🌿 Herbal Uses of Fennel Seeds

1. Digestive Health

• Carminative: Relieves bloating, gas, and indigestion.

• Post-Meal Aid: Commonly chewed after meals to freshen breath and aid digestion.

• Colic Relief: Used to treat infant colic and stomach cramps.

2. Hormonal & Women's Health

• Menstrual Support: May ease menstrual cramps and regulate cycles.

• Lactation Aid: Traditionally used to enhance breast milk production.

3. Respiratory Relief

• Cough Suppressant: Helps relieve cough, sore throat, and bronchitis.

• Decongestant: Assists in clearing nasal passages.

4. Eye Health

• Eye Wash: Fennel tea is traditionally used to soothe tired or irritated eyes.

5. Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory

• Immunity Booster: Contains vitamin C and antioxidants like quercetin.

• Pain Relief: May help reduce inflammation and mild pain.

6. Weight & Metabolism Support

• Appetite Suppressant: Keeps you feeling full; supports metabolism.

• Water Retention: Acts as a mild diuretic.

7. Oral & Skin Health

• Bad Breath Control: Natural mouth freshener.

• Skin Detox: Antioxidants may help purify and clear the skin.

🌿 Plant Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Family: Apiaceae (Carrot/Parsley family)

• Genus: Foeniculum

• Species: Foeniculum vulgare

🌱 Plant Description

• Type: Perennial herb (treated as annual in cooler climates)

• Height: 3 to 5 feet (90–150 cm)

• Structure: Upright, with feathery, thread-like foliage

• Leaves: Finely divided, aromatic, similar to dill

• Seeds: Oval, ridged, greenish to brownish when dried; highly aromatic

🌸 Flowering & Fruit

• Flowers: Small yellow flowers arranged in umbrella-like clusters (umbels)

• Inflorescence: Compound umbel

• Fruiting: Produces dry, aromatic seeds (technically “schizocarps”)

🌿 Growth Requirements

• Climate: Temperate to warm climates

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained loamy soil

• Light: Full sun is essential

• Watering: Regular watering; avoid waterlogging

🌱 Propagation

• By Seeds: Direct sowing is common; germinates best in warm soil

• Spacing: Requires space to grow; thin seedlings 12–18 inches apart

🗓️ Harvest Time

• Leaves: Harvested when the plant is young for culinary use

• Seeds: Collected once seed heads turn brown and dry

• Bulbs (for Florence fennel): Harvested when bulb base is swollen