Guest guest Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 Fennel is a licorice tasting plant, use the roots or leaves that remind me of ferns, very feathery. They are tasty in salads too, as a spice..I have a few fennel plants that have come up year after year. Michele http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-fennel.htm Fennel (finocchio) Foeniculum vulgare This page contains information on fennel and how it is used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments to treat ailments and problems, such as to increase milk in breastfeeding mothers, detoxify the body and in cases of indigestion. Herbal Index Please note that we are not advocating that people stop using their normal medication, but would like to make people aware that some alternative therapies can be very effective to help treat problems and create a healthier, younger and more vital you. For more information on our range of products, please click here. Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds. Botanical Classification Family Apiaceae Genus and specie Foeniculum vulgare Other names Finocchio, carosella and Florence fennel. Description of the herb fennel Fennel are tall perennial plants that form clumps, with deep roots, hollow stems and glossy, feathery leaves (looks like threads).Tiny, dull, yellow flowers appear in umbels in summer, followed by oval brown seeds. Parts used The leaves, stems, roots, seeds and oil are used for medical and culinary purposes. Properties Fennel is a sweet, aromatic, diuretic herb that relieves digestive problems, increases lactation, relaxes spasms and reduces inflammation with expectorant, carminative and aromatic properties. The essential oil is high in phenylpropanoids, and " sweet " fennel oil, extracted from the crushed seeds, differs from " bitter " fennel oil, which is extracted from the crushed seeds and/or the whole herb from the Foeniculum vulgare var. amara plant. It is the sweet fennel oil that is used in aromatherapy. It contains anethole, fenchon, limonene and a-pinene, while the fruit (seeds) also contains various flavonoids and furanocoumarins. Therapeutic uses Internal use It is used as a antispasmodic, diuretic, pain-and fever-reducer and has antimicrobial properties. Furthermore it has a mild estrogenic effect and also exhibit a calming effect on the bronchial tubes. Fennel relieves the smooth muscle lining of the digestive track and help digestion and relieves indigestion, gas, dyspepsia and colic, as well as reducing intestinal spasms. It is used to increase milk flow in breastfeeding mothers. It is also used for menstrual problems and to relieve the griping effect of laxatives. Juice extracted from the fresh herb or the fruit is used to treat chronic coughs and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract in both children and adults. The root is used for urinary disorders. Fennel leaves and leaf bases are added to salads and as a garnish and also eaten with fish and snails. The seeds are used to flavor breads, biscuits, sausages and stuffing. External use Fennel is used externally for a mouthwash for gum disease and sore throats. The oil makes a good liniment for applying to the chest for bronchial congestion. It can also be used for skin disorders, conjunctivitis and blepharitis of the eye. Aromatherapy and essential oil use When you are feeling timid and in need of courage and strength, fennel essential oil may do the trick. It detoxifies the body and is useful when suffering from a hangover. Not only does it act as tonic for the liver, kidneys and spleen, but also helps to reduce cellulite as well as easing constipation and flatulence. It has a cleansing and tonic action on the skin and also helps keep wrinkles at bay. It has antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, aperitif, carminative, detoxicant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticide, laxative, stimulant, stomachic and tonic properties. ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2010 Report Share Posted January 16, 2010 > > Is fennel okay to eat? I like to roast it with shallots and green beans. I'm not talking about dried fennel, aka a spice, I'm talking about the actual vegetable! > +++Hi . If a vegetable is 5.0 g of carbs or lower per cup it is okay. To calculate carbs, take the total carbs and subtract the fiber. Bee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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