Author Details
Scientific View By
MSc, M.Tech
Ayurvedic View By
BAMS
Reviewed By
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)

We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information

Want to know more

Have issue with the content?

Report Problem

Fennel Seeds

Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are popularly known as Saunf in Hindi. It is an ancient Indian spice with culinary uses. Spices are usually hot in nature, but Fennel is an exception. It is a cooling spice with a sweet-bitter taste. Fennel seeds are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin C.
Chewing some seeds of Fennel, especially after meals, is considered to be good for digestion because of the presence of a component known as anethole. Due to its good digestive activity, Fennel seeds are beneficial in managing weight as well as preventing constipation, bloating and colic. Fennel seeds are also useful in easing menstrual cramps due to their property of reducing uterine contractions. Its consumption also helps in managing kidney and bladder disease due to its diuretic property. You can also consume a few Fennel seeds to get relief from nausea and vomiting. Fennel seeds are beneficial for lactating women - antehole present in them helps increase breast milk secretion in women.
Fennel seeds water can help reduce eye inflammation. You can soak some cotton in Fennel seed water and keep it in the affected eye for a few minutes to get relief from inflammation[1][2][12].

What are the synonyms of Fennel Seeds?

Foeniculum vulgare Miller., Shaleen, Madhurika, Missi, Badi sauf, Panamadhuri, Badi sopu, Sabbsige, Variyaali, Valiaari, Pedhyajilkurra, Sohikire, Shoumbu, Mouri, Panmori, Sompu, Badi sepu, Perumjikam, Kattusatkuppa, Madesi saunf, Bitter fennel, Common fennel, Indian sweet fennel, Ejiyanaj, Aslul ejiyanaj, Razianaj, Rajyana, Chatra, Saunf, Mishreya, Mishi, Madhura, Soumbu, Sopu, Badi shep, Mauri, Rajiyanaj, Shalya[9].

What is the source of Fennel Seeds?

Plant Based

Benefits of Fennel Seeds

What are the benefits of Fennel Seeds for Flatulence (gas formation)?

scientific
Modern Science View
Fennel seeds (Saunf) can manage flatulence due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fennel seeds.
2. Crush them using a mortar and pestle.
3. Now take 1 glass of water in a pan and add the crushed Fennel seeds.
4. Boil till it comes to a rolling boil.
5. Simmer until the water becomes half.
6. Strain and let it become warm from hot.
7. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to it.
8. Drink this once a day.
9. Continue this for at least 1-2 months for better results
Or,
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon of Fennel seeds after meals twice a day.
2. You can have it with mishri (rock candy) for a better taste.
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Fennel seeds (Saunf) can manage flatulence due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fennel seeds.
2. Crush them using a mortar and pestle.
3. Now take 1 glass of water in a pan and add the crushed Fennel seeds.
4. Boil till it comes to a rolling boil.
5. Simmer until the water becomes half.
6. Strain and let it become warm from hot.
7. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to it.
8. Drink this once a day.
9. Continue this for at least 1-2 months for better results
Or,
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon of Fennel seeds after meals twice a day.
2. You can have it with mishri (rock candy) for a better taste.

What are the benefits of Fennel Seeds for Colicky pain?

scientific
Modern Science View
Fennel seeds have the properties of Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) due to which it provides relief from colic in babies.
Tip:
1. You can give Sauf ark (Ayurvedic preparation) with added water 45 minutes after food to your baby.
2. Repeat twice a day.
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Fennel seeds have the properties of Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) due to which it provides relief from colic in babies.
Tip:
1. You can give Sauf ark (Ayurvedic preparation) with added water 45 minutes after food to your baby.
2. Repeat twice a day.

What are the benefits of Fennel Seeds for Menstrual pain?

scientific
Modern Science View
Fennel seeds (Saunf) help to reduce menstrual pain in women by balancing the Vata Dosha.
Tip:
1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fennel seeds.
2. Crush them using a mortar and pestle.
3. Now take 1 glass of water in a pan and add the crushed Fennel seeds.
4. Boil till it comes to a rolling boil.
5. Simmer until the water becomes half.
6. Strain and let it become warm from hot.
7. Then add 1 teaspoon of honey to it.
8. Drink this once a day for the first 3-4 days of menstruation.
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Fennel seeds (Saunf) help to reduce menstrual pain in women by balancing the Vata Dosha.
Tip:
1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fennel seeds.
2. Crush them using a mortar and pestle.
3. Now take 1 glass of water in a pan and add the crushed Fennel seeds.
4. Boil till it comes to a rolling boil.
5. Simmer until the water becomes half.
6. Strain and let it become warm from hot.
7. Then add 1 teaspoon of honey to it.
8. Drink this once a day for the first 3-4 days of menstruation.

How effective is Fennel Seeds?

Likely effective
Colicky pain
Insufficient evidence
Constipation, Flatulence (gas formation), Inflammation of the airways (bronchitis), Menstrual pain, Respiratory tract infection

Recommended Dosage of Fennel Seeds

  • Fennel Seeds Seeds - ¼ to ½ teaspoon twice a day.
  • Fennel Seeds Powder - ¼ to ½ teaspoon twice a day
  • Fennel Seeds Capsule - 1 to 2 capsule twice a day
  • Fennel Seeds Ark - 2-4 teaspoon for children (above 6 years) and 6-10 teaspoon for adult twice a day.

How to use Fennel Seeds

1. Dry Fennel seeds (Saunf)
Take ½-1 teaspoon of dry Fennel seeds and chew them to help in digestion[2].

2. Fennel seeds Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Fennel seeds powder.
b. Mix it in 1 glass of lukewarm water.
c. Drink it twice a day.
d. Continue for 2-3 months for better results.

3. Fennel seeds Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Fennel seeds capsule.
b. Swallow it with water after food twice a day.

4. Fennel seeds (Saunf) Ark
a. For children (above 6 years): Give 2-4 teaspoons of Saunf ark added in the same quantity of water twice a day.
b. For adults: Give 6-10 teaspoons of Saunf ark with the same quantity of water twice a day.

5. Fennel seeds Tea
a. Put 1.5 cups of water in a pan and add 2 teaspoons of Fennel seeds.
b. Now add some crushed ginger to it.
c. Boil on a medium flame for 5-7 mins.
d. Strain and drink to manage intestinal gas.

6. Fennel seeds Infused Water
a. Take 1 glass of water in a pan and bring it to a boil
b. Now pour this water into a glass and add 2 teaspoons of Fennel seeds to it.
c. Let it sit overnight.
d. Drink this water as soon as you get up in the morning to facilitate weight loss and regulate metabolism[2].

Frequently asked questions

Q. Q1?

scientific
Modern Science View
SA
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
AA.

References

  1. Bakhru HK.Herbs That Heal.Orient Paperbacks.1990.
  2. Badgujar SB, Patel VV, Bandivdekar AH.Foeniculum vulgare Mill: A review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary application, and toxicology.Biomed Res Int.2014;2014:32.
  3. WebMD: Fennel: Uses, Side effects, Interactions, Dosage [Internet]. Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
  4. Saini N, Singh GK, Nagori BP. Spasmolytic potential of some medicinal plants belonging to family Umbelliferae:A review.Int J Res.Ayurveda Pharm.2014;5(1)74-83.
  5. Fugh-Berman A.“Bust enhancing\" herbal products.Obstet Gynecol. 2003;101(6):1345-1349.
  6. Rather MA, Dar BA, Sofi NS,et al.Foeniculum vulgare: A comprehensive review of its traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety.Arabian Journal of Chemistry.2016;9(2):1574-1583.
  7. Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
  8. Medscape.Fennel (Herbs/Suppl) [Internet] New York.2018
  9. Balkrishnan A.Saunf.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
  10. Kazem YMI, Abdel-Moaty M, El Shebini SM, et al.Constipation, oxidative stress in obese patients and their impact on cognitive functions and mood, the role of diet modification and foeniculum vulgare supplementation.Journal of Biological Sciences.2017;17:312-319.
  11. Bae JY, Kim JE, Choue R, et al.Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) tea drinking suppresses subjective short-term appetite in overweight women.Clin Nutr Res.2015;4(3):168–174.
  12. Robinson M.The new family herbal.British Library.1869.External Link
  13. Davidson J, Usman M.Health Benefits of Fennel For Cooking and Healing.JD-biz corp publishing.2013.External Link
  14. Kaur GJ, Arora DS.Antibacterial and phytochemical screening of Anethum graveolens, Foeniculum vulgare and Trachyspermum ammi.BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2009;9:30.External Link
  15. Globalwalyy T.Home remedies for bad breath (Halitosis): cure bad breath at home.Platinum Dental Surgery.External Link
  16. Media A.Macrobiotics: 50 Essential Recipes for Today's Busy Cook.Cooking.2012.External Link
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.

INDIA’S LARGEST HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

260m+
Visitors
31m+
Orders Delivered
1800+
Cities
Get the link to download App
Reliable

All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies. All labs listed on the platform are accredited

Secure

Tata 1mg uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption and is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant

Affordable

Find affordable medicine substitutes, save up to 50% on health products, up to 80% off on lab tests and free doctor consultations.

LegitScript approved
India's only LegitScript and ISO/ IEC 27001:2022 certified online healthcare platform

Know more about Tata 1mgdownArrow

Access medical and health information

Tata 1mg provides you with medical information which is curated, written and verified by experts, accurate and trustworthy. Our experts create high-quality content about medicines, diseases, lab investigations, Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products, Ayurvedic herbs/ingredients, and alternative remedies.

Order medicines online

Get free medicine home delivery in over 1800 cities across India. You can also order Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and other Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products. Your safety is our top priority. All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies.

Book lab tests

Book any lab tests and preventive health packages from certified labs and get tested from the comfort of your home. Enjoy free home sample collection, view reports online and consult a doctor online for free.

Consult a doctor online

Got a health query? Consult doctors online from the comfort of your home for free. Chat privately with our registered medical specialists to connect directly with verified doctors. Your privacy is guaranteed.