Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), food and medicine growing in abundance

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a plant that has always fascinated me because of its pleasant aroma and the refreshing sensation it leaves in your mouth after chewing on it for a while. I find it very strange that despite it being edible, medicinal and very abundant in some places, we occidentals rarely consume it or even know about it.

It was a real treat to see a fennel plant growing wildly in my recently rented house. I guess we have developed a nice relationship so it came looking for me ^.^ I know there are many skeptics of plant medicine so let me tell you the information I am about to give out has been scientifically proven and the sources are at the bottom of the post.

Wild fennel growing in the front yard!

Those stalks look good but I better wait for the seeds :9

Fennel is considered to be native of the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, but can be found growing in wild state in many parts of the world. If you would like to hunt for fennel a good place to start would be dry soils of the coast and river banks.

Full grown fennel with flowers. Source

It's seeds are commonly used as flavouring for a wide array of foods, thanks to their anise-like aroma. Green seeds offer the best taste to be used in cooking. They are used by many cultures in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. The bulb, stalk and leaves are edible as well, wether cooked, steamed or raw.

There's even this breath refreshing candy made from fennel seeds! Source

Medical properties backed by science

• Scientific research has proven fennel's antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, antithrombotic and hepatoprotective activities.

• Fennel's essential oil has proven to offer antibacterial activities against foodborne pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus megaterium, as well as human pathogenic bacteria.

• The extract of seeds, as well as the essential oil also have demonstrated anti-fungal properties against strains like Candida albicans and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. It also has been able to completely inhibit the development of Aspergillum niger, Aspergillum flavus, Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium moniliforme.

Fennel seeds. Source

• Wild fennels have shown a significantly higher amount of antioxidant activity in contrast to medicinal and edible fennels.

• This plant has ben used as a galactogougue to improve the milk supply of breast feeding mothers.

Traditional medical uses

These practices have not been proven by science, but rather stem from a long tradition of plant medicine usage:

• It is often mixed with sodium bicarbonate and syrup to prepare "gripe water" which is used to alleviate the flatulance of infants.

• The seeds are bruised and poured into boiled water to obtain its carminative properties. In the Indian subcontinent they are eaten raw to improve eyesight.

• Women use the seeds to promote menstruation, alleviate the symptoms of climateric and increase the libido.

• It is also used to combat acidic stomach and promote adequate digestion.

Fennel top parts. Source

Fennel bulb. Source

Magical uses

Moving even further from scientific research, we can learn a little of the magical lore that surrounds fennel. This plant belongs to the Air element and planet Mercury, therefore its power can sharpen the mind and promote clear comunication.

• Fennel can be chewed before a speech or important conversation to promote eloquency and confidence.

• Preparing a beverage with fennel increases concentration.

• Used in ritual magic to combat cravings.

• A magical repellent for outsiders, particularly law enforcers and those who would vulnerate your freedom.

• Also hung over the door to protect the house from witchcraft.

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As you can see, fennel is a very interesting plant with tons of uses. It's also food! Do you use fennel in your daily life? If not, it's not to late to start ;)

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Sources for science:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878535212000792

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280768811_Foeniculum_vulgare_Mill_A_Medicinal_Herb

Source of magical uses:

http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:fennel