Fennel Tea
Have You Experienced the Aromatic and Flavorful Taste?

As herbal tea remedies, fennel tea not only tastes good, but has many health benefits as well.

Fennel Tea (Latin name for fennel: Foeniculum vulgare) is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the nose and palate. It is perennial plant that has thick stout stems that grow 4 to 5 feet or more in height. These bright green plants stand erect and are cylindrical and appear to be smooth as if they had been polished. They grow bright golden flowers and produce large flat terminal umbels, with thirteen to twenty rays. Its leaves are green and feathery. The entire plant of this aromatic herb has a characteristic licorice fragrance and flavor. Fennel blooms in July

Fennel will thrive anywhere. This hardy herb can be found in pastures and along roadsides in many regions of the United States. In fact, it is considered a weed in both the United States and Australia.

It is easily propagated by seeds, and if planted early in April in will thrive in even ordinary soil. It requires plenty of sun and does well in dry and sunny situations. It does not require fertilization, but it will yield more if grown in rich stiff soil.

The history of fennel and its herbal tea remedies goes back to ancient China. In fact, the fennel plant has been written about in virtually every European work on herb information and herbal medicines from ancient times to the present day.

This pretty green plant has a mild licorice-flavor and is an herb that is native to the Mediterranean. It was known to the ancient Greeks for its medicinal properties. Knowledge of its health benefits spread throughout Europe by the Imperial Romans.

Fennel was found to have 22 healing properties by Pliny, in the 1st century A.D.  The 14th century English poet, Chaucer, considered fennel to be one of the nine holy herbs of the Anglo-Saxons.

In modern times, fennel was once listed as an official drug by the United States to be used for digestive problems. It is used daily as an after dinner digestive aid throughout India, Spain and Italy. 

Fennel tea is rich in vitamin C, many of the B vitamins, and important minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It is also rich in antioxidants. These components identified are: estragole, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoid glycosides, flavonoid aglycons, quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, eriocitrin, rutin, miquelianin, rosmarinic acid, and caffeoylquinic acid.

Anethole is a component found in fennel oil that is known to reduce inflammation. Anethole in fennel is thought to reduce recurrence of cancer.

Fennel tea is naturally caffeine-free. It has been found to have anti-spasmodic properties, as well as it stimulates the production of gastric juices.  It has long been used to treat gastrointestinal and menstrual cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, colic, stomachaches, and indigestion.

Fennel has some anti-bacterial properties and has been used to help fight against upper respiratory conditions. Several studies published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics have shown that fennel tea provides moderate relief of symptoms associated with painful menstrual periods. The tea is effective in treating PMS. Fennel tea also relaxes smooth muscles in the uterus, thus relieving menstrual cramps.

Terpenoids is the volatile oil found in fennel has been shown to have estrogen-like activity and decreases muscles spasms, particularly the muscles of the intestinal tract. Scientists have found that fennel can relieve mucus in the intestinal tract and assist with flatulence, acid stomach and related issues. Fennel is thought to be gentle enough to be used to assist infants with colic.

Summary of the benefit of drinking fennel tea:

Boosts metabolism resulting in weight loss Mild diuretic effect. Flushes toxins and excess water from the body Soothes a sore throat Works as an expectorant by loosening and expelling phlegm from the bronchial passages Increases estrogen activity Has been used for centuries to increase breast milk production Reduces pain Has anti bacterial properties Increases the spirit of well being Has been used to reduce a fever naturally Eases digestion Lowers Blood Pressure Contains various antioxidants known to be protective against cancer Used to treat symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, such as bloating and gas and constipation. Helps regulate contractions of the small intestine and aids gas expulsion Freshens breathe Useful to decrease nausea after chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer Anti-inflammatory properties make it good for decreasing pain in individuals with arthritis or gout Enhances the immune system Used as a natural libido enhancer

Possible side effects :

It is thought that fennel interacts with the antibiotic, Cipro. Drinking large amount of fennel tea may make your skin photosensitive. That makes skin sensitive to sunlight and more likely to sunburn. Drinking large amounts may cause: muscular spasm or allergic reaction of skin. Do not take fennel if you suffer from epilepsy or have seizure disorder. Contains phytoestrogens. You should consult with your doctor about taking fennel if you have estrogen dependent cancer, like breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer or suffer from endometriosis.

Take a look at these fennel tea recipes for you to try.

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