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Fennel

General Information

OTHER NAMES: Foeniculum vulgare, bitter fennel


HISTORY: Used in ancient Egypt for medicinal purposes


PROPERTIES: Antiviral, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antioxidant

Considered Uses

Respiratory: Bronchitis, cholera, upper respiratory tract infection


Gastrointestinal: Aids in digestion, carminative (for gas), decreases bloating, decreases cramping, heartburn, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's, GI antispasmodic


Genitourinary: Has estrogenic properties. Promotes menstruation, increases libido, decreases dysmenorrhea (painful menses), helps menopausal symptoms


Musculoskeletal: Backache, pain


Skin: Snake bites (poultice form), may prevent sunburn


Mental health: May help mental health


Blood sugar: May help lower blood sugar


Other: Appetite control, slows blood clotting


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SIDE EFFECTS: Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, itchy rash/hives, sun sensitivity,

excessive body hair growth in women (topical use), dermatitis


CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Increase in bruising or bleeding, conditions caused by hormones, allergies to carrots, celery, and mugwort, birth control pills, Cipro, estrogen, and Tamoxifen. Inhibits drugs metabolized by P450 3A4


FORMS: Tea, extract, seed, oil, powder, creams


Recommended Brands

Recommended brands are currently unavailable.


Dosage

As directed on the product label.

Some clinical and consumer sources describe a wide range of herbal amounts, and many are not supported by strong evidence. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Traditional herbal practices describe very small amounts of this herb in liquid or extract form. Modern commercial products vary widely in strength and formulation, so traditional amounts may not apply to current products.

For detailed drug dosing and interaction information, refer to herbal dosing on the Epocrates website.


Traditional Use (General Information Only)

This herb has been used traditionally in small liquid preparations, teas, or extracts. Traditional uses vary widely and are based on historical practices rather than modern clinical evidence.

These reflect traditional and consumer uses, not evidence‑based medical treatments. Product formulations vary, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions.


*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. You must investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Fennel

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*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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