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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- United States Food and Drug Administration: Guidance for Industry: A Food Labeling Guide
- Harvard Medical School: Harvard Health Publications: Listing of Vitamins
- Journal of Medicinal Food: Antioxidant and Anticarcinogenic Effects of Methanolic Extract and Volatile Oil of Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Journal of Medicinal Food: Antioxidant and Anticarcinogenic Effects of Methanolic Extract and Volatile Oil of Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine: The Effect of Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) Seed Oil Emulsion in Infantile Colic: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
- Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine: The Effect of Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) Seed Oil Emulsion in Infantile Colic: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Pros & Cons of Fennel Seeds
Fennel — a feathery, fragrant herb — is indigenous to the Mediterranean region. Its flavor is reminiscent of licorice or anise. Although every part of the plant is edible, seeds and essential oils are most often used for medicinal purposes. While fennel provides some powerful benefits, it can pose risks for certain people.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Provides Antioxidants
Fennel seeds are excellent sources of antioxidants 1. Powerful substances, antioxidants help protect your body from free radicals, unstable molecules that damage healthy cells. Research published in Journal of Medicinal Food in 2011 noted that fennel seed extract may have remarkable potential to protect cells and fight certain cancers, such as breast and liver cancer. The study concluded that fennel seed extract could be a safe, effective and easily accessible source of natural antioxidants 5.
Enhances Digestive System
My Fennel Allergy
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Fennel helps calm your intestinal tract and eliminate gas. In addition, it's a traditional treatment for colic, which can have links to digestive problems. Breastfeeding mothers consume it in tea form. Fennel seed oil could be effective in reducing intestinal spasms and increasing free movement in the small intestines.
- Fennel helps calm your intestinal tract and eliminate gas.
- Fennel seed oil could be effective in reducing intestinal spasms and increasing free movement in the small intestines.
Nutrient Boost
Two tablespoons of fennel seeds contains 138 milligrams of calcium, which is around 14 percent of the daily recommended amount of 1,000 milligrams for most adults. It also contains more than 2 milligrams of iron, a quarter of the amount recommended daily for men and 11 percent of what's recommended for women.
Calcium helps develop and protect bones and teeth and is necessary for proper muscle contraction and relaxation. Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, a protein that transfer oxygen from the lungs to your body's tissues. It's essential for growth, development and proper cell function.
- Two tablespoons of fennel seeds contains 138 milligrams of calcium, which is around 14 percent of the daily recommended amount of 1,000 milligrams for most adults.
- Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, a protein that transfer oxygen from the lungs to your body's tissues.
Safety Considerations
Fennel Seeds Side Effects
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Although rare, side effects may occur when consuming herbs. Fennel can disrupt the nervous system when taken in excess and may increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight.
The Norris Cotton Cancer Center states that fennel may increase the risk for seizures and advises against taking fennel without first talking with your health provider if you have epilepsy or any seizure disorder. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using fennel medicinally.
- Although rare, side effects may occur when consuming herbs.
- The Norris Cotton Cancer Center states that fennel may increase the risk for seizures and advises against taking fennel without first talking with your health provider if you have epilepsy or any seizure disorder.
Related Articles
References
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Spices, Fennel Seed
- United States Food and Drug Administration: Guidance for Industry: A Food Labeling Guide
- Harvard Medical School: Harvard Health Publications: Listing of Vitamins
- Herbal Encyclopedia: Common Medicinal Herbs for Natural Health: Fennel
- Journal of Medicinal Food: Antioxidant and Anticarcinogenic Effects of Methanolic Extract and Volatile Oil of Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Infantile Colic
- Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine: The Effect of Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) Seed Oil Emulsion in Infantile Colic: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
- Purdue University: Horticulture: Fennel
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central. Fennel, bulb, raw. 2019.
- Badgujar SB, Patel VV, Bandivdekar AH. Foeniculum vulgare Mill: A Review of Its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Contemporary Application, and Toxicology. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:842674. doi:10.1155/2014/842674
- Shahat AA, Ibrahim AY, Hendawy SF, et al. Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oils from Organically Cultivated Fennel Cultivars. Molecules. 2011;16(2):1366-1377. doi:10.3390/molecules16021366
- Swathi V, Rekha R, Abhishek J, Radha G, Pallavi SK, Praveen G. Effect of Chewing Fennel and Cardamom Seeds on Dental Plaque and Salivary pH – A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Pharm Sci Res. 2016;7(1):406-412. doi:10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.7
- National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated February 27, 2020.
- Di Ciaula A, Portincasa P, Maes N, Albert A. Efficacy of bio-optimized extracts of turmeric and essential fennel oil on the quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Ann Gastroenterol. 2018;31(6):685-691. doi:10.20524/aog.2018.0304
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Can spices cause allergic reactions? 2020.
- Allergy & ENT Specialists of Central Florida. Fennel. Updated 2015.
- Berkeley Wellness. University of California. Fennel: The Flavor of Sweet Anise. 2016.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fruit and Vegetable Safety. Updated February 12, 2020.
Writer Bio
Karen Curinga has been writing published articles since 2003 and is the author of multiple books. Her articles have appeared in "UTHeath," "Catalyst" and more. Curinga is a freelance writer and certified coach/consultant who has worked with hundreds of clients. She received a Bachelor of Science in psychology.