Foeniculum vulgare

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Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-18 (EDT)

See Also Botanical Monographs
Fennel2523.jpg

Fennel is best known as a digestive tonic. To explore the characteristics, medicinal uses and prescribing considerations of this herb in more detail, check out the references indicated.[1], [2]

Characteristics

Uses

Historical Uses:

Foeniculum vulgare was once used for snake bites and as an antidote to witchcraft. It has also been used for weight loss, longevity, and to promote lactation.

Medicinal Uses:

  • flatulence, colic especially in infants, mild spasmodic gastrointestinal complaints, griping from purgatives
  • Other Conditions
  • Kidney stones, teething, sore eyes (eyewash), agalorrhea, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract

Prescribing Considerations

The information provided is intended to augment the treatment from a naturopathic doctor or other trained medical professional. Although most herbs are generally safe, it is recommended that you avoid self-prescribing especially when there is an underlying ongoing medical condition, if you are on any prescription medications or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Formulations and Preparation

  • Infusion - 1-2 tsp/cup three times daily, or before meals for flatulence

Safety

The safety and prescribing considerations for this herb include:[3], [4]

  • Generally regarded as safe.
  • Side-effects are limited but may include allergic hypersensitivity to Apiaceae (empirical), photosensitizing effects, fresh plant may cause contact dermatitis, lactation (in medicinal amounts).
  • Cautions and Contraindications: avoid use of oil in liver disease, alcoholism, while breast feeding, or during the use of acetaminophen; pregnancy due to emmenagogue action (empirical), essential oil use with infants or small children under 2 y.o.a. (speculative), prolonged use (speculative), acid reflux (speculative)[2]
  • Drug-Herb Interactions are rare.

References

  1. Boon Heather, Smith Michael (2009) 55 Most Common Medicinal Herbs: The Complete Natural Medicine Guide Second Edition Institute of Naturopathic Education and Research, CCNM Toronto.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Godfrey Anthony, Saunders Paul, Barlow Kerry, Gowan Matt (2011) Principles and Practices of Naturopathic Botanical Medicine, Advanced Botanical Medicine. V3 CCNM Press, Toronto.
  3. Stargrove Mitchell Bebell, Treasure Jonathan, McKee Dwight L (2008) Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies.
  4. Brinker Francis (1997) Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions: Plus Herbal Adjuncts With Medicines, 4th Edition Eclectic Medical Publications.