Herb: Fennel
Fennel, Foeniculum Officinale
Fennel is known as an herb, food, or weed and is indeed all three. The fronds are soft, with a bushy appearance. Coming upon a field of fennel that is not in flower gives the land an appearance of sporting a green afro! Look close at the leaf to see how the fronds resemble the branches in our circulatory and respiratory systems.
Fennel flowers grow from tall stalks, with a shape similar to how fireworks dot the sky. The flowers dry on the stalk, producing edible seeds. When the seeds are spent, the tall stalks dry into hollow twigs. Traditionally, Bermudian children would craft the twigs into strong, yet lightweight paper bag kites that easily catch flight in the wind.
Turn to fennel when your access to food is limited. The fronds, flowers, seeds, and bulb are all edible.
Fennel is safe for use throughout pregnancy, breastfeeding, and childhood, however moderate use is best. Fennel may cause intoxication in sensitive children and adults.
Try It Out
Add a sprig of fresh fennel leaf to a smoothie for a hint of licorice sweetness.
Drink fennel seed or fennel leaf tea to either lessen hunger pains or support digestion from overeating.
General Benefits
- Relieves gas and digestive congestion
- Eases menstrual cramps
- Primary ingredient in gripe water, a commercial concoction to soothe colicky babies
- Reduces incidences of nighttime bed wetting in children
- Stimulates breast milk production
- Reduces blood cholesterol
- Rejuvenates tired eyes
- Freshens breath
Properties
Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Phosphorus, Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc, Digestive, Carminative, Expectorant, Antiseptic, Spasmolytic