Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

Part used: Seeds (fruits)
Botanical family: Apiaceae

Fennel grows wild along every Mediterranean roadside, and its seeds are among the most effective carminatives in classic herbal medicine: the anethole in its essential oil relaxes the gut and helps release wind. It's part of the classic 'four-seed tea' with anise, caraway and coriander, and has traditionally been given to nursing mothers.

Traditional uses

Wind and flatulence
Post-meal bloating
Traditional lactation support

Traditionally used for

windbloatingswollen bellyflatulencebreastfeeding

How to prepare it

Infuse lightly crushed seeds for 8 minutes after meals.

Pairs well with: Anise, Peppermint, Chamomile

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Other plants with similar uses

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

Peppermint

Mentha piperita

Anise

Pimpinella anisum

This information reflects traditional uses of plants for general guidance and does not replace advice from a health professional. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, ask before using them.