Fennel, also known as green anise, anise and white pimpinella, is a medicinal plant of the Apata family about 50 cm tall, formed by cracked leaves, white flowers and nuts containing a single seed, of sweet taste and intense aroma.
This plant is scientifically called Pimpinella anisum and is commonly used for gastritis, bloating, poor digestion, gases and headaches for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-dyspeptic properties.
- Fennel is also used in cosmetics and perfumery.
- And can be found in various forms.
- Such as dry extract and oil.
- In markets.
- Flea markets.
- Health food stores and handling pharmacies.
- Fennel is often confused with fennel and star anise.
- But they are different plants with different properties.
- See more details about star anise properties and what their benefits are.
Fennel is a medicinal plant widely used to treat conditions such as
Esta planta tem capacidade de reduzir os efeitos da fermentação dos alimentos no intestino, como a produção de gases, por isso pode ser usada para aliviar o desconforto causado pelo aumento destes gases no intestino. A erva-doce também é indicada em alguns casos para reduzir os níveis de açúcar no sangue e diminuir as ondas de calor, que são comuns durante a menopausa.
In addition, studies show that fennel has antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticonvulsant and antispasmodic and insect repellent properties, and can be used against the proliferation of dengue mosquitoes, for example.
Fennel is sold in several forms, such as nut extract and essential oil, and can be used as:
Fennel tea is used to improve flu and cold symptoms, such as cough, runny nose and mucus. This tea is also well known for stimulating breast milk production.
Ingredients
How to use
To make the tea you have to boil the water and then put that water in a cup with the fennel. Then cover and let stand for 3 to 5 minutes, then filter and drink afterwards.
Fennel can also be used in sweet recipes, such as cakes and biscuits. When used as a capsule, it should be used with the advice of the doctor or herbalist.
Fennel essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy to regulate female hormones and reduce menstrual cramps and decrease menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes.
This oil can also be used as a muscle relaxant and soothing, thanks to a massage with 2 drops of essential oil mixed with almond oil. In addition, to improve coughing and nasal discharge, you can put 3 drops of fennel essential oil in a container with boiling water and breathe the evaporated air.
Fennel usually does not cause side effects, especially if used in adequate amounts, but in rare cases, nausea, vomiting and allergic reactions may occur if overconsumption.
Fennel is contrasted with women with breast cancer because it changes female hormones, such as estrogen, that can influence cancer treatment. This plant should also be avoided by people supplementing with iron, as it may interfere with the absorption of this nutrient.