Latin: Foeniculum vulgare
Sanskrit: Mahdurika
Chinese: Xiao hui xiang
WHAT IT DOES: Fennel seed is
sweet in taste, carminative and aromatic. It strengthens the
digestion, freshens the breath, reduces gas and relieves lower
abdominal pain.
RATING: Silver, due to mild action
SAFETY ISSUES: None known
STARTING DOSAGE: • Seed: one to two grams, two to three times per day
TCM doctors find fennel seed useful for relieving menstrual and lower
abdominal pain. TAM doctors use it to strengthen digestion, which
is helpful in the treatment of dysentery, colitis and flatus.
Fennel seeds should be kept in every kitchen, and used according to the
Indian custom of chewing a small handful of them after meals to aid
digestion and freshen breath. Western herbalists use it in tincture
formulas for colic in children.
more on fennel seed
Article originally appeared on Tillotson Institute of Natural Health (http://www.alantillotson.com/).
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