by Audrey-Anastasia Alleyne

Created on: August 14, 2008

Health Benefits of Fennel Seed

The herb fennel, with its threadlike, feathery blue-green leaves which are similar to those of dill, is among the healthy foods called flavonoids. The term flavonoid generally includes all of the noncarotenoid antioxidants in vegetables and fruits. Fennel is one of a long list of flavonoids ranging from apples and broccoli to tarragon and thyme.

The leaves, stem, seeds and flowers are used in the kitchen, in the house and garden and for health and beauty. The seeds are oval in shape and should be dried before use. Fennel seeds are beneficial to health. They have similar medicinal properties to those of anise and dill water. As a matter of fact, fennel can work as well as a prescription drug for pain relief. It provides a gentle remedy for indigestion. It also seems to exert a soothing effect on digestive disturbances. It is a traditional favorite as gripe water for infantile colic.

Fennel can also be used as an appetite suppressant, and for skin care, sore throat, and as an eye compress. Make an eye compress with a fennel infusion and apply it to tired eyes. The eyes will often be revived by such an application. Fennel's flavonoid qualities can even help to prevent cataracts. Use as a gargle for sore throat, or as a mouthwash.

The leaf or seed infusion is used internally for indigestion, flatulence or suppressing of the appetite.For flatulence, a soothing after-dinner tea to minimise this disturbance, can be made froman infusion of chamomile flowers, fennel seeds, and lemon balm and peppermint leaves. You can use an infusion or even chew the fennel seeds.Try an infusion of fennel seeds for nausea. Fennel tea is credited with having as diuretic ad mildly laxative action, and is said to relieve cramps. Externally, fennel is used in facial tonics and steams.In facial care,fennel is used for dry as well as oily skin and also helps to prevent wrinkles.

As a flavonoid, the health benefits of fennel stem from its antioxidant properties as a powerful scavenger of free radicals. Like other flavonoids, fennel fights free radicals, inflammation, and inflammatory conditions, such as allergies. It also helps neutralize bacteria and viruses. Fennel has the ability like other flavonoids to raise the level of glutathione, which is our primary antioxidant defense, and an effective suppressor of chronic inflammation.

As a flavonoid, fennel is a powerful anti-inflammatory tonic. It can work as well as a prescription drug, but unlike prescription drugs, it has no side effect.

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