benefits of fennel seeds

Fennel water is used in newborn babies to relieve colic pain and help aid digestion. Fennel seed oil is used to relieve coughs, bronchitis and as massage oil to cure joint pains.

Fennel seeds exude anise like sweet fruity aroma when rubbed between fingers. Its herb parts, including tender growing tops, root bulb, dried stalks, and seeds are used extensively in a wide variety of cuisines all over the world. its seeds are being used as part of curry powder (Bengali paanch pooran). In addition, sugarcoated fennel seeds (saunf) have been used as a condiment after food to improve digestion in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Fennel seed should be avoided in large doses. Compounds in fennel may be neuro toxic in higher concentrations and may cause hallucinations and seizures. It may exacerbate estrogen receptor linked cancer conditions like endometrial, breast, ovarian... etc., due to high concentration of estrogenic compounds in it. Pregnant women may be advised to avoid eating fennel in large amounts.

Fennel is a perennial, pleasant smelling herb with yellow flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean, but is now found throughout the world. Dried fennel seeds are often used in cooking as an anise flavored spice. But don

Fennel is used for various digestive problems including heartburn, intestinal gas,bloating, loss of appetite, and colic in infants. It is also used for upper respiratory tract infections, coughs, bronchitis, cholera, backache, bedwetting, and visual problems.

Some women use fennel for increasing the flow of breast milk, promotingmenstruation, easing the birthing process, and increasing sex drive.

These preliminary results indicate that fennel seed shows potential as a natural means of preventing or treating a vision impairing disease known as glaucoma, a form of which is associated with elevated pressure in the eyes.

Researchers concluded that the bone strengthening benefits of fennel seed may be due to its ability to inhibit production and activity of bone destroying cells.

One of the primary essential oils in fennel seeds, has caused liver cancer in animal studies and might promote some forms of cancer in humans, according to the Health & Consumer Protection Directorate General of the European Commission.

Women who are going through menopause or are experiencing menstrual problems may benefit from the estrogenic properties of fennel. It has a balancing effect on thefemale reproductive system and increases the flow of body energy. Extracts of fennel have estrogenic properties that may benefit women going through the hormonal imbalances caused by menopause.