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Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare mill.)

English Name(s): Fennel, fenkel and Roman fennel.

History: According to Greek legend, man received knowledge from Mount Olympus in the
form of a fiery coal enclosed in a stalk of fennel. The name foeniculum is from the Latin word for fragrant hay. It grows up to 2 m in height and is a biennial or perennial herb, with green feathery leaves and golden yellow flowers, those bees like. Fennel, is a hardy, biennial or perennial herb, 12m high. It is erect green, with hollow stems. In Medieval times it was known as 'Fenkle' and was a very popular herb with the ancient Chinese, Egyptians and Romans, who believed it, conveyed longevity, courage and strength. Not only did they use it to strengthen eyesight, but they also used it for snakebites, colic and to rid dogs of fleas. It is indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean, but has become widely naturalized in many parts of the world, especially on dry soils near the sea-coast and on riverbanks. It is a highly aromatic and flavorful herb with culinary and medicinal uses, and, along with the similar-tasting anise, is one of the primary ingredients of absinthe Florence fennel or finocchio is a selection with a swollen, bulb-like stem base that is used as a vegetable. Parts Used: Seeds, leaves, roots, oil - the whole plant Medicinal uses: Fennel contains anethole, which can explain some of its medical effects: or its polymers, acts as phytoestrogens. Fennel - for :Menopause - Hormone balance Extracts of fennel have estrogenic properties that may benefit women going through the hormonal imbalances caused by menopause Fennel for: Asthma, bronchitis, coughs Fennel for Coughs Syrup prepared from Fennel juice is given for chronic coughs. It helps clear mucus from the lungs Fennel oil for Muscle pain: Oil of fennel relieves muscular or rheumatic pains and is especially effective in massage blends . Pain relief: Oil of fennel relieves muscular or rheumatic pains and is warming and soothing in massaging oil blends. Fennel - for Eyes: In the Indian subcontinent, fennel seeds are also eaten raw, sometimes with some sweetener, as they are said to improve eyesight. Ancient Romans regarded fennel as the herb of sight. Tea made from crushed fennel seeds has been used as 1

eyewash. Root extracts were often used in tonics to clear cloudy eyes. It is a purported antidote to poisonous herbs, mushrooms, and snakebites. Fennel seed tea - for appetite suppressant Fennel seed tea has an ancient reputation as an appetite suppressant that holds up today. Fennel also tunes up digestion, helping to turn food into energy instead of fat Breast milk: There are historical anecdotes that fennel is a galactagogue, improving the milk supply of a breastfeeding mother. This use, although not supported by direct evidence, is sometimes justified by the fact that fennel is a source of phytoestrogens, which promote growth of breast tissue. Culinary uses: Fennel is popular for meat dishes, but even more so for fish and sea food; its sweet taste also harmonizes with the earthy aroma of bread and gives pickles or vinegar a special flavour. Of the European countries, it is most known and used in France. The bulb, foliage, and seeds of the fennel plant are widely used in many of the culinary traditions of the world. Fennel seeds are sometimes confused with those of anise, which are similar in taste and appearance, though smaller. Fennel is also used as flavouring in some natural toothpastes Fennel features prominently in Mediterranean cuisine, where bulbs are used, both raw and cooked, in side dishes, salads, pastas, vegetable dishes. Fennel seed is a common ingredient in Italian sausages and meatballs and northern European rye breads. Many cultures in the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East use fennel seed in their cookery.

In many parts of Pakistan and India, roasted fennel seeds are consumed as mukhwas, an after-meal digestive and breathe freshener. In Bengal fennel is eaten after a meal and sometimes it is accompanied by roasted coriander. Fennel leaves are used as leafy green vegetables either by themselves or mixed with other vegetables, cooked to be served and consumed as part of a meal, in some parts of India. In Lebanon, it is used to make a special kind of egg omelets (along with onions, and flour) called ijjeh. Many egg, fish, and other dishes employ fresh or dried fennel leaves. Fennel not only improves digestion, but also can reduce bad breath and body odor that originates in the intestines. Active Constituents: especially anethole and anisic acid. Fennel has virtually no side effects when used as a food, or as a seed tea. The essential oil should be avoided in pregnant and nursing mothers 2

3 This essential oil is used in aromatherapy to: For the mind, Fennel oil adds courage and strength in the face of adversity. while helping a huge array of digestive problems, fighting obesity.It promotes that 'full feeling' and has a diuretic effect that helps to disperse cellulite Effect on Beauty: Fennel oil has a cleansing and toning effect on the skin, helping with bruises, sorting out overly oily skin and to fight wrinkles (clearing an oily skin) Fighting wrinkles. Sweet fennel oil is powerful and shouldn't be used in large doses, as it may have a narcotic effect. It should be avoided altogether in pregnancy and cases of epilepsy. It contains high amounts of trans-anethole and for that reason people with: Estrogen linked cancers, breast -feeding mothers and pregnant women should not use it Bitter fennel is not used in aromatherapy and should not apply to the skin at all.

Fennel for: Fleas It is one of the plants which is said to be disliked by fleas, and powdered Fennel has the effect of driving away fleas from kennels and stables.: Fennel is one of the plants that repel parasites (fleas, lice, bedbugs . . .), and the anise like taste may be more acceptable choice for acid stomach and gas in fussy dogs and cats. Extraction: Sweet fennel oil is extracted from crushed seeds by steam distillation and yield 2-4 %. Bitter fennel oil, not used for aromatherapy, is extracted from the crushed seeds and/or the whole herb of the Foeniculum vulgare var. amara plant. Uses of Fennel oil: It has a toning effect on the spleen and liver, that helps with the results of excess drink and food. Habitat and Distribution: Fennel has become naturalized along roadsides, in pastures, and in other open sites in many regions, including northern Europe, the United States, southern Canada and in much of Asia and Australia. It propagates well by seed, and is considered an invasive species and a weed in Australia and the USA Locally occurs in Jerash, Taibeh, Ajloun, Ramtha. (Upper and lower Jordan valley and Dead Sea place). Naturally in Wadi banks, and stony hillsides, commonly cultivated in fields. Cool season crop for bulb production, temperate zone plant. Grows best on welldrained fertile yellow soils, especially that high in calcium.