Fennel; used as medicine for thousands of years
Healthy Habits: Fennel
This beautiful, hardy perennial is in the carrot family, and has been used as medicine for thousands of years, effectively treating digestive, reproductive, respiratory and endocrine disorders. The bulbs and stems can be eaten raw or cooked, and its feathery leaves and seeds provide flavoring similar to anise, or licorice.
Most plants don’t do well planted next to fennel, so if you’re growing your own, give it a home all to itself! www.wikihow.com/Grow-
If you’re purchasing fennel supplements, such as powdered fennel seed, capsules or a tincture, choose: Made in the USA, organic and non-GMO. HerbPharm Brand makes a quality tincture that is inexpensive.
Here are some of the many possible health benefits of taking fennel:
- helps protect against harmful effects of radiation during cancer treatment
- improves cognitive function
- improves digestion
- cancer preventative/reduces risk of breast & liver cancer specifically
- antitumor, anti-inflammatory
- antispasmodic
- antiviral, antimicrobial
- carminative
- diuretic
- stomachic
- helps treat colic
- galactagogue (helps nursing moms with healthy milk production), helps alleviate respiratory challenges
- improves cardiovascular health, anti-aging
- relieves menstrual cramping/regulates menstruation
- reduces symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia, promotes eye health/prevents macular degeneration
- reduces high blood pressure
- helps maintain healthy cholesterol
- boosts the immune system
- relieves cough & congestion/mild expectorant
- helps balance hormone levels, and improves skin health
The daily value nutrition percentages that 100 grams of fennel provides are, roughly: 20 percent Vitamin C, 12 percent potassium & dietary fiber, 10 percent manganese, 7 percent folate, 4 percent iron & magnesium, 5 percent calcium & phosphorus, 3 percent Vitamin A & niacin, and 2 percent carbohydrate & protein. In addition, it provides essential fatty acids.
Be Well and God Bless You.
Jennifer Wimmer
