Fennel is a vegetable that has been cultivated since ancient times. However, in Spain its culinary, cosmetic and healing properties and benefits are not very widespread.
So that you do not continue to miss out on all that this delicious vegetable has to offer, we at Greenuso would like to tell you about fennel and its benefits and properties. We assure you that if you try it you will not want to stop using it.
Do you want to try its crunchy, fresh and aniseed-flavoured taste? Take a look at everything we have to offer you on this subject.
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What is fennel?
Its scientific name is Foeniculum vulgare. It is considered a medicinal plant belonging to the Umbelliferae or Apiaceae family. It is robust and when mature it can reach a height of around two metres, sometimes even more, although it generally measures between 50 and 150 cm.
Its leaves, before its stem appears, are aromatic, dark green in colour and feathery in appearance. Its shape is triangular and the upper leaves are smaller than the lower ones.
It is very common to find them on the edges of lowland forests. You can harvest the seeds at the end of the summer, although you can also use the root and leaves.
What is fennel used for?
Fennel serves as a very powerful natural remedy . This plant has medicinal properties that can help overweight people lose weight and fight digestive problems.
Fennel can be used in stews, broths and stews. It is a favourite ingredient in Mediterranean kitchens, as it has a very delicate flavour and a unique aniseed aroma.
It is also used to accompany various dishes such as fish, roasts, barbecues; even in the preparation of bread and cakes.
The stem can be incorporated raw and cut into pieces in salads, or boiled. The seeds are used whole or ground to make infusions.
The fennel bulb has an aromatic taste, and is also used in the gastronomic world.
Fennel properties
Fennel has several elements in its composition that make it an ideal ingredient for preparing home remedies and culinary recipes. We will now talk to you about its properties:
- It contains vitamin C , making this plant an excellent source of this vitamin.
- It has folic acid, as well as vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and vitamin b6.
- As for the minerals, it contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc.
- The bulb and seeds of fennel have digestive, carminative, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties
- It has anethole and estragol, which provide various benefits, such as cosmetic and medicinal.
- Flavonoids are present in fennel seeds, which increase the amount of oestrogen in the body, such as breast size.
Benefits of Fennel
As a medicinal plant or as an ingredient in the gastronomic world, fennel offers many benefits. You can find out more about them below:
- It protects and strengthens the immune system and stops the development of various diseases.
- It solves digestive problems, such as excess gas, abdominal distension and colic control.
- It is an excellent remedy to reduce problems related to the respiratory tract.
- It avoids pain caused by the contraction of the uterus.
- It serves as a remedy for halitosis or bad breath. When chewed after meals it leaves a very fresh breath.
- It is an effective plant for eye inflammations, conjunctivitis and eye irritations.
- It protects the immune system and prevents hair loss.
- It reduces the symptoms of dizziness and nausea. Also, during pregnancy it helps in the production of breast milk.
Natural remedies with fennel
Do you want to learn how to prepare some natural remedies with fennel? Here are some options:
Fennel tea for a swollen belly
To make the most of fennel’s virtues when you have gas problems or a bloated stomach, you can prepare an infusion by combining fennel seeds with other medicinal plants such as green aniseed or coriander and reinforcing it with star anise.
How to prepare it? Boil the seeds for 3 minutes with the chosen plant and the star anise with a cup of water. It should be drunk hot during the day.
Fennel to soothe tired eyes
Boil the fennel leaves in water and add salt. Let it cool and soak the infusion in a piece of cotton. Then pass the cotton wool gently over the closed eyelids.
After getting to know the fennel, its benefits and properties, we recommend that you use it properly and avoid excesses. Fennel is a very helpful plant, so take advantage of all its benefits.
