Re: Digestive Disturbances- Natural Remedies (Fennel)

[Guest guest]

As a follow up with more detailed information on Fennel that can be

used to help alleviate digestive problems, I have pasted below a

part of a peer-reviewed medical resource called Healthnotes. This

resource was the brainchild of one of the most respected alternative

medical doctors, Alan Gaby, MD. Gaby is a professor at the most

prestigious alternative medical college in the nation, Bastyr

University, so I feel very comfortable as to the accuracy and

reliability of this information.

So you feel completely comfortable with the accuracy, I am copying a

summary of a description of the publication. The Healthnotes

writing team is composed of experts in complementary and alternative

medicine from the fields of medicine, pharmacy, nursing,

naturopathy, public health, and chiropractic, overseen by our Chief

Medical Editor, Alan Gaby, MD. No other organization has a group

with so much combined expertise as practitioners and educators in

this emerging field. Crucial to the integrity of Healthnotes

information is the balance, objectivity, and discipline upon which

our writers insist. Combing through over 550 journals on a regular

basis, the team prides itself on being completely up-to-date in each

member's area of expertise.

Beth

FENNEL

Botanical name: Foeniculum vulgare

HEALTH CONDITIONS

SECONDARY; Colic, Indigestion & Heartburn OTHER; Irritable Bowel

Syndrome

BOTANY

The fennel plant came originally from Europe, where it is still

grown. Fennel is also cultivated in many parts of North America,

Asia, and Egypt. Fennel seeds are used in herbal medicine.

HISTORICAL or TRADITIONAL USE

According to the Greek legend of Prometheus, fennel was thought to

have bestowed immortality.(1) Fennel seeds are a common cooking

spice, particularly for use with fish. After meals, they are used in

several cultures to prevent gas and upset stomach.(2) Fennel has

also been used as a remedy for cough and colic in infants.

ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS and PROPOSED MECHANISM of ACTION

The major constituents, which include the terpenoid anethole, are

found in the volatile oil. Anethole and other terpenoids inhibit

spasms in smooth muscles,(3) such as those in the intestinal tract,

and this is thought to contribute to fennel's use as a

carminative

(gas-relieving and gastrointestinal tract cramp-relieving agent).

Related compounds to anethole may have mild estrogenic actions,

although this has not been proven in humans. Fennel is also thought

to possess diuretic, choleretic, analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-

microbial actions.(4) Fennel was formerly an official drug in the

United States and was listed as being used for indigestion.(5)

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE

The German Commission E monograph recommends 1–1 1/2 teaspoons

(5–7

grams) of seeds per day.(6) To make a tea, boil 1/2 teaspoon (2–3

grams) of crushed seeds per 1 cup (250 ml) of water for ten to

fifteen minutes, keeping the pot covered during the process. Cool,

strain, and then drink three cups (750 ml) per day. As a tincture,

1–

2 teaspoons (5–10 ml) can be taken TID between meals.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

No significant adverse effects have been reported. However, in rare

cases fennel can cause allergic reactions of the skin and

respiratory tract.(7) Anyone with an estrogen-dependent cancer

(e.g., some breast cancer patients) should avoid fennel in large

quantities until the significance of its estrogen-like activity is

clarified.

Are there any drug interactions?

Certain medicines may interact with fennel. Refer to drug

interactions for a list of those medicines.

REFERENCES:

1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC

Press, 1985, 145–6.

2. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal

Medicine. Middlesex, UK: Viking Arkana, 1991, 424–6.

3. Forster HB, Niklas H, Lutz S. Antispasmodic effects of some

medicinal plants. Plant Med 1980;40:303–19.

4. Tanira MOM, Shah AH, Mohsin A, et al. Pharmacological and

toxicological investigations on Foeniculum vulgare dried fruit

extract in experimental animals. Phytother Res 1996;10:33–6.

5. Hare HA, Caspari C, Rusby HH. The National Standard Dispensatory.

Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1916, 63, 1129.

6. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete

Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines.

Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 128–9.

7. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete

Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines.

Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 128–9.

Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.

www.healthnotes.com

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug

Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat,

cure or prevent any disease.