How to use fennel in nutrition. Fennel root - description with photo; recommendations on how to select and store; beneficial properties of the root and recipes for its use in cooking and for treatment. Beneficial properties of fennel essential oil
Instructions for use:
Fennel is a perennial or biennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. The plant can grow up to 2 meters in height, its stem is straight and round, highly branched at the top. Fennel root is a fleshy bulb, yellow-white in color. Fennel leaves are very similar to dill. The top of all parts of the plant are covered with a bluish coating. Fennel blooms like regular dill. Fennel fruits ripen in autumn.
Other names for the plant are:
- Pharmaceutical dill;
- Voloshsky fennel.
The Mediterranean is considered to be the birthplace of the plant. Fennel was known to man back in Ancient Greece And Ancient Egypt, even then it was used as a spice and medicine. The first mention of the use of fennel and its properties dates back to the 18th century.
In the wild, fennel grows on dry rocky slopes, in ditches and along roadsides. Wild fennel can be found in Crimea, Central Asia and Transcaucasia.
To use fennel as a medicine and spice, it is grown in the Krasnodar region, the North Caucasus, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. The most common plant variety in our time is Balon fennel.
Composition and beneficial properties of fennel
The main property of fennel is its high content of essential oils. Thus, different parts of the plant contain different amounts of essential oil:
- Fruits (seeds) - 6.5%;
- Leaves - 0.5%.
Fennel fruit essential oil has a strong aroma and a sweetish spicy taste. The beneficial properties of fennel are due to the unique chemical composition and the content of numerous substances in it:
- Fenchon;
- Anethole;
- Camphor;
- Alpha-pinene;
- Methyl chavicol;
- Alpha-phellandrene;
- Limonene;
- Cineole;
- Terpinolene;
- Bornyl acetate;
- Citral.
Fennel fruits are rich in fatty oils. Thus, scientific reviews about fennel contain information that the seeds contain from 12 to 18 percent fatty oils. These oils include many valuable acids:
- Oleic;
- Petrozelinovaya;
- Palmitone;
- Linoleic.
The use of beneficial properties of fennel in fruits is due to such a rich composition. But not only fennel fruits have beneficial properties; the use of leaves and stems of the plant brings significant benefits to the body. Thus, the composition of the green part of fennel is also rich in various elements:
- Glycosides;
- Ascorbic acid;
- Carotene;
- Flavonoids;
- Minerals;
- B vitamins.
A distinctive property of fennel, according to culinary experts, is its low calorie content. So, the calorie content of fennel is 31 kcal per 100 g. But 100 grams of fennel fruit is a very impressive mass. It is unlikely that anyone eats such an amount at once. In addition, this would already be excessive use of this medicinal plant. There are many reviews about fennel, the use of which in large quantities, on the contrary, has a detrimental effect on health. In particular, it can cause stomach upset and even poisoning.
Preparations from fennel fruits have the following effects on the body:
- Increased secretion of digestive glands;
- Antispasmodic;
- Choleretic;
- Sedative (calming);
- Diuretic effect;
- Antibacterial.
Uses of fennel
According to patient reviews, the use of fennel gives an excellent effect in the treatment of numerous diseases. Fennel fruits and its leaves are used for medicinal purposes. Fennel fruits have also been used in the manufacture of other medicines, to neutralize the bitterness of drugs and unpleasant odors. This is due to the distinctive properties of fennel in the form of a strong smell and rich taste.
Numerous reviews of fennel note its beneficial effects on the central nervous system. The antispasmodic and sedative properties of fennel are used in the manufacture of medicines for bronchial asthma.
Fennel fruit oil is used as an expectorant to treat colds. Thus, the use of fennel is advisable for the following diseases:
- ARVI;
- Flu;
- Bronchitis;
- Pneumonia;
- Laryngitis;
- Tonsillitis;
- Laryngotracheitis.
Fennel fruit oil is also used for flatulence, colitis and indigestion. The property of fennel to improve the functioning of the intestines is actively used in many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The use of fennel, in moderate doses, is also advisable for the prevention of constipation. This property of fennel fruits is used even for newborns and infants, to relieve stomach cramps and colic. The famous “Dill water” is made from fennel fruits.
In addition, a decoction of fennel fruits has found application in obstetrics and gynecology. The unique properties of fennel, according to reviews from pregnant women, help improve digestion and relieve attacks of toxicosis (nausea). The same effect from the use of fennel is achieved when it is used as food by women who have just given birth. The use of fennel helps a woman in labor improve digestion. In addition, an unusual property of fennel, according to reviews from young mothers, is its ability to stimulate lactation. By taking fennel fruit tea, women can quickly establish lactation. Moreover, through breast milk Substances that provide medicinal properties fennel. Thus, it is possible to avoid excessive gas formation in a small organism. The use of fennel has a beneficial effect on the normalization of the menstrual cycle.
In cooking, fennel is used as a seasoning. Almost the entire plant can be eaten: its bulb, trunk (stem), leaves and seeds. According to culinary experts, salads and soups are prepared from fresh herbs and fennel bulbs. Fennel fruits perfectly complement meat and fish dishes. In addition, fennel fruits are used to preserve some vegetables for the winter.
Essential oil from fennel fruits is also used in cosmetology and perfumery.
Contraindications to the use of fennel
While the use of fennel and its properties by breastfeeding women is widespread, caution must be exercised. There are reviews of fennel from women who began to notice signs of allergies in themselves and their children after excessive consumption of this plant. The same applies to pregnant women. You should not prescribe or take fennel-based medications on your own. Moreover, you should not exceed the recommended dosage. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the use of fennel is possible only in consultation with a doctor.
In addition, an absolute contraindication to the use of fennel is the body's hypersensitivity, or individual intolerance to fennel fruits. In this case, a person may feel nausea and dizziness, even from the smell of the plant.
Excessive use of fennel, according to doctors for epilepsy, is extremely dangerous and can be fatal.
In the article we discuss fennel - beneficial features and contraindications to the use of the plant. You will learn the benefits of fennel root and fruit, how to use them in cooking and folk medicine.
Fennel - what is it? Common fennel is an annual, biennial or perennial plant belonging to the genus Fennel of the Apiaceae family. Popularly, fennel is called pharmaceutical dill or Voloshsky dill, but the plant should not be confused with aromatic dill (garden dill), which is grown by summer residents and gardeners.
What fennel looks like - photo:
Fennel is a useful plant; it is used in cooking and folk medicine.
Fennel has a spindle-shaped, fleshy, wrinkled root, branched and multi-headed at the top. The stem reaches a height of 90-200 cm, it is straight and rounded, with thin ribs, and strongly branches.
The leaves are alternate, three- and four-times pinnately dissected, ovate-triangular in shape. The lower ones are located on the petioles, the upper ones are located at the base, covering the stems.
Inflorescences are umbrellas, with 3-20 rays. Petals are broadly ovate, yellow. The fruits are ovoid-oblong, 5-10 mm long and 2-3 mm wide, greenish-brown in color. Fennel seeds have a sweet taste, similar to anise.
Fennel blooms in July - August and bears fruit in September.
Chemical composition of fennel
Chemical composition of fennel fruit:
- essential oils;
- petroselinic acid;
- oleic acid;
- linoleic acid;
- palmitic acid;
- flavonoids;
- glycosides;
- ascorbic acid;
- carotene;
- B vitamins;
- minerals.
The rich chemical composition not only of fennel seeds, but also of its roots and leaves, however, the maximum concentration useful substances observed in the fruits of the plant.
Useful properties of fennel
Medicinal properties of fennel:
- sedative;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antispasmodic;
- antitussive;
- expectorant;
- carminative;
- choleretic;
- laxative;
- restorative.
All parts of fennel have the beneficial properties listed above. Depending on the concentration chemical elements for specific diseases, it is advisable to use a certain part of the plant; below we will tell you why fennel root and seeds are more beneficial.
Benefits of fennel root
Fennel root is used as a laxative due to its high dietary fiber content. Fiber stimulates intestinal motility and removes waste and toxins from the body. Prevents the development of gastrointestinal cancer.
Fennel root is beneficial for of cardio-vascular system . It lowers cholesterol levels in the blood and promotes the breakdown of atherosclerotic plaques, lowers blood pressure. Fennel root is the best preventative against myocardial infarction.
What are the benefits of fennel seeds?
Fennel seeds have more beneficial properties. They are most often used as a secretory agent for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. They stimulate the production of gastric juice, bile and have a laxative effect. Fennel seed exhibits beneficial properties for flatulence and colic. Read how to use fennel for colic in newborns.
Fennel seeds - photo:
The most beneficial fennel seeds
Fennel seeds have beneficial properties and contraindications for the respiratory system and ENT organs. They are used to increase the productivity of cough; the fruits of the fennel plant have an expectorant and antitussive effect. Products based on them are used for sore throats and other causes of sore throat - they relieve inflammation and have an antiseptic effect, increasing local immunity.
The seeds and the essential oil obtained from them are used to normalize the functioning of the nervous system.. They have a sedative effect. Products based on fennel seeds are recommended for use for neurasthenia, increased excitability of the central nervous system, and insomnia.
Decoctions and infusions with fennel fruits exhibit beneficial properties and contraindications for the skin. They are used to treat acne, dermatitis, and furunculosis.
Fennel seeds are beneficial for nursing women. Tea and decoctions based on them enhance lactation and improve the quality of milk. Fennel seed tea can also be consumed as a weight loss aid.
Use of fennel in cooking
Fennel grass, roots, stems and seeds are used in cooking. Fennel herb is used as a spice; it has a pleasant, slightly sweet, refreshing taste. Greens are added to salads, stewed and baked vegetable dishes. Fennel herb is popular in the Caucasus, where it is often used in the preparation of national dishes.
Fennel roots and stems are stewed, fried and baked, served as a side dish or a separate dish. The dishes are common among the peoples of the Mediterranean.
Fennel fruits are used as a seasoning. They are added to meat and fish dishes, vegetables, baked goods, desserts and even drinks. Fennel seeds are added when preserving and pickling vegetables.
Now you know what fennel is and what it is eaten with. Read more about the use of fennel in cooking.
The use of fennel in folk medicine
Decoctions and infusions are made with fennel seeds
You already know about fennel - what kind of plant it is and what medicinal properties it has. In this section we will talk about the use of fennel in the treatment of cough, pancreatitis, joint diseases, as well as to increase lactation and for weight loss.
Milk with fennel oil for cough
Fennel for cough can be taken not only in the form of brewed tea, but also with milk; the product has a gentler effect on the mucous membrane of the bronchi and throat.
Ingredients:
- Warm milk - 200-250 ml.
- Fennel essential oil - 6 drops.
How to cook: Add fennel oil to warm milk and stir.
How to use: Drink before going to bed.
Result: Softens cough, removes mucus from the bronchi, eliminates inflammation.
With fennel essential oil you can make inhalations for coughs and sore throats.
Ingredients:
- Hot boiled water - 1 liter.
How to cook: Pour hot water into the pan. Add fennel essential oil to boiling water.
How to use: Cover your head and pan with a towel. Breathe in pairs for 10-15 minutes.
Result: Facilitates breathing, eliminates cough and sore throat.
Infusion for pancreatitis
Fennel seeds help in the treatment of pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas. In this case, fennel exhibits medicinal properties in relation to the secretory function of the organ.
Ingredients:
- Fennel seeds - 10 g.
- Hot boiled water - 250 ml.
How to cook: Pour boiling water over the fennel seeds. Insist medicine 1-2 hours.
How to use: Divide the fennel infusion into 5 equal parts and drink at regular intervals throughout the day.
Result: Aqueous tincture of fennel promotes the production of secretions by the pancreas and eliminates inflammation.
Compresses for joints
Fennel helps with joint diseases. Compresses with essential oil of the plant are used for arthritis and arthrosis, as well as for skin inflammation.
Ingredients:
- Water - 50 ml.
- Fennel essential oil - 10 drops.
How to cook: Add the essential oil of the plant to warm boiled water.
How to use: Soak gauze or cotton cloth with the solution, apply to sore joints for 1-3 hours, securing the compress with a bandage.
Result: Compresses with fennel essential oil relieve joint pain and eliminate inflammation.
Decoction for lactation
Fennel is useful for enhancing lactation and the health of infants
Fennel is taken to increase lactation. For this, a decoction of seeds is used.
Ingredients:
- Boiling water - 250 ml.
- Fennel seeds - 10 grams.
How to cook: Grind the fennel seeds in a mortar, add boiling water and place in a water bath. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes.
How to use: Drink fennel tea throughout the day.
Result: The medicine enhances lactation and improves the quality of breast milk.
Slimming Tea
To lose weight, take tea made from fennel, chamomile, linden and nettle. The product helps to get rid of excess weight, calms the nervous system, and helps with insomnia.
Ingredients:
- Fennel seeds - 10 g.
- Chamomile inflorescences - 5 g.
- Linden inflorescences - 5 g.
- Nettle - 4 g.
- Boiling water - 500 ml.
How to cook: Mix herbs and pour boiling water. Leave for 20 minutes.
How to use: Drink weight loss tea throughout the day.
Result: The drink removes excess fluid from the body, reduces appetite, improves digestion and speeds up metabolism.
For more information about fennel, watch the video:
Harvesting fennel
Fennel seeds ripen in September. They are carefully collected and dried naturally in a shaded and ventilated area.
Dried seeds are stored in tin or glass jars, without being crushed first, so that the fruits do not lose their essential oil.
Contraindications
You found out what properties fennel has and contraindications for its use:
- personal intolerance;
- epilepsy;
- serious heart disease;
- chronic diarrhea;
- pregnancy.
Consult your doctor before using fennel for medicinal purposes.
What to remember
- Fennel is a plant of the Apiaceae family, similar in appearance to dill. Now you know how fennel is useful; it is used in cooking and folk medicine.
- Fennel is used to treat coughs, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, joints, to increase lactation and for weight loss.
- Consult your doctor before using fennel products.
Fennel has been known for its beneficial qualities for a very long time. It was used by the ancient Romans, Chinese, Indians, Greeks and Egyptians to treat various diseases.
After all, the beneficial properties and contraindications of dill are so diverse, effective and at the same time dangerous that they can cure even the most serious disease or harm themselves even more.
Fennel - what is it?
Back in the Middle Ages, fennel was known throughout Europe, and then throughout the world.
The second name of the plant is “dill”. Medicinal properties pharmaceutical dill have been used in folk medicine since ancient times.
Fennel and dill are completely different types of plants that belong to the same umbelliferous family. Fennel is mostly grown for its fruit part, which has a flavor similar to anise. They have a sweetish and at the same time slightly spicy taste.
The entire plant is eaten: bulb, stem, leaves, seeds, although all parts are added separately. The plant is grown in many countries; it is unpretentious and loves only sunlight.
Some hobbyists grow fennel in pots as an ornamental plant and for the table.
Basically, two types of the presented plant are grown: ordinary ( or pharmacy) and Italian, which is used in cooking - it has a fleshy stem similar to a vegetable.
Medicinal properties and contraindications
In folk medicine, special fennel tea is often used for constipation, flatulence, intestinal pain, and bronchitis. Fennel greens were also used to improve lactation, and infusions from its seeds helped with gallstones, kidney stones, and cholecystitis.
Dill contains many useful microelements: about 5% are essential oils, which consist of bitter ( fenchon) and sweet ( anethole) substances, and also contain kaempferol, flavonoids, and quercetin.
In addition to essential oils, fennel includes fatty oil, the composition of which is close to cocoa. It also contains vitamins that are beneficial to the body and are responsible for normal functioning at the cellular level.
From a medical research perspective, fennel has:
- anti-inflammatory;
- bactericidal;
- wound healing;
- anthelmintic;
- antispasmodic;
- expectorant;
- diuretic properties.
Useful properties of pharmaceutical dill:
But we must not forget about the contraindications that pharmaceutical dill has. It is contraindicated for those who have an individual intolerance, during breastfeeding and pregnancy, suffering from epileptic seizures.
If you have one of the presented ailments, its use should be limited in your diet or eliminated altogether.
Benefits of dill seeds
Dill seeds are effectively used for the pancreas. They stimulate its work, and also activate the functions of the liver and intestines.
To do this you need to prepare infusion of dill seeds, where they take 3 teaspoons of the ingredient, pour it into a thermos and pour a glass of boiling water over them.
After the infusion, let it brew for an hour, then strain it and take 3 tablespoons 4-5 times a day.
The medicinal properties of dill seeds are used in the treatment of hepatitis, tuberculosis and bronchial asthma. Fennel seeds protect the body from premature aging and the harmful effects of free radicals.
In addition to the use of seeds in medicine, they are actively used in cooking as a spice. Here are the main points:
- They are usually served for dessert as in in simple form, and rolled in sugar.
- It is customary to eat fennel seeds after lunch to freshen your breath.
- They are part of the ingredients for making the popular curry spice mixture.
- In cooking, fennel seeds are used in baking baked goods, for preserving cabbage, cucumbers and tomatoes, as a spice.
- Pairs perfectly with fish dishes.
Despite the great benefits, fennel seeds, unlike its other parts, are very high in calories - 100 g of seeds account for 345 calories.
Fennel salad with olives, video:
The benefits of dill water
The appearance of a child in a family brings not only joy, but also constant care for him, the need to treat many ailments that appear in newborns. Babies often experience bloating when gases accumulate in the intestines. At the same time, the baby cries, is capricious, loses appetite and presses his legs to his tummy.
Now there are many drugs for this disease. They eliminate spasms, improve intestinal motility and promote gases, but they do not last long.
A faithful and effective assistant in the work of the intestines of infants is fennel water. It eliminates flatulence and colic.
Dill water is sold in all pharmacies without a doctor's prescription, and it can also be prepared at home.
Dill water for adults is used in such aspects as:
Fennel water is not recommended for use if you are hypersensitive to the plant or have allergic reactions. People suffering from low blood pressure should take dill water with caution - it can lower it even further.
When mixed with other herbs, dill helps with arrhythmia. For this purpose, dried and fresh fennel fruits are used, from which a decoction is prepared together with other herbs on the recommendation of a specialist.
Dill water for baby colic, video:
Using fennel for weight loss
Having low calorie content, fennel for weight loss widely used among people watching their figure. The greens of the plant contain only 31 kcal per 100 g, and the fruits contain 49 kcal for the same weight.
Since almost all components of the plant are eaten, it is very convenient to prepare dishes from it.
In addition, to suppress an attack of hunger, simply chew dill seeds. Additionally, they have a diuretic property, promoting the rapid removal of fluid from the body.
Another effective remedy for weight loss is dill decoction pharmacy, it can be consumed instead of tea. To prepare the decoction, take 20 g of seeds, crush them and pour a glass of boiling water. Then the composition is boiled for 4-5 minutes and allowed to brew for another 30 minutes.
Fennel seeds can also be added to various dishes - this will add piquancy and also help speed up metabolism.
Fennel for pregnant women
Fennel during pregnancy Not everyone can eat it and not always, and it is consumed in moderation. During pregnancy, pharmaceutical dill can be consumed in the first trimester in the form of tea, but in small doses.
It helps well against toxicosis - half a cup of tea with the addition of the presented plant relieves nausea and increases appetite.
If there is a threat of miscarriage, fennel in any form should be avoided, because it is an antispasmodic and can have a negative effect on the uterus.
The muscles of the uterus begin to contract through consumption of the product and often lead to miscarriage. In case of late toxicosis, fennel should not be consumed at all.
Fennel oil is used for anti-cellulite massage, after which the skin becomes smooth and elastic. It tones the skin well in the décolleté, thighs and abdomen, tightens it and makes it elastic.
The composition is also successfully combined with oil of orange, basil, lavender, lemon balm, mint, rose and other plants. Mixtures of such ingredients solve skin problems comprehensively.
In ancient times, fennel was included in the list of sacred herbs; it consisted of 9 species, and dill was called the “seed of meetings.” The health benefits and harms of dill are undeniable.
This has been confirmed by many scientists and researchers. Before using fennel to treat diseases, you should consult a specialist.
You need to enable JavaScript to voteOften proper nutrition is associated with some complex superfoods, such as chia seeds, spirulina or goji berries, and under the pressure of fashion and advertising, many people simply forget that simple cabbage is much healthier than all these miracle supplements. The fennel season will begin soon, and I decided to tell you in more detail about this plant, which is not the most popular in Russia. It seems to me that it is undeservedly ignored in our country, although it is available in many stores, is easy to prepare and is incredibly useful. Italian and French gastronomic cultures choose it over dill, which it so closely resembles. In terms of taste and aroma, fennel is close to anise.
This plant is rich in nutrients, the most important of which is anethole, one of the most powerful anti-cancer agents. Vitamin C, the most active in fennel (17% of the daily value), is able to neutralize free radicals that cause inflammation in the body, and dietary fiber in fennel limits the increase in blood cholesterol levels. The long, graceful fronds of fennel also contain nutrients such as manganese, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 and thiamine.
Another bonus: Fennel seed oil can be an effective and safe way to treat infant colic.
In addition to all the listed advantages, fennel has a bright taste and aroma. Most of all, I love freshly squeezed fennel juices with lemon, carrots, spinach or celery.
One of my favorite side dishes for any dish is roasted fennel combined with carrots, peppers and thyme. Vegetables are cut and placed in a pan greased with vegetable oil for 40 minutes.
When purchasing fennel, look for bulbs that are clean, firm, and dense, pale green in color and without dents or oozing juice.
Fresh fennel is best stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Dried fennel seeds can be stored for six months in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Species of the genus Fennel, family - Umbelliferae. Another popular name is dill and Voloshsky. Its popularity was great in Ancient Greece and the Romans, who suggested that the smell of fennel made a person strong, could ward off evil spirits and kill fleas, as well as freshen the air.
Fennel fruits have a sweetish taste and pleasant smell. The seeds are small, oval, greenish-brown in color. The Puritans often chewed them during meetings, calling fennel "seed of meetings."
Fennel: description
Fennel is perennial herbaceous plant. Height - from 90 to 200 cm. By appearance resembles dill, and in taste and aroma it is similar to anise, only sweeter.
The fennel stem is straight, branched with a blue bloom. The leaves are pinnate with thread-like lobules. The flowers are placed at the very top, looking like complex flat umbrellas. The flowering time of the plant is July-August. It begins to bear fruit in late summer.
The fruit is a naked, almost cylindrical bifid caryopsis, which splits into two semi-fruits, the length of which is 4-10 mm, the width is 3 mm. The color of fennel seeds is greenish-brown. The smell is specific and strong.
What is fennel rich in?
Synonym: pharmaceutical dill. The fruit contains a large amount of essential oil (3-6%), which contains up to 60% anethole and proteins. Fatty oil consists of petroselinic (60%), oleic (22%) and other acids.
Fennel grass is rich in glycosides, it contains ascorbic acid, carotene, minerals and B vitamins.
Fruits and contraindications
Thanks to elements such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and others, the plant has a variety of beneficial properties. It may act as a diuretic. The herb and fennel fruits are capable of performing a disinfectant and antispasmodic function. These properties manifest themselves so mildly during treatment that dill preparations are prescribed even to infants for flatulence. The dose for very young children should be prescribed by a doctor.
Fennel fruits are a good expectorant. They tend to have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, calming it during times of severe stress and aggressive behavior. Reviews about this gift of nature from traditional healers, doctors and ordinary people only positive, but subject to proper use of the plant.
Application in official medicine
Official medicine often uses products that include fennel. This may include tinctures and medicinal teas, which have proven themselves well in the following cases:
- in the treatment of respiratory diseases;
- to normalize digestion;
- for the treatment of heart and vascular diseases;
- to improve the taste of other medicines.
The herb and fennel fruit are an antibacterial agent. “Dill water” has long been known to women; they gave it to babies for spastic colitis and flatulence. Such water can increase the secretion of glands and regulate intestinal motor function.
Official medicine includes fennel fruits in anti-asthma preparations, the beneficial properties of which are very noticeable in them. From get medicinal product“Anetin”, where the entire amount of beneficial substances of the plant is used. The drug is widely used in therapy in the treatment of heart failure and spastic colitis.
Features of the use of fennel fruits in folk medicine
Even Hippocrates and Avicenna recognized the healing properties of dill. The fruits, which were found in homeopathy and partly in official medicine, are now also highly valued by traditional medicine. The power of this plant is in demand in various cases.
Fennel is good for bloating of the stomach, during menstrual pain, for inflammation of the eyes, for the treatment of diseases of the liver and biliary tract, as an antispasmodic in the treatment of asthmatic attacks and whooping cough, and for headaches due to poor digestion.
You can defeat neurasthenia by steaming with a fennel broom or using this plant in the form of an infusion.
Traditional recipes for fennel remedies
Most often in practice traditional medicine For the preparation of medicinal preparations, fennel fruits are taken, the use of which is very widespread. The easiest way is to make an infusion at home. This is 2 teaspoons of crushed raw materials, poured a glass of boiling water and left for 10 minutes. Strained remedy Take 50-100 ml warm three times a day before meals. It is very good. A similarly prepared infusion, with only half a liter of water and a tablespoon of fennel, has proven itself well in the treatment of respiratory diseases.
Here are some more traditional medicine recipes. A mixture is prepared to treat indigestion medicinal plants: fennel and caraway fruits - 10 g each, peppermint, navel flowers and lemon balm leaves - 20 g, - 15 g, wormwood herb - 5 g. All ingredients need to be crushed and mixed, then brew one teaspoon of the mixture with a cup of boiling water . Drink three to four cups per day. You need to take it until complete recovery.
Recipe for improving lactation in nursing women. Grind:
- sprouted barley seeds;
- the entire above-ground part of oats;
- hops (cones);
- galega (flowers);
- fenugreek (seeds);
- dill;
- anise;
- caraway.
Everything is taken in equal parts. Brew two tablespoons of the mixture with 0.5 liters of boiling water. To be effective, you need to drink about 1.5 liters of infusion per day.
Recipe for spasm relief. Pour a glass of boiling water over a teaspoon of a medicinal mixture consisting of fennel seeds, anise, linden and poppy flowers, taken in equal parts. Strain after 10 minutes and drink the day before, adding honey.
Fennel for weight loss
It has been used for weight loss since the time of Hippocrates. Fennel fruits are especially valuable. This plant has many qualities due to which it is considered indispensable during weight loss. Fennel helps calm hunger, reduces sugar cravings, and speeds up metabolism. To overcome increased appetite, you just have to chew the seeds of the plant - and the desire to deviate from the diet will immediately disappear.
To get rid of extra pounds, tea containing fennel (fruit) is very useful. Instructions for preparation and use are as follows. Pour 750 ml of boiling water over two teaspoons of nettle and one teaspoon of fennel fruit, keep on low heat for 15 minutes and leave covered for another 15 minutes. Drink one glass of this decoction during the day in four doses, drink before meals.
Next recipe. Grind fennel fruits, mint leaves, linden and chamomile flowers and mix. Pour a teaspoon of the medicinal mixture into a glass (200 ml) of boiling water and leave for 20 minutes. Drink the infusion at one time. You need to do this for a week. This remedy will help you feel better during a diet, calm your nerves and reduce your appetite.
You won’t be able to lose weight by taking fennel itself, it can only be an assistant during diets, relieve excessive appetite and awaken a dormant metabolism.
How is fennel used in cooking?
Fennel is valuable not only as a medicine, but also as a spice that can give dishes a unique, special taste and specific aroma. Fennel is valued in cooking all over the world. Pharmaceutical dill is added to soups, salads, appetizers, and independent dishes are prepared from it. During harvesting, fennel seeds are dried, crushed, and then used as a seasoning for fish and meat. They make delicious tea.
Green fennel fruits are also suitable for consumption. They are added to veal, lamb and fish dishes.
Fennel fruits: contraindications
The main contraindication is fennel intolerance and hypersensitivity, when a person may experience dizziness and nausea just from the smell of the plant.
Excessive consumption of fennel for people with epilepsy is very dangerous. This can be fatal. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are recommended to use it only with the permission of a doctor.
