Fennel is a perennial herb, resembling dill in appearance. Culture is widely used for the preparation of various dishes, is included in the composition of medicines. Fennel is a source of large amounts of vitamins, minerals, so it has almost no restrictions and side effects when applied.
Fennel description
Common fennel is a herbaceous plant that can reach a height of 150-200 cm. The root of the culture is low branch and stem, and the stem is erect, rounded, strongly branched with a bluish bloom. The leaves have an ovate-triangular shape, cut into long filiform lobes. The lower leaves of the plant are large and petiolate, and all the others are sessile.
On the stem, yellowish small flowers form from five petals, which are collected on the top of the stem in umbrellas. After flowering, the fruit is formed as an oblong, greenish-brown two-seedling, which is divided into two semi-fruits. Fennel blooms all summer, from July to September, and the fruits ripen from September to October.
Chemical composition
Fennel is 90% water and contains many vitamins B, E, A and C. The presence of ascorbic acid in the plant gives it antioxidant properties, which helps to normalize the immune system. The plant is especially recommended for people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Fennel serves as a source for:
- magnesium;
- copper;
- manganese;
- molybdenum;
- phosphorus;
- chromium.
In addition, dietary fiber is present in the bulb, which helps remove toxins from the intestines. The presence of a large amount of potassium in the plant allows you to quickly reduce blood pressure.
What is useful fennel
Fennel is widely used for the production of mouth fresheners, toothpastes, antacids and in cooking. The plant is a source of a large amount of essential oils and other biologically active substances, which gives it a mass of valuable properties.
Allocate the following indications for treatment:
- anemia;
- problems in the stomach;
- respiratory failure;
- eye diseases;
- disruption of the menstrual cycle;
- renal colic;
- violation of the chair in the form of constipation or diarrhea.
The tool has a pronounced diuretic effect, and its use in food increases the amount of urination. This allows you to remove all toxic substances from the body and thereby get rid of rheumatism, abdominal bloating and other disorders.
The plant has:
- antibacterial;
- anti-inflammatory;
- regenerating action.
In addition, fennel helps to improve immunity, improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and normalize the body's metabolism. With the help of a plant, it is possible to prevent the formation of cancer tumors, strengthen the nervous system and blood vessels, and also support the work of the heart.
How to use fennel
Fennel is widely used to treat various diseases, and this is due to its pharmacological features. Almost all parts of the plant, that is, fruits, stem, root and leaves, are used to prepare healing remedies. Infusions and decoctions have strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as help to normalize the metabolism in the body. In addition, they increase appetite, improve digestion and the immune system.
In cooking, fennel is known as a spicy seasoning, as it has a pleasant and slightly sweet taste. Many people prefer to eat the fruits of the plant raw, adding them to salads, or make unusual sauces of them.
Fennel Tea
Tea with fennel helps to improve the digestive process in the body, get rid of intestinal colic, strengthen the immune system and normalize metabolic processes. In addition, it has a diuretic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
To prepare a healing drink, you need to brew a teaspoon of seeds with a glass of boiling water and infuse the mixture for at least 10 minutes. After the tool, strain and take 1/2 cup several times during the day before meals. Tea with fennel can be bought in a pharmacy bag and brewed at home.
Fennel decoction
Broth fennel prepared from the seeds of the plant, because it is they contain a large amount of essential oils and acids. Due to these properties, the decoction is often used externally as an anti-inflammatory agent. With it, they wash the inflamed areas of the skin, rinse the mouth with stomatitis or colds, and also bury the eyes with conjunctivitis.
To prepare fennel broth, you must:
- tablespoon of seeds pour 500 ml of cold water, bring the mixture to a boil and simmer over low heat for half an hour;
- cool the prepared medium to room temperature and filter.
It should be remembered that the decoction retains its healing properties for two days, after which it is simply useless to use it.
Fennel tincture
Fennel infusion is recommended for patients with chronic kidney and liver diseases, as it has strong anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties. With its help, it is possible to remove toxins from the body, which are the cause of renal failure and hepatic colitis.
To prepare the infusion is necessary:
- tablespoon of fennel fruit brew 500 ml of boiling water;
- the mixture is poured into a thermos and incubated for 3-4 hours, then filtered;
- Take an infusion on an empty stomach and 1 tablespoon immediately before meals several times a day.
Fennel infusion is considered an effective drug in the treatment of many pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, including ulcers, gastritis and flatulence. However, in this case it is necessary to increase the dosage to 2 tablespoons and take the broth immediately after eating.
Fennel Essential Oil
In the pharmacy you can buy fennel oil, which is considered both medicinal and cosmetic. It helps to moisturize and strengthen the skin, get rid of wrinkles and arrest inflammatory processes.
Fennel essential oil is a useful natural antioxidant, so it is often added to shampoos and creams. In addition, this tool is simply indispensable for anti-cellulite massage and allows you to even out the problem areas of the skin in just a few sessions. In addition, the essential oil can be used during inhalation, simply adding 1/4 tablespoon per 500 ml of boiling water and inhaling steam when coughing or bronchitis.
Fennel Slimming
Fennel is considered an effective remedy in the fight against cellulite, and it is possible to achieve a positive effect if you apply plant seed oil during massage. The seeds themselves are allowed to be ingested in pure form, simply by eating them before meals or with a strong feeling of hunger. In addition, the healing properties of the plant and has a decoction, its reception can be combined with a massage.
If you want to lose weight, you can prepare the following tool:
- mix 20 grams of fennel seeds, a teaspoon of green tea, chamomile, corn stigmas and dried leaves of fennel;
- to mix all components and to fill them with a glass of water;
- after the herbs swell, it is necessary to brew a tablespoon of such a mixture with a glass of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes.
Prepared drink should be taken during the day instead of regular tea.
The following is considered to be another effective means for losing weight: brew a glass of boiling water with 10 grams of seeds and simmer the mixture on low heat for 4 minutes. After the broth should be left for 15 minutes, then drink as usual tea.
Contraindications and side effects
Like any drug, fennel has not only valuable qualities, but also has some contraindications to its use. It is not recommended to take funds on the basis of a plant with individual intolerance of the patient's body to the constituent components of the grass. In case nausea or vomiting occurs during treatment, it is necessary to stop taking fennel.
It is believed that fennel helps increase the production of breast milk in women during lactation. At the same time, taking fennel-based products during pregnancy and lactation is allowed only if the potential benefit significantly exceeds the possible risk. The same rule should be followed when prescribing plant-based drugs to patients who have epileptic seizures.
Exceeding the indicated dosage may cause severe indigestion and the development of allergic reactions. Despite the high value of fennel and the presence of a large number of useful substances in it, it is recommended to start taking it with small doses. This will allow time to notice the negative impact of funds on the body.
