Fennel (Xiao Hui Xiang)

Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare

With edible leaves, bulbs, seeds (fruit), and stalks this herb has a long culinary and medicinal history. Fennel is widely cultivated and is currently naturalized and growing in many places around the world. It is most commonly used to treat a wide variety of digestive disorders.

Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – The 6 Ways of Fennel.

Remember to check with your doctor before trying new medicines or herbal remedies, especially if you are taking other medication where drug interactions are possible.

Below is an overview of fennel, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of fennel.

Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaf, Bulb, Seed (Fruit), Stalk, Pollen

Flavors/Temps: Aromatic, Bit Pungent, Sweet, Warm, Dry, Acrid

Caution: Considered safe.

Key Constituents: Anethole, Fenchone, A-Pinene, Rosmarinic acid, Chlorogenic acid, Quercetin, Apigenin. Camphene, Dipentene, a-Phellandrene, Phytoestrogens, Anise aldehyde, Anisic acid, Estragole, 7-hydroxycoumarin, Vitamin C, B Vitamins, Potassium, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Calcium

History/Folklore: Fennel is one of the nine plants invoked in the pagan, Anglo-Saxon Nine Herbs Charm recorded in the 10th century. The Egyptians and Chinese use it strictly as a medicine. Ancient Romans regarded fennel as the herb of sight with the root extract often being used in tonics to clear cloudy eyes. In 1611, Italian herbalist Pierandrea Mattioli filled several pages of his folio on herbal formula remedies based on his native plant fennel for urinary, bronchial, and digestive complaints.

In the MIddle Ages, it was believed to hold magical qualities. People hung it over their doors to protect against evil spirits.

Fennel is considered one of the four opening roots (with Asparagus, Parsley, and Celery) by herbalist Galen. In the 17th century, William Coles wrote that fennel was used “for those that are grown fat, to abate their unwieldiness and cause them to grow more gaunt and lank.” This was because drinking a cup of fennel tea before a meal can take the edge off your appetite. Sipping fennel tea after a meal, aids digestion.

The fresh stems of fennel can be eaten like celery, and both the bulb and the seeds have a mild, licorice-like flavor. This flavor profile is due to the compound anethole, found in fennel and other plants, such as anise, it is a monoterpene that is 13 times sweeter than table sugar. It relaxes intestinal muscles helping to relieve constipation and gas. It is also known to have estrogenic properties. It has also been shown to have insecticide properties, inhibiting mosquitos, fungus, and molds.

Saunf, the common name for fennel seeds in India, and saunf oil, are known for their ability to counter bad breath, improve digestive health, regulate blood pressure, promote lactation, and improve skin appearance. Saunf is often used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat digestive issues.

Women who used 100ml of fennel oil daily for 8 weeks reported improved menopausal symptoms.

A 2020 study, looked at the pain killing effects of fennel on people with knee osteoarthritis. Those who used capsules containing powdered fennel extract twice a day for two weeks, noted a reduction in pain and stiffness compared to the control group.

Fennel has been used for centuries to promote the flow of mother’s milk and is often included in proprietary mixtures designed to improve lactation. This function is likely due to the phytoestrogens found in the plant.

Fennel helps prevent gas in both humans and animals. Rabbits also enjoy eating fennel bulbs and stalks.

Fennel is a symbol for flattery. In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Ophelia dies holding a bouquet of flowers that included fennel. She also gave it to King Claudius and Queen Gertrude a message of the court’s games around flattery, false words, and intentions.