Herbs - Fennel - Ailments / Situations Where Used

Crushed fennel seed infusion is used to treat gas, indigestion, abdominal pain and spasm of the gastro-intestinal tract. It is typically served in India as an after-dinner digestive aid as the seeds help stimulate and sooth the digestion and appetite.

Fennel is an appropriate remedy for children with colic or digestive weaknesses, when given in smaller doses. The seeds are used alongside bitter or strong laxative herbs to prevent any cramping. It is very soothing and very useful for heartburn and helps clear mucous from the lungs with a calming effect.

The infusion increases milk supply in nursing mothers. The seeds are a good diuretic and can be helpful in gravel and urinary stones. A compress applied over the eyes is used to treat conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelids. The oil is used externally on muscle and rheumatic pains and for similar digestive weaknesses.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) fennel is used for lower abdominal pain, indigestion, decreased appetite, vomiting, gas and intestinal spasms. It is used very similarly to the West.

Fennel also has antibacterial and antispasmodic properties.