Fennel seeds: benefits and natural remedies

Thanks to its concentration of antioxidants and nutrients, fennel seeds are excellent allies to promote health. Know its benefits and applications.

Fennel seeds have become popular in recent years due to their nutritional properties. Fennel is a sweet-smelling herb, native to the Mediterranean, which has been used since ancient times for various medicinal purposes.

Although they can be added to salads, sauces and baked goods, the most common way to eat them is through an infusion. This drink is characterized by having a strong aroma and a slight licorice flavor. It is relaxing and provides the body with a significant amount of antioxidants.

Fennel seeds benefits

Fennel seeds have a slight sweet taste, similar to that of anise or licorice. They are obtained from the fennel plant (Foeniculum vulgare), which is up to 120 cm tall, with feathery leaves and yellowish flowers on umbels.

Traditionally they have been used to complement the treatment of some diseases or health problems. However, more scientific evidence is required to make claims about its effects. In any case, anecdotal data on its application in health allows us to recognize certain benefits.

Helps fight infection

Fennel seeds have immunostimulatory properties for cold seasons.

The properties of fennel seed tea can help fight some types of viruses and bacteria. Therefore, it has been studied as a good natural remedy against some infections . It is recommended for those with a weakened immune system.

Improve sleep quality

Thanks to its relaxing action, fennel seeds are a good alternative to stimulate sleep. Its properties relax the muscles, including those of the digestive system, favoring the preparation of the organism before going to bed. In addition, it reduces insomnia episodes .

Stimulates the production of breast milk

Anecdotal evidence and even some references in the medical literature agree that fennel helps stimulate the production of breast milk. Since ancient times it has been used as a galactagogue, a property that increases the quantity and quality of breast milk in breastfeeding mothers.

Relieves stomach upset

One of its most striking properties is at the digestive level, with important benefits on gastrointestinal complaints.

Fennel seeds are a good digestive and have anti-inflammatory and carminative properties. Therefore, they are excellent allies to reduce discomforts such as flatulence, diarrhea and abdominal pain. They even decrease excessive acid secretion and prevent reflux .

Provides antioxidants

Consuming fennel seed tea is a natural way to provide more antioxidant compounds to the body. As some know, antioxidants bind to harmful molecules to cope with oxidative stress. In addition, they decrease the load on the kidneys and the liver.

Refreshes breath

The antibacterial properties of fennel seeds can help neutralize halitosis. Its compounds eliminate pathogens that produce bad odor and, in turn, regulate the pH of saliva. The ideal is to consume them in tea before sleeping and when getting up every morning.

Fights constipation

Fennel promotes bowel movement, helping to expel the feces accumulated in constipation.

A fennel seed drink can help relax digestive muscles . So it turns out to be a good remedy to stimulate bowel movement and reduce constipation. Its consumption is recommended at least twice a day.

Natural remedies with fennel seeds

In most cases, fennel seeds are consumed through an infusion. This drink can be used to take advantage of all the mentioned properties. It is contraindicated for pregnant women and babies. Also, it should not be taken in excessive amounts.

Fennel seed tea

The fennel seed infusion is one of the traditional preparations to obtain its benefits.

The traditional fennel seed drink concentrates much of its nutritional properties. Thus, it can be prepared in case of digestive problems, breastfeeding difficulties , sleep problems or infections.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of fennel seeds (7 g)
1 cup of boiling water (250 ml)
Bee honey (optional)

Preparation

First, pour a teaspoon of fennel seeds into a cup of boiling water.
Then cover it and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
Finally, strain it and, if you wish, sweeten it with a tablespoon of honey.
Consume 2 or 3 cups a day.

Infusion of fennel and lemon seeds

This drink is ideal for calming excess heartburn and inflammation. In addition, thanks to its significant contribution of minerals and vitamin C, it is also ideal for raising defenses.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of fennel seeds (7 g)
The juice of 1/2 lemon
1 cup of boiling water (250 ml)

Preparation

To start, incorporate the teaspoon of seeds in a cup of boiling water.

Next, squeeze the juice out of half a lemon and add it to the preparation.
To finish, cover the drink and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Consume it warm 2 times a day.

Rinse with fennel seeds

If we combine fennel with mint we will obtain an effective rinse to reduce halitosis.

To enhance the refreshing effect of fennel seeds when it comes to fighting bad breath, we can combine them with a little mint. This plant helps to reduce the presence of bacteria and neutralizes the bad smell left by some foods.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of fennel seeds (7 g)
5 mint leaves
1 cup of boiling water (250 ml)

Preparation

First, pour the seeds and mint leaves into a cup of boiling water.
Then cover the drink and wait until it is warm.
Then filter it with a fine strainer.
Then, use the liquid to gargle after brushing.
Use it 2 times a day.

Do you still not take advantage of the benefits of this ingredient? Now that you know their applications, do not hesitate to have them at hand . As you can see, they are easy to use and have interesting properties.