Other
scientific names
Anethum foeniculum
Common
names
Haras (Tag.)
Fennel (Engl.)
General
info
Raw, has a pronounced
and distinct taste close to anise or licorice. In olden times,
fennel has been used both as an appetite suppressant and digestive
aid, to counter witchcraft, as a culinary garnish, and varied
medicinal uses.
Medicinal
properties
Warming, carminative,
antispasmodic, antidepressant, a weak diuretic, and a mild stimulant,
galactagogue.
Constituents
Fruit-volatile oil,
2.9% - 6%; fixed oil, 8.9%; pectin, 1.3%; pentosan, 5.12%.
The oil of fennel includes
50 - 60% nethol, also the chief constituent of anise oil and 18-22
percent fenchone. (Rodale's
Encyclopedia of Herbs)
Parts
used and preparation
Whole plant, oil
of seed.
Uses:
Folkloric
Fainting: Inhale
crushed fruit.
Gas pains and flatulence: Take infusion of fruit as needed.
Decoction is gargled as a breath freshener; taken for intestinal
deworming, applied as an eyewash.
Poultice has been used to relieve breast swelling in nursing mothers.
Used for stomatitis, abdominal cramps.
Culinary
Use the fruit for flavoring .
Cosmetic
Infusion of ground seeds as a steam facial.
Mouthwash.
Toothpaste.
Used in skin-care products.
Availability
Wildcrafted.