Foeniculum vulgare or fennel seed is a vegetable that is believed to have come from the Mediterranean. The aromatic yellow-green fennel seed is harvested in the fall when the fruit is ripened and serves as the part used medicinally. Fennel seed is used in many cultures to prevent gas and upset stomach and also serves as a popular cooking spice.

Fennel has antimicrobial activity and holds fever reducing, diuretic, antispasmodic and pain reducing properties. Its mild estrogenic effect makes it a popular choice among European herbalists to promote menstruation and stimulate the production of milk in nursing mothers.

Fennel seed compresses have been used in traditional herbal medicine to reduce inflammation of the skin and eyes, especially if the infection is compounded by allergy. Therefore, it can be used to treat conjunctivitis and dermatitis.

Asthma, tuberculosis, coughs and bronchitis are conditions that can be improved with Fennel seed. While fennel has no effect on the disease-causing bacteria them selves, it does increase the effectiveness of the antibiotic streptomycin, which combats tuberculosis. In Greece, teas made from fennel and anise are popular choices for asthma and other respiratory ailments. Fennel also has a calming effect on coughs and bronchitis.

Indigestion, vomiting, motion sickness, colic, food poisoning and Crohn's disease can also be improved with fennel seed. One particular study found that fennel tea improved symptoms in colicky babies better than a placebo. Fennel aids digestion by relaxing the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract.  It also kills some types of bacteria and aids expelling of gas. Chewing on fennel seeds after a meal not only improves the digestion process but also helps freshen breath.

Fennel seed is used as an essential oil or as a tea. Compresses can also be made from the tea.

* Important notes: If symptoms being treated with fennel do not improve within two weeks, you should consult a professional health care practitioner. Fennel seed oil should not be used in its pure, undiluted form. Fennel should be used with caution by those with diabetes as well as pregnant women and women who have any kind of estrogen-sensitive disorder. Fennel should be avoided by anyone with a history of alcoholism, hepatitis or liver disease.

It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using fennel or any alternative therapies. Any recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.