specie: FOENICULUM VULGARE
Family: Apiaceae
Other names
Fennel.
Cultivation
No information.
Active components
The seed contains essential oils as trans anethole, fenchone and terpenoids [3], flavonoids and polysaccharides. trans-Anethole, estragole, fenchone and limonene [10].
Traditional Medicinal Use
The use of Fennel essential oil for its cosmetic properties has also been reported, mainly used for its aromatic properties and as a mixture in mouth washes, medicinal tooth pastes and lotions [4].
The essential oil of fennel has also been use for its carminative, purgative (root [9]) and diuretic properties [5]. Combined with Barley water (Hordeum vulgare) has been used to increase mothers breast milk and ease after pain and digestion [ 7].
Fennel has also a very positive effect in digestive, vascular and is a very powerful antioxidant.
Side Effects and Precautions
Concentrated fennel is not indicated for pregnant women due to the estrogenic activity [8]. See our disclaimer below.
REFERENCES
[1] Wikipedia: Fennel.
[2] Southern Sun: A Plant Selection Guide By Jo Kellum.
[3] Lead molecules from natural products: discovery and new trends By Mahmud Tareq Hassan Khan, Arjumand Ather.
[4] Active ingredients used in cosmetics: safety survey edited by Council of Europe. Committee of Experts on Cosmetic Products.
[5] Herbs cultivation and medicinal uses By H. Panda.
[6] Southern Sun: A Plant Selection Guide By Jo Kellum.
[7] Natural Pregnancy, Natural Baby: Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth and Post-Partum disconforts, By Stacey Rosenberg.
[8] Schwartz et al. 1997.
[9] Compendium of medicinal plants By Niir Board.
[10] Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oils from organically cultivated fennel cultivars. Shahat AA, Ibrahim AY, Hendawy SF, Omer EA, Hammouda FM, Abdel-Rahman FH, Saleh MA. Department of Phytochemistry, Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, National Research Centre (NRC), 12311 Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
