Fennel
Fennel is a flowering plant species in the carrot family. It is a hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. It is indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean but has become widely naturalized in many parts of the world, especially on dry soils near the sea-coast and on riverbanks.
Buy Fennel
Buy Fennel Essential Oil
Scientific Name: Foeniculum Officinalis / Foeniculum vulgare
Parts Used: Fresh herb, Seed, Essential oil
Cautions:
Healing Properties
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
Grow/Harvest Yourself:
Buy Fennel
Buy Fennel Essential Oil
Scientific Name: Foeniculum Officinalis / Foeniculum vulgare
Parts Used: Fresh herb, Seed, Essential oil
Cautions:
- Avoid large doses if pregnant.
- Should be avoided by epileptics and very young children.
Healing Properties
- Digestive, aromatic, cardio tonic, carminative, antimicrobial, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, galactagogue, edible, coolant, diuretic
- Eases hot flashes and other menopausal problems.
- Helps settle the stomach, is good for indigestion, bloating & flatulence.
- Slimming aid (both internally and externally for cellulite).
- Good mouthwash for gum disease and sore throats.
- Increases milk flow in nursing mothers. Can also ease colic in babies when taken by the nursing mother.
- Helps with chesty colds and eye issues.
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
- Add fresh or dried herb to food and beverages.
- Can be taken in store-bought capsule or extract form.
- Essential Oils: Apply externally
- How to Dry Herbs
- How to Make Herbal Teas/Infusions/Decoctions
- How to Make Herbal Vinegars
- How to Make Herbal Syrups
- How to Make Herbal Tinctures & Glycerites
- How to Make Herbal Infused Oils
- How to Make Herbal Ointments & Creams
- How to Make Herbal Poultices & Compresses
- How to Make Herbal Electuaries & Oxymels
- How to Make Herbal Lozenges, Gummies, Capsules
- How to Make Herbal Baths, Steams & Hair Rinses
Grow/Harvest Yourself:
- Buy Fennel Seeds
- Harvest leaves anytime after plant is well-established.
- Harvest stems when plant is about to bloom.
- Harvest bulb about 12 weeks after planting, when bulb is about 2-3 inches wide.
- Harvest seeds as soon as they turn brown (late summer/early fall).
- Zone: 5-10
- Soil pH: 6.5
- Average, well-drained soil
- Full sun