foeniculum vugare l.function as medicine

Foeniculum vulgare L.

Umbelliferae

Uses: We like to saute stalks. Bronze fennel is beautiful in the garden and comes up every year. It gives and gives, a must have

Medicine: Leaves and seed relax parasympathetic nervous system of gut.

Mildly bacteriacidal (anti-microbial). Mild estrogenic effect. Oil used as fungicide to protect foods. Seeds have been decocted (simmered) in water as a lactagogue. Tincture of the seed used for diarrhea control and cramps. Diuretic leaves and seed, root. Roots purgative (cathartic).

-Thins and expels disease laden mucus.

-Synergistic with other herbs.

Chemistry: Seed: 60%+- petroselenic acid, tocopherols (high in gamma-tocotrienol), anethole, anisic acid, limonene, trigonelline, camphene, fenchone....(6)

Wildlife/Veterinarian: Fennel seeds may be hazardous as food for birds.

WARNING: Do not use fennel oil as it is too strong and may respiratory distress and seizures.

GRAS: Edible leaves and seeds.