Fennel is one of the most used plants for natural medicine. In fact, it has been used for hundreds of years to treat various conditions such as indigestion, loss of appetite, and heartburn.
In particular, Ayurvedic medicine prepares an infusion of fennel for healing purposes. As a general rule, it is recommended to infuse 25 grams of fennel seeds in half a liter of water. In this case, the water is brought almost to the boiling point and the seeds are added, which must be left to rest for about 5 minutes, checking that the water remains hot but does not boil. Then, turn off the heat and let it infuse for another three minutes, then strain and drink.
We have already talked on numerous occasions about the properties of various infusions to improve problems related to digestion or gases. Fennel is one of them. However, its healing properties go much further. Join us to discover them.
Fennel
Fennel is native to the Mediterranean, although it can be found in different temperate areas around the world, the Foeniculum vulgare plant can grow up to two meters in height. Of course, there are several varieties of this plant (Carmo, Pollux, Genio, Florence fennel…) but all of them have properties long used to improve health and relieve the symptoms of various ailments.
Beyond its medicinal uses, fennel is widely used in gastronomy. Its seeds serve as an aromatic herb in all kinds of dressings, pickles and sauces, while its bulb is cooked as a vegetable, for example as part of the famous Andalusian dish beans with fennel. Also in French or Indian cuisine it is used as an ingredient in emblematic dishes such as Provençal sea bass or Garam Masala.
Properties of fennel infusion
Take care of digestive health
The main use of fennel in history has been to improve some common digestive problems such as heartburn, poor digestion or loss of appetite, in addition to excess gas.
Being rich in fiber, it is considered a good solution to prevent constipation, whether occasional or chronic. The consumption of fennel infusion is also usually recommended to eliminate colic. In this case, it is advisable to combine it with chamomile to take advantage of its relaxing effects.
Lowers the risk of heart disease
The best thing about fennel is the possibility of consuming both the plant itself and its seeds. Although when preparing the infusion we do it with the seeds, it is interesting that you can cook the bulb as a vegetable for all kinds of dishes.
The fennel has 3 grams of fiber per 100 edible grams. Knowing the importance that fiber, as well as other nutrients also present in this plant such as magnesium and potassium, have for heart health, we could say that drinking this infusion would help us protect our heart.
In addition, its polyphenol content would give it an antioxidant action. Remember that antioxidants fight free radicals, helping to protect the body against diseases, including cardiovascular diseases.
Fight kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form inside the kidneys, in fact they are commonly known as stones.
Popular medicine attributes properties to fennel to eliminate these stones. However, to date there is not enough scientific evidence on the subject.
Reduce the cholesterol
Specifically, a study suggests that habitual and regular consumption of foods rich in fiber would help regulate cholesterol, one of the main risk markers for cardiovascular diseases. Citing the fiber content of fennel that we have already mentioned, what are you waiting for to prepare your infusion?
Antispasmodic action
Fennel infusion is used by natural medicine to combat different respiratory problems ranging from cough to bronchitis and asthma. Its antispasmodic action would help the bronchi to relax, allowing expectoration and improving symptoms.
Increases milk production
Many lactation specialists recommend including fennel infusion in the usual diet of nursing mothers since, according to different studies, it helps increase the production of breast milk.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Mainly, it is used to relieve annoying menstrual cramps. Drinking fennel tea during your period is said to help relieve inflammation and pain.
Contributes to weight loss
Fennel provides fiber to the diet and this provides a feeling of satiety.
By getting fiber through food and drink, we help our bodies feel full. This happens because as the fiber mixes with gastric juices, it swells, occupying the space around it and helping to minimize the intake of more food.
Helps prevent diseases
Beyond its antioxidant activity, fennel provides vitamin C, a fundamental component to increase the defenses of the immune system. Additionally, this vitamin combined with calcium would improve bone density, while being essential for proper iron absorption. Remember that the deficiency of this last mineral can cause anemia.
As you can see, preparing an infusion of fennel at home could not only be a good option to combat the cold and feel comforted inside, but also as a preventive or combative method for various discomforts. Have you already boiled the water?