Giant Fennel: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Under the name of common fennel hides the impressive giant fennel, also called “Ferula communis”, which resembles the general fennel. It belongs to the umbellifer family and is one of the largest plants growing in Europe. It features lemon yellow inflorescences, making it one of the few yellow-colored varieties in the Apiaceae group, which otherwise tends to have white flowers.

Occurrence and cultivation of giant fennel

Giant fennel often reaches a growth height of up to three meters, which is why it is also one of the largest forms of this plant species. Giant fennel is definitely a medicinal herb, but in some countries it is also among the general pasture weeds, since its toxic active ingredients, present in certain quantities, are harmful to livestock. On the other hand, it serves as food for butterfly caterpillars, for example, particularly frequently. For example, the Corsican swallowtail, which prefers the giant fennel and is resident in Corsica and in Sardinia. The flowers and petals of the Giant Fennel are yellow in color, varying between light, dark and strong bright yellow tones. It has thin and dissected stem leaves with soft, large, trifoliate or quadripinnate leaflets. In addition, it has narrow lanceolate sections distributed around all. The soft leaves are about five centimeters long and flat. The upper leaves are finely divided and show very large leaf sheaths, the uppermost of which is reduced in its lamina. The lower leaves are particularly long and petiolate, and may be from thirty to sixty centimeters in size. The stem is thick and furrowed, branching into the partial inflorescences. These consist of short-stalked terminal umbels that bear fruit and are surrounded by radiating, barren lateral umbels. The umbels have numerous and many-flowered smaller umbels, which in turn form a nectar cushion. Giant fennel often reaches a growth height of up to three meters, which is why it is one of the largest forms of this plant species. Average variants grow to a height of about one meter.

Effect and application

Giant fennel blooms in the months of April, May and June. It is found mainly throughout the Mediterranean region, due to the presence of soil containing lime. Also in Germany or Switzerland, botanists have been trying for some years to grow the plant as a perennial and cultivate it in the open field. However, the frequency is limited due to climatic conditions. “Ferula communis” prefers particularly mild areas and dry soil. It has been known since ancient times. The Romans called it “Narthex”, the Greeks probably knew the plant as the early extinct plant form of “Siliphium”, which was much sought after because of its healing juice. Even in Greek mythology the plant is mentioned several times. Prometheus, who according to the legend created man, is said to have used the dry stem of the giant fennel to steal fire from the forge of Hephaestus. According to Greek legend, the gods wanted to withhold this from mankind. Another variant leads directly to Olympus, where Prometheus is said to have lit a torch made of giant fennel on the sun chariot. In doing so, he used a glowing piece of charcoal and placed it in the hollow stem of the fennel to keep the fire going for so long. The pith of the giant fennel is indeed easily ignited, then smolders for a long time and burns without destroying the stem bark. Therefore, the pith of the fennel was probably used as tinder and served to transport fire and embers. Sailors also used the stems as a lighter at sea, safe against wind and storm. Likewise, the stem of the plant was used. For example, as the thyrsos staff of Dionysus, whose tip is crowned by a pine cone, an important symbol for the god of wine. His followers, who were particularly fond of this drink, could lean on such a staff, which was sturdy enough to hold their weight, but not heavy enough to injure themselves. In Rome, however, the stalk was used for such purposes, namely for the chastisement of slaves. For this purpose, the giant fennel was soaked in water beforehand and caused more pain this way than when dry. However, it was not only suitable for punishment, but also found other uses, for example, as a material for furniture such as shelves or stools.To this day, giant fennel is used for beehives, or rather, for the interior of them, as it is easier to process than other materials.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

Giant fennel, like fennel itself, can of course be used medicinally. For example, it contains some coumarin derivatives, making it a toxic plant. Coumarins are aromatic secondary plant compounds that emit a spicy odor and are harmful to health or toxic in large quantities. They possess effective anticoagulants, which are also produced synthetically in other variants and compounds as derivatives and cause vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors in the liver. Other constituents of giant fennel include sesquiterpenes, ferulenol and other essential oils. Sesquiterpenes are yellowish, have a high viscosity and are therefore less volatile. Such are used, for example, as fixatives in perfume production. In its active ingredients, giant fennel has a sedative and antispasmodic effect, is expectorant and milk-promoting. It can be chewed as a seed in small quantities or drunk as a tea. The areas of application are similar to those of normal fennel, although giant fennel is rarely used in practice as an actual remedy. Nevertheless, it also has a healing effect. Giant fennel helps, for example, against sore throat and cough, as well as against flatulence, stomach cramps, diarrhea and digestive problems.