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Fennel Seed

Fennel’s scientific name is Foeniculum vulgare and it belongs to the Apiaceae family. For teas, the dried seeds are used.

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Close up the fennel seed in spoon on brown wooden table

Taste Profile

When consumed, dried meadowsweet has a sweet taste, along with aromatic and hay-like flavours, and some people also notice medicinal and almond notes. It offers a well-rounded, mellow flavour when enjoyed as a simple beverage, reminiscent of summer evenings in a meadow!

Active Constituents

Salicylic acid, volatile oil, spireine (salicylaldehyde), gaultherine, flavonoids, tannins, mucilage and coumarins

Therapeutic Properties

Analgesic, antacid, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, relaxant, stomachic and urinary antiseptic.

Traditional Uses

Meadowsweet has a long history of traditional use as a gentle remedy for digestive issues such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. It is known for its ability to ease excess acid and indigestion. Additionally, it was one of the original sources of aspirin and is valued for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in addressing headaches and musculoskeletal issues like arthritis.

Contraindications

Do not use when there is a known aspirin sensitivity. Do not use alongside anticoagulants.

Ripe fennel bulbs and dry seeds in bowl on grey wooden table

Taste Profile

Fennel seed tea has a wonderfully rounded aromatic, spicy, sweet pungent taste with liquorice notes. It makes for a delicious cup of tea as a simple.

Active Constituents

Volatile oil, flavonoids, coumarins, phenolic acid, vitamins, minerals, and fixed oils

Therapeutic Properties

Antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antitussive, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, galactagogue, hormone-balancer and mucolytic.

Traditional Uses

Fennel has been traditionally used as an aromatic digestive remedy. It helps relieve wind, colic, indigestion, heartburn, bloating, and nausea. It was considered an important herbal tea for after dinner. Now, we know it as an important remedy for IBS too. It was also used as a cough and cold herb, helping to clear the airways and ease coughing. It can be used to warm the uterus and relieve cramping. This antispasmodic action is also useful on the skeletal muscles, both internally and externally. Fennel is one of our traditional galactagogue herbs, stimulating milk flow in nursing mothers. This also benefits the baby by alleviating colic.

Contraindications

Avoid high doses. If you find you are becoming overstimulated mentally, reduce the dose of fennel being consumed. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy.

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