Hardly any other medicinal plant has become so well known for its enormously positive effect on human health as fennel.
Occurrence and cultivation of fennel
Fennel is not only considered an excellent medicinal plant, but likewise a vegetable plant and a popular spice similar to anise. The rather inconspicuous fennel belongs to the genus Foeniculum and is characterized by the expression of umbels at the tips of its growth. Fennel is not only an excellent medicinal plant, but also a vegetable and a popular anise-like spice. Almost all parts of the plant are used, both the fennel bulb and the seeds, which are found on the umbels. Fennel originates from the Mediterranean region and is found in different species. Fennel is an undemanding plant and thrives even in nutrient-poor zones in Germany and throughout Central Europe, where climatic conditions are moderate. In addition to the common, sweet and vegetable fennel are known.
Effect and application
For the use of fennel, as a drug named in the pharmaceutical sense, are responsible in particular the essential oils contained. In addition, in the fennel are the phenolic carboxylic acids, coumarins and fats and other oils. Fennel, either as a tea or in tablet or sugar-coated form, is characterized by a so-called expectorant and thus cough-relieving and respiratory-clearing effect, and is considered a sedative and urinary stimulant. In addition, fennel products are often used to relieve menstrual cramps and cramps in the gastrointestinal tract. Fennel is also known for its good effect on digestion and helps stimulate milk supply in nursing mothers. The fennel plant is recommended for both external and internal use, depending on the particular symptoms.
Importance for health
Fennel is a main ingredient of natural medicines for cough and hoarseness. Often, fennel products can be given to the elderly and children to stimulate appetite and improve food intake. If people suffer from flatulence and problems with the bladder, then fennel products are recommended as a natural remedy, free of side effects. In addition to over-the-counter medicines such as additives for mouthwash and gargle made from fennel, fennel honey, fennel in salad form and fennel tea are used as it were. Creams and ointments containing fennel are also suitable for skin problems. Fennel is significant not only as a medicinal plant, but also in connection with a rich and healthy balanced diet. This is due to the fact that fresh fennel leaves are rich in various vitamins such as vitamins B,C and E. However, when taking fennel should be avoided in excess, because some ingredients can cause cancer. For people who have severe health restrictions due to water retention in the tissues, which may occur due to heart failure, fennel as a draining medicinal plant serves as a helpful support for the cardiovascular system and is also beneficial in the therapy of bladder problems. In addition, fennel has germicidal and anti-inflammatory effects. For this reason, fennel is used to support the healing of inflammations in the nasopharynx and gums. Fennel has been considered a medicinal plant for centuries and can be used not only to support therapy for diseases. The great preventive health effect of fennel is also based on the fact that the ingredients bind so-called fiber, fat and toxins in the intestine, which contributes to detoxification. Fennel is also known for reducing cholesterol and blood lipids. For people who have frequent diarrhea, fresh fennel is recommended twice a week. Mothers with small children will certainly appreciate the excellent positive effect of fennel in relieving colicky symptoms in young children.
