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].
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Tip:
1. You can give Sauf ark (Ayurvedic preparation) with added water 45 minutes after food to your baby.
2. Repeat twice a day.
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.
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 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.
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].
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
Modern Science View
SA
Ayurvedic View
AA.
References
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- 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.
- Robinson M.The new family herbal.British Library.1869.
- Davidson J, Usman M.Health Benefits of Fennel For Cooking and Healing.JD-biz corp publishing.2013.
- Kaur GJ, Arora DS.Antibacterial and phytochemical screening of Anethum graveolens, Foeniculum vulgare and Trachyspermum ammi.BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.2009;9:30.
- Globalwalyy T.Home remedies for bad breath (Halitosis): cure bad breath at home.Platinum Dental Surgery.
- Media A.Macrobiotics: 50 Essential Recipes for Today's Busy Cook.Cooking.2012.
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.