FENNEL

 

Fennel (foeniculum vulgare) is a flowering plant species in the carrot family. It is a hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves.

 

Benefits of fennel include:

-Prevent anemia. Iron and histidine, an amino acid found in fennel, are both helpful in the treatment of anemia.

-Boost immunity. Being rich in many nutrients including vitamin C that helps boost the immune system and protects the body against infections and damage caused by free radicals. 

-Source of vitamin C. Fennel contains a good amount of vitamin C which helps form collagen, improve the immune system, repairs skin tissues and even protects the blood vessel walls.

-Reduces flatulence. Fennel is an anti flatulence because of the carminative properties of the aspartic acid found in it. It’s extract can be used as a way to reduce flatulence and get rid of excess gas from the stomach.

-Treat respiratory disorders. Due to the presence of anethole and cineole which are expectorant, they can be helpful in respiratory disorders such as cough, congestion and bronchitis. Fennel power and seeds help break up phlegm and loosen toxins and build up in the throat and nasal passages for removing from the body.

-Eye health. Due to plenty of antioxidants (vitamin C and amino acids like arginine are very helpful for rejuvenation of tissues and prevention of aging), detoxifiers, and stimulants. Also fennel has flavonoids which are useful in protecting against pigment cells dying. The juice of its leaves and the plant itself can be applied externally to the eyes to reduce eye fatigue and irritation.

-Regulate menstruation. Fennel is an emmenagogue, meaning that it is thought to ease and regulate menstruation by properly regulating hormonal action in the body.

-Alleviates symptoms of colic. Fennel has certain antispasmodic qualities that help relax muscles and reduce the discomfort linked with colic.

-Diarrhea remedy. Fennel helps to cure diarrhea caused by bacterial infections.

-Relieves indigestion. Chewing fennel seeds is thought to ease indigestion and get rid of bad breath.

-Reduce heart disease. Fennel has fiber that helps to maintain cholesterol levels in the bloodstream which is a factor in heart diseases, strokes and atherosclerosis.

-Regulate blood pressure. Potassium in fennel relaxes the tension of blood vessels thus reducing blood pressure.

-Brain health. Another benefit of potassium is it facilitates increased electrical conduction throughout the body. This includes connections within the brain thus increasing brain function and cognitive abilities.

-As a diuretic. Fennel as a diuretic increases the amount and frequency of urination which helps to get rid of toxic substances from the body.

 

Side effects:

Excess use of fennel can cause irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, increased palpitations, and various neural problems.