Treat yourself with Fennel

Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare Miller subsp. vulgare var. vulgare (bitter fennel); subsp. vulgare var. dulce (sweet fennel)

Part used: fruits (also called fennel seeds), especially the essential oil obtained from them

Therapeutic properties: stimulant-aromatic, digestive, carminative; prokinetic and antispasmodic; antiseptic; galattogoghe; diuretic (decoction of roots in folk medicine); laxatives (reduces gastrointestinal spasms caused by the use of anthraquinone laxatives)

Therapeutic use:

• Internal use: dyspepsia, meteorism, spasms of the gastrointestinal tract; hiatal hernia with frequent eructations; slow digestion; constipation (adjuvants); inflammation of the respiratory system;

Examples of medical specialties containing fennel extracts: Colimil ®

NOTES: when fennel seeds are taken for curative purposes it is essential to use defined and standardized pharmaceutical forms in active ingredients (min 4% essential oil, rich in trans-anethole and fencone), the only ones that let you know how many pharmacologically active molecules are being administered to the patient. Traditional herbal preparations such as infusions, juices and decoctions, do not allow to establish exactly the quantity of active ingredients administered to the patient, which increases the risk of therapeutic failure.

The essence of sweet fennel is more pleasant than that of bitter fennel, but is less rich in active ingredients.

Fennel: traditional herbalist indications

Expectorant in the presence of coughs and colds

Indicative dosage in adults and the elderly (oral)

1. If the fennel is taken in the form of essential oil obtained by distillation in current of water vapor of the fruits of fennel:
   • take 0.2 ml (3-5 drops), in a single dose or in several doses during the day; use only for short periods; contraindicated in case of inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract
2. If the fennel is taken in the form of an infusion prepared by leaving in infusion covered for 15 minutes in 250 ml of boiling water, with a flame off, from 1.5 to 2.5 grams of fresh seeds, reduced in herbal tea immediately before use:
   • take three times a day as an infusion
3. If fennel seeds are taken in the form of pulverized drugs:
   • take 400 mg three times a day after meals, for a maximum of two grams per day

NOTES: for side effects and contraindications refer to the indication below.

Relieve minor spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders, accompanied by flatulence and meteorism; symptomatic treatment of minor spasms associated with the menstrual period

Indicative dosage in adolescents (age> 12 years), adults and the elderly (orally)

1. If the fennel is taken in the form of an infusion prepared by leaving in infusion covered for 15 minutes in 250 ml of boiling water, with a flame off, from 1.5 to 2.5 grams of fresh seeds, reduced in herbal tea immediately before use:
   • take three times a day as an infusion
2. If fennel seeds are taken in the form of pulverized drugs:
   • take 400 mg three times a day after meals, for a maximum of two grams per day

Indicative posology in children (orally, with the exclusive indication of relieving dyspeptic disorders accompanied by meteorism and flatulence):

1. If fennel is taken as an infusion
   • From three months to one year of age: leave to infuse for a few minutes in boiling water, with the flame out, from 1 to 2 grams of crushed seeds, in 250 ml of water
   • From three months one to four years of age: leave to infuse for a few minutes in boiling water, with the flame out, from 1.5 to 3 grams of crushed seeds, in 250 ml of water
   • From four to twelve years of age: leave to infuse for a few minutes in boiling water, with the flame out, from 3 to 5 grams of crushed seeds, in 250 ml of water

Side effects (rare) include episodes of:

• allergic reactions to the skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal system

If these side effects occur seriously, or if other side effects occur, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The treatment with fennel seeds is contraindicated in the presence of hypersensitivity towards the active ingredients of the drug, of other Apiaceae (Umbelliferae: anise, cumin, celery, coriander, dill and fennel seeds) or anethole. Due to the risk of cross-reactivity reactions, the contraindication should also be extended to patients with known hypersensitivity towards Asteraceae (Compositae). Avoid administration to subjects with estrogen-dependent tumors.

For more information on the correct use of a specific fennel-based product, and for the complete list of side effects, see the package leaflet that comes with the product. This information must always be read carefully before starting treatment.

Examples of herbal preparations containing fennel

Colimil ®

INGREDIENTS TANK CAP: fennel (Foeniculum vulgare M. var dulce, maltodextrin) fruit eg titrated in 0 and 0.05 - 0.1% (mg 164.3); microcrystalline cellulose; anti-caking agents: starch, magnesium stearate, colloidal silica; calcium pantothenet; vitamin B6; vitamin B1.

ColiMil ® represents the ideal complement in the treatment of intestinal colic and in the phenomena of meteorism in the infant, child and adult. Its effectiveness is to be found in the synergistic action of the active ingredients of its components (fennel, chamomile and lemon balm) present in the form of extracts titrated according to Pharmacopoeia.

Colimil ® is available in packs of 10 bottles of extemporaneous preparation,

Carminative herbal tea

Prepare a 4% infusion, leaving in infusion in boiling water, with the flame out, four grams of mixture per 100 ml of water. Drink a cup before meals.

Bland laxative herbal tea (Dr. Zambotti)

Prepare a 5% infusion (bring 5 grams of the mixture for every 100 ml of water to boiling for a few minutes). Take one cup 2-3 times a day.