How to use the beneficial properties of fennel to improve your health

A fragrant plant with a rich composition and range of applications has become popular relatively recently. The beneficial properties of fennel are well known today and are used in medicine, cosmetology and cooking. What is the use of a plant that looks like dill, and tastes like anise should know more.

Description of fennel

Fennel (pharmaceutical dill) came from the shores of the Mediterranean with the name "fenel" (English). The origin of the name is rooted in Latin and means "hay". In ancient times, the Saxons attributed the plant to the sacred herbs. By mixing fennel and St. John's wort, a mixture was obtained to protect against evil spirits.

The amazing fennel with its versatile meaning and wide range of uses spread throughout the world thanks to the ancient Romans.

The plant belongs to the "umbellate" (celery) family. It can be one-, two- and long-term. In nature, it grows wild in many countries of the world. Loves a dry, sunny climate with moderate humidity. It grows together with other unpretentious grass on arid rocky slopes, in ravines along roads.

For industrial use, it is cultivated in almost all countries of the world. In Russia, it is grown in the Krasnodar Territory and the Caucasus. The herbaceous plant reaches a height of 1.5 m. The stem is straight, rounded, branchy. The leaves are pinnate, dissected, filiform. At the top of the stem, an "umbrella" with yellow flowers is formed, the width and length of which is about 1 mm. Flowering time: July, August.

In September, oblong greenish-brown seeds are formed from the flowers. They can be 5 to 10 mm long and 2 to 3 mm wide. Fennel fruits have a characteristic pleasant smell and spicy taste.

Seeds are the most valuable part of the plant. They ripen in rows. Harvesting takes place in stages. In addition to the rich content of valuable substances, fennel seeds contain a special energy. Since ripe seeds fall off easily, it is customary to collect them early in the morning, while the dew lasts.

Unique composition of the plant

The content of nutrients in different parts of the plant is different.

In addition to the above substances, the seeds contain:

• bornyl acetate;
• anisic aldehyde;
• citral;
• anisic aldehyde;
• ash;
• macroelements (K, Ca, Mn, Fe);
• trace elements (Mg, Cu, Zn, Cr, Al, Se, Ni).

The percentage and content of components in the leaves, stems, head of cabbage (bulb) varies depending on weather conditions and the place of growth.

A feature of fennel is its ability to easily absorb heavy metals from the soil.

It is not recommended to collect wild-growing fennel in ecologically polluted areas: near the roadway and near industrial enterprises.

The beneficial properties of fennel and their uses

The healing properties of the plant were discovered by the ancient Romans. Ancient doctors used fennel for medicinal concoctions.Currently, the action of the plant is also recognized by medicine and is prescribed in complex treatment.

In medicine

Due to the rich content of nutrients, fennel seeds are included in medicines (extracts, potions, extracts). For the preparation of tea and decoctions are used in pure form. Useful substances are found in all parts of the plant: stem, leaves, seeds, bulb.

Fennel has a preventive and therapeutic effect:

• choleretic;
• diuretic;
• antioxidant;
• carminative;
• sedative;
• antispasmodic;
• vasodilator.

Taking into account the effect on the body, preparations with fennel and the plant itself in pure form are used for the following diseases:

• violation of the digestive process;
• intestinal spasms;
• colitis;
• flatulence;
• dyspepsia;
• cholelithiasis and kidney stones;
• food poisoning;
• inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract and lungs;
• Candidiasis;
• sexual dysfunction;
• hypertension;
• arrhythmia.

Fennel strengthens the immune system, improves visual acuity, cleanses the body of toxins and toxins.

Fennel infusion relieves dry eye syndrome. After a long time working with a computer, swimming in a pond, pain and dryness appear in the eyes. In this case, it is recommended to rinse them with fennel tea or make lotions from it. To do this, prepare an infusion at the rate of: 1 tbsp. l. 200 ml of hot boiled water. Infused until it cools completely.

The essential oil from the seeds reduces nervousness, has a sedative effect, and normalizes sleep.

Tincture recipe for restful sleep

Two tablespoons of seeds per glass (200 ml) are poured with hot boiled water (90-95 ° C). Then cover, leave for about 20 minutes. Then it is poured through a filter into a glass, topped up if necessary. The infusion is taken 2-3 sips before meals three times a day.

Tincture recipe for sputum removal when coughing

A water bath is used for cooking. One tablespoon of seeds is poured into 200 ml of hot boiled water (90-95 ° C). Then the container is placed in a bath and boiled over low heat for about 25-30 minutes. After cooling, the broth is filtered, added with boiled water to its full volume. Drink 20 minutes before meals, 2-3 sips 3-4 times a day.

Benefits of fennel for children

Fennel tea is indicated for children from infancy. With the adaptation of the digestive system, babies develop colic. They are caused by gas formation and the still unsettled work of the digestive organs. To remove them and improve the digestion of newborns, dill water or fennel tea is used. It can be packaged and in granules.

Tea for babies should be prepared at the rate of 2 g per 200 ml of hot boiled water. You can store in the refrigerator no more than a day. It is recommended to give warm tea one teaspoon at a time, three times a day before feeding instead of water. Instead of a teaspoon, it is convenient to use a dispenser (syringe): 1 tsp = 5 ml.

For formula-fed babies, you can mix tea into baby food and formula. Often, this is not necessary, children are happy to drink aromatic tea instead of water. The dosage should be strictly observed for up to seven months. In this case, it is necessary to observe the possible appearance of allergic reactions and the general well-being of the child. To facilitate observation, mom is not recommended to change the diet.

In case of rash, spots, swelling, you should immediately stop taking.

Do not give tea to children unless needed. It is not taken as a course, but to relieve colic symptoms when they appear.

Fresh fennel leaves are recommended to be added to food only from 1.5-2 years.

Fennel tea is useful for older children as a remedy for poisoning and gastrointestinal disorders. The drink eliminates cough and is used in the treatment of colds and viral diseases.

For women

With its antispasmodic effect, tea is good to take during menstrual pain.Tea removes excess fluid from the body.

Tincture recipe for edema

One tablespoon of seeds is poured with 200 ml of hot boiled water (90-95 ° C). After cover, insist for 10-15 minutes. Next, the infusion is filtered and added to a full glass. Take 0.5 cups of infusion before meals two to three times a day.

Anti-overweight tincture recipe

Ingredient dosage:

• fennel seeds: 10 g,
• flowers chamomile: 5 g,
• linden flowers: 5 g,
• dried nettle leaves: 4 g.

The mixture is poured into 450 ml of boiled water, infused for 20-30 minutes, filtered. Drink before breakfast, lunch and dinner, 100-150 ml.

Tea reduces appetite, speeds up metabolism.

Vitamin salad of fresh leaves, fennel stalk, head of cabbage and celery seasoned with olive oil eliminates hunger for a long time. The dish is included in the dietary menu.

For nursing mothers, fennel tea helps to “pick up” milk. For milk to come, it is recommended to drink one cup (200 ml) of tea 10 minutes before meals. To prepare this tea, you should use the leaves and stems of the plant. They contain significantly less essential oil than seeds.

Leaves and stems must be thoroughly washed, dried, and finely chopped. On a teapot with a capacity of 0.5 liters, pour 2 tablespoons of chopped herbs. Then pour hot boiled water (90-95 ° C). Then they insist for 20 minutes.

Only a small amount of sugar can be added to tea for nursing mothers. Honey can cause an allergic reaction in a child, and preserves and jams upset the balance of the drink.

For men

Fennel tea is known as a natural aphrodisiac.

Recipe "Greek tincture":

• dry white wine: 0.75 l;
• 1 tsp fennel seeds;
• 1 tsp dry currant leaves;
• 0.5 tsp flowers of St. John's wort.

Mix all ingredients, leave for 21 days. Then strain, drink 100 ml every day after meals.

Fennel tea normalizes bowel and liver function after a "hard" meal.

The drink has anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. Eating fresh and dry herbs in meals reduces the risk of prostate cancer.

In case of prostate disease, taking fennel in food reduces swelling, eliminates pain. The diuretic action eliminates unwanted congestion and prevents the development of complications.

In cosmetology

The beneficial properties of fennel are due to its rich composition and are widely used in cosmetology. Fennel oil is added to smoothing, anti-aging creams and masks. Its rich content of vitamin C and other flavonoids make it an excellent antioxidant.

The easiest homemade anti-aging cream recipe:

1. Take a single portion of the night cream into the palm of your hand.
2. Put 1 drop of fennel oil into it.
3. Mix.
4. Apply to face and neck.

The use of oil in skin care products is recommended in the evening when the body is at rest. Regular use helps:

• stimulate collagen production;
• moisturize and tone the skin;
• eliminate fine wrinkles;
• reduce inflammation.

It is possible to use oil in a concentrated pure form only pointwise. One drop per site of inflammation.

There are various recipes for using fennel at home.

Anti-aging mask recipe

In a glass or china dish, mix one teaspoon of honey with raw yolk. Add 0.5 teaspoon of turmeric to the mixture, mix. Then add 4 drops of fennel oil to the mixture, mix thoroughly. The mask is applied to the face and neck and left for 20 minutes. Then wash off with warm water, apply a moisturizer.

Baths with fennel oil have a moisturizing and rejuvenating effect. Add 15-20 drops to 50 liters of water. It is recommended to take a bath for at least 15 minutes. The water treatment relaxes and soothes. The use of oil for body care improves the appearance, gives firmness and elasticity.

Local baths with oil for manicure and pedicure soften rough skin, promote its painless and quick removal.

The beneficial properties of fennel are used in cooking

Fennel in the kitchen is a "royal" vegetable and a "royal" seasoning. Stems, leaves, bulbs are used as independent ingredients. Vegetable side dishes and salads are prepared from them. The seeds are used as spices.

The seasoning goes well with:

• anise;
• caraway seeds;
• coriander;
• basil;
• pepper.

It is not recommended to mix with dill. The seeds add a spicy flavor to any hot meal.

Added at manufacture:

• meat products and sausages;
• baked goods (both sweet and unleavened);
• non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages;
• spicy sauces.

When canning vegetable marinades, add seeds to the jar to taste. Fennel bulbs are suitable for winter preparations, which are successfully combined with cucumbers and tomatoes. In addition, due to its antiseptic properties, it is an excellent preservative.

A head of fennel is similar in appearance to an onion and a bunch of celery at the same time. It tastes sweet and aromatic.

Heads of cabbage and stems are used to prepare garnish for fish and meat, warm salads.

Recipe for warm Valerie salad

Prepare vegetables: 1 eggplant, 1 medium zucchini, 1 carrot, 3-4 heads of fennel with a stem.

Step by step cooking:

1. Cut the eggplant and zucchini into medium cubes.
2. Grate carrots on a coarse grater.
3. Cut the fennel stalks into pieces 2-3 cm long.
4. Cut the heads of cabbage into slices.

Vegetables are fried separately in a small amount of refined vegetable oil. After frying until golden brown, they are laid out in separate containers.

Refueling is prepared separately and in advance: 1 tbsp. l. honey is diluted with soy sauce to a syrup.

Put 2 tablespoons in a flat serving plate. zucchini, 2 tbsp. l. eggplant, 2 tbsp. l. stems, several cloves of fennel bulbs. Top with fried carrots. Pour it over with sweet sauce. Then sprinkle with sesame seeds. You need to set the table very quickly so that the salad does not cool down.

Stewed or fried fennel heads are eaten immediately. Over time, it loses its juice and flavor.

Fennel leaves are added to fresh vegetable salads. Dishes made with fennel go well with white grape wine.

The difference between fennel and dill

Despite the external similarity, the difference between dill and its counterpart is great. Both plants have feather cut leaves, a fragrant scent, and the famous spicy umbrellas. However, dill does not contain such a variety of various useful substances. It is less whimsical and grows everywhere.

The appearance of fennel is distinguished by the bulb from which the stems grow. In this part of the plant, it is easy to distinguish both crops from each other.

Dill, while spicy, is very different from fennel. Due to the difference in composition, it does not have such widespread use. The medicinal and culinary potential of dill is much more modest and less pronounced. However, dill seeds contain many nutrients, somewhat similar to fennel.

As a last resort, it can replace the "miraculous" herb:

• when making tea to relieve colic and reduce gas formation (for both adults and children);
• in cooking: with the addition of vitamin greens and spicy seeds.

Added to the benefit of dill is the fact that its leaves and stems are more flavorful than fennel.

The culinary differences between the two herbs are clearly visible in the use of dill in salty and spicy dishes: cottage cheese, cheese, barrel pickles.

Fennel is used in sweet fruit drinks, confectionery, sauces, baked goods. A few seeds from the plant will add a sophisticated flavor to your tea or coffee.

It also adds piquancy to meat, fish, salty and spicy dishes. Many consider the presence of fennel in such dishes to be superfluous. Making a choice, everyone relies on their own taste preferences.This “universal” seasoning for all dishes has millions of fans all over the world.

Harm and contraindications

Fennel, the beneficial properties of which are undeniable, has a number of contraindications:

1. Individual intolerance.
2. Allergic reactions.
3. Pregnancy.
4. Disruption of the thyroid gland.
5. Nervous system disorders.
6. Epilepsy.
7. Hormone-dependent diseases.

The reaction to the herb may take a few days. Fennel oil is toxic. It must be used strictly observing the dosage. With frequent use of products containing fennel inside, problems with concentration, nausea, headaches, and insomnia may appear.

Frequent external use of concentrated oil in its pure form can cause allergic reactions, irritation, "oil burns".

A beneficial plant must be used with care. Before using fennel-containing preparations, decoctions and infusions, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Failure to comply with the instructions for use indicated on the packaging of the preparations may be harmful to health.

Fennel is a plant that can relieve many ailments, restore the digestive tract, and please gourmets. Fennel tea, unlike others, has no age limit. The noble aroma of the drink uplifts and encourages.

Useful properties of fennel - video