Talking about such grass as fennel and its beneficial properties can be very long. This multifaceted plant has long been cultivated for medical and food use, and in our time, fennel has found itself not only in traditional medicine, but also in perfumery cosmetics, soap making, veterinary medicine and traditional medicine. Fennel shrub contains a large amount of ether, so the most common product that can be found on store shelves is fennel essential oil. Nevertheless, despite all the beneficial properties of fennel, the possibility of side effects should be taken into account, due to which it is necessary to be wary of the use of this plant.
The chemical composition of the fruits of fennel
Fennel fruits contain a lot of vitamins and minerals. Of course, essential oil (up to 12%) predominates, although the plant also has a high content of ascorbic acid (up to 90%), as well as the presence of a good antioxidant in the form of vitamin E. If you consider the beneficial properties of fennel more deeply, you can make up list of substances beneficial to our body. These include:
- Vitamins: A; IN 1; AT 2; AT 6; WITH; PP;
- Macronutrients: potassium; magnesium; sodium; phosphorus; calcium.
- Trace elements: manganese; zinc; iron; copper.
What is useful fennel, pharmacological properties of the plant
It can be said that almost all parts of fennel are suitable for use, but the seeds of a plant that have medicinal properties and contraindications are most often valued. Due to the content of many essential and fatty oils, acids and sugars, the culture is actively used in modern pharmaceuticals, especially since it also includes malic and succinic acid, flavonoids and sugar.
Herbal ingredients have an antiemetic and antispasmodic effect, although this is far from the limit of all the properties of fennel. It can also be effectively used as a diuretic and laxative. Not bad fennel has proven itself in diseases of the stomach and well improves appetite. The calcium content in the fruits of fennel allowed to recommend it to people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. A decoction of fennel take and pancreatitis.
Did you know? Famous tea for increasing lactation "Plantex", made exclusively from fennel.
Fennel applications in traditional medicine
The use of fennel in traditional medicine is quite widespread. For the production of medicines, all parts of the plant are used, which are present in one quantity or another in the mass of preparations against intestinal spasms, to combat stones in the gallbladder and kidneys, as well as whooping cough and bronchitis. Especially popular among young mothers, the so-called "dill water". It is used for bloating and colic in children. Such water can be given to babies from the first days of life. Interestingly, dill water has nothing to do with dill, but is prepared exclusively from a solution of fennel oil.
Often it can be found in component cough syrups. There are also a lot of herbal, where, in combination with other herbs, fennel can give an anesthetic effect. Often it is part of the tonic and prophylactic agents used to regulate the functioning of the intestine. Sometimes it can be produced in pure or dried form, which is ideal for making teas. If the nursing mother does not have enough milk, then homeopathic preparations are prescribed, with fennel oil.
Important! The use of infusions and teas with fennel children is not recommended.
How to use fennel in traditional medicine
The medicinal properties of the fruits of fennel, have been known for dozens of centuries. If he has found his place in modern pharmacology, then its use in traditional medicine is simply enormous. At home use, all parts of the plant also go into motion: roots, leaves, seeds. One of the easiest ways to make a medicine is tea brewing. To do this, take about half a teaspoon of dried fennel and pour 1/5 liter of boiling water. You can insist it for a few minutes, after which it will be ready for use. If you do not like the taste, you can add mint or chamomile. This tea is good for colds, nervous disorders, stress and fatigue.
Fennel is also very good for the liver. It is best to use fennel tincture for treatment and prophylaxis. To prepare it, take a tablespoon of a dry plant, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and let it infuse for several hours in a thermos. In order to clear the liver of toxins, take a tablespoon of tincture before each meal. If you suffer from flatulence, an ulcer, or there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract, then half a glass of tincture should be taken in the morning and evening. Fennel will help with gastritis: just take the tincture in the same manner as in the treatment of diseases of the stomach.
A decoction of fennel seeds is usually used for external use. They caress your mouth for inflammation of the gums or wash the festering wounds. It is also used for eye diseases. Compresses from decoction of seeds, can help in the treatment of dermatitis and other skin ailments. Preparing the broth is easy, for this tablespoon of seeds, boil for about half an hour in 0.5 liters of water, then cool and strain.
Important! Do not use broth, which is more than two days. This can have a negative effect on the body due to fissionable acids.Fennel oil is widely used in cosmetology. Without it, it is difficult to imagine an anti-cellulite massage, as it is an excellent means to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. Often can be found in shampoos and skin creams. It is recommended to add a few drops of fennel oil to the inhaler when treating bronchitis.
Did you know? A lotion from a decoction of fennel seeds will help to deal with bruises under the eyes.
The use of fennel during pregnancy
Although fennel herb is actively used during pregnancy, it should be treated with great care. For future mothers who suffer from toxemia, in the first months of pregnancy, fennel tea will be more than useful. But despite the usefulness of tea, we still strongly advise you to consult your doctor.
If the woman in the situation suffers from constipation or bloating, the doctor may prescribe a fennel-based treatment. However, in this case it is better not to use fennel herb, since there is a small risk of miscarriage, which means you need to talk not only about its medicinal properties, but also about possible contraindications. The fact is that by relaxing the muscles of the intestines, this plant can slightly weaken the muscles of the uterus. Therefore, if you are not sure of your pregnancy, then it is better to refuse to take such a remedy (this applies only to the internal use of the product). Young mothers can use fennel tincture to prevent breast milk stagnation, but it is better to talk about the dosage with your doctor.
Fennel: contraindications
As we have said, fennel has not only useful properties, but also some contraindications. The main caution to receive is individual intolerance of the plant. That is, if you suddenly feel dizzy or have a nausea while drinking tea (tincture), you should immediately stop taking fennel. People who have epilepsy attacks should consult a doctor before taking infusions. It is also possible overdose of fennel preparations, and the specific dose is individual for each person. With excessive intake, the plant can easily cause allergic reactions or indigestion. Therefore, despite all the good qualities, start the dose with small doses. In this case, you can understand how your body reacts to fennel, and if necessary, stop the application in time.
