Chers Santies,
Fennel is a vegetable prized for its fleshy, melt-in-the-mouth, aniseed-flavored part. But did you know that this aromatic plant has many phytotherapeutic virtues? Without further ado, let's discover all its benefits!
Fennel: first essential details
Fennel belongs to the Apiaceae family and is native to the Mediterranean basin.
The good news is that all its parts are edible: roots, leaves and seeds. The seeds are the main part used in phytotherapy!
- Nom latin :"Foeniculum vulgare".
Fennel seeds
Fennel seeds are the fruits of the plant, and it is they that have been providing mankind with the benefits of fennel since ancient times. It was the physicians of ancient Greece who introduced the use of fennel as a medicinal plant. Later used by the Romans, the Middle East and Asia, the plant became a classic in other world medicines (e.g. Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM).
Harvesting fennel seeds
This plant is easy to grow in ordinary, well-drained soil. Fennel flowers between August and September, producing small yellow flowers from which the plant's seeds then appear.
- To harvest formed seeds, still fresh and green, you should wait until between August and October. It's advisable not to wait for the seeds to dry out and turn brown.
To harvest :
- Cut off the umbels and leave a fairly long part of the stem.
- Place the stems upside down in a bag (ideally a paper bag).
- Store them in a warm, dry place to allow the seeds to dry. The seeds will then fall to the bottom of the bag.
- Store seeds in a paper bag or glass jar, away from moisture, heat and light.
- You can then use them in cooking, in herbal teas or replant them.
How to eat fennel seeds?
Fennel seeds have a slightly sweet taste, reminiscent of aniseed. Apart from cooking, they also have a place in traditional herbal medicine, where once crushed, they are used in infusions. Fennel comes in various forms:
- dried seeds: which can be crushed to make them edible. Capsules correspond to this form, and are easy to take.
- in the form of liquid extract, fennel honey, essential oil, syrup and deodorant. mother tincture.
To replace fennel in your dishes, you could opt for fennel leaves or aniseed. They'll give you that aniseed flavor. Dill seeds, licorice root or caraway seeds could be similar alternatives.
The benefits of fennel seeds
- In digestion: they help support digestion and flatulence. They have a positive effect on digestive health, the digestive tract, appetite and elimination.
- Femininity: these seeds help keep the breast healthy during breastfeeding and support the production of breast milk. They also play a role in cycle menstruel and a calm, comfortable menopause.
- In the urinary sphere: they contribute to urinary flow and normal urinary elimination functions. They contribute favorably to the excretory function of the kidneys, urinary elimination and renal elimination functions.
- An antioxidant: they have an antioxidant capacity thanks to the antioxidants they contain.
- Buccodental and natural defenses: these seeds support natural defenses, enable easy expectoration and have a soothing, pleasant effect on the vocal cords, throat and pharynx.
- Fennel seeds -for maigrir
Ln general, fennel and fennel seeds make digestion easier and help to restore a flat stomach by reducing excess gas. What's special is that, at the same time, they stimulate elimination and thus excess water in the tissues, acting on cellulite.
It should be noted that fennel seeds help you feel full, as they are rich in fiber. Weight loss is also supported by other elements they contain, such as thevitamins beta-carotene, B9, C and E, andminerals (calcium and potassium). minerals (calcium and potassium).
It's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly, because fennel seeds are even more effective. In fact, fennel seeds stimulate the body, increasing combustion.
Finally, you can use this vegetable in salads, dishes or as an infusion to enjoy its benefits. The ideal options are to chew a few seeds, or in the form of an infusion.infusion.
Precautions and dangers of fennel seeds
- Like all plants, fennel seeds must be eaten with care.
- Talk to your doctor before starting to eat fennel seeds on a regular basis.
- It is not recommended to consume more than 7 grams a day for prolonged use, i.e. 2 weeks or more, without the advice of a physician.
- Fennel seeds are not recommended for pregnant women or those with specific medical conditions.
- They are also not recommended for people sensitive to plants in the Apiaceae family, such as celery, carrots and coriander.
How to make herbal tea with fennel seeds?
Ingredients
-
150 ml water
- 1 to 3 grams of fennel seeds, or about a teaspoon.
Preparation
- Coarsely crush the fennel seeds.
- Boil the water.
- When boiling, place the fennel seeds in the water.
- Leave to infuse for about 10 minutes, covered.
This infusion can be drunk on an occasional basis after a heavy meal, for example. For a more general effect, you can also drink 2 to 3 cups a day over a short period.