Fennel Tea

What is fennel tea

Fennel tea is an effective herbal infusion made from the seeds of fennel, a flowering plant. The presence of volatile oil compounds such as fenchone, anethole, and estragole in the seeds are said to give the tea anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties, making it beneficial for medicinal purpose.

History and Origin

The Greeks used tea made from fennel seeds as a remedy for losing weight. It was even said to be prescribed by Greek physicians to new mothers for increasing their breast milk production. This herbal infusion was used as a treatment for insect and snake bites in Ancient Egypt, China, and India.

Fennel Seed Tea Benefits: What is it Good For

For weight loss

Apart from being a mild appetite suppressant, the diuretic properties present in this tea helps in minimizing water retention by clearing away the extra fluids from the body. Therefore, it facilitates in boosting metabolism by helping in the fast burning of fats also reducing cellulite, in turn contributing to weight loss.

A strong detoxifier

As it eliminates the toxins and waste from the body, it  acts as a detoxifier, helping in cleansing and toning the urinary bladder, lessening the chances of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. These detoxifying properties may also facilitate in purifying and soothing the skin.

Effects on digestion

The presence of volatile oils makes this seed tea beneficial in promoting digestion by stimulating the production of certain gastric juices. The oils are also responsible for its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, contributing towards calming the intestine, relieving bloating, gassiness and abdominal cramps. This makes it a beneficial choice for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Its fiber content makes it a good laxative, helping in relieving constipation. The presence of aspartic acid in fennel gives it carminative properties, making this tea an anti-flatulent.

For diarrhea

The presence of oils like cineol and anethole gives it antibacterial and disinfectant properties helpful for fighting diarrhea caused by a bacterial infection.

For heart health

The presence of folate (a kind of B Vitamin) in this tea, helps in subduing the negative effects of homocysteine, a harmful molecule capable of damaging the walls of the blood vessels, thus reducing the chances of a stroke or heart attack. Containing 10% of the daily value of potassium, an infusion of fennel may also facilitate in regulating blood pressure, another common risk factor related to heart disorders. However, if you are already on hypertensive medications, consult your doctor before consuming the tea.

Relieves menstrual symptoms

Containing emmenagogue substances, it helps in promoting and regulating the blood flow during menstruation. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties relieve menstrual cramps and discomfort by soothing and relaxing the muscles of the uterus.

According to certain research, an extract or infusion of fennel taken four times a day from the day the menstrual cycle begins can be helpful in relieving dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation. However, there is no sufficient evidence to justify this fact.

It might also provide relief from hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms by balancing the levels of estrogen.

Good for the respiratory system

The essential oils present in fennel seeds helps in loosening the phlegm, thus providing relief from cough. Being an expectorant, it is used to treat asthma, whooping cough, and bronchitis along with other infections of the respiratory tract.

Beneficial for skin and hair

As it is a good antiseptic, it helps in fighting the germs and bacteria that causes acne, while its anti-inflammatory property is effective for relieving swelling. Moreover, the presence of certain compounds such as myrcene, anethole and limonene is also helpful in treating this skin condition.

The presence of flavonoids such as quercetin along with kaempferol glycosides helps in proper hair growth.

Antioxidant properties

Being a powerful antioxidant because of the presence of phytonutrients, particularly anethole, it aids in lessening inflammation, whereas its Vitamin C content is functional in neutralizing the free radicals, thus providing relief from symptoms of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis such as pain and swelling of joints.

 

Other Uses

• You can apply a compress of fennel tea under your eyes to reduce puffiness, swelling or irritation.
• Gargling with warm fennel tea may help in lessening bad breath because of its anti-microbial properties.
• You may make a decoction of fennel seeds and use it as a hair rinse after shampooing.

Can babies be given fennel tea

Several researches have mentioned that fennel tea is an effective remedy for treating symptoms of colic as it calms the gastrointestinal tract by releasing gas. An infusion of fennel seeds and catnip tea may be given to a colicky baby to relieve him. A nursing mother can also pass on the benefits to the baby through breastmilk. However, it is safe to consult a doctor before using fennel for such purposes as there is no proven evidence on its safety for babies.

How to make fennel tea

• Take one to two tablespoons of fresh fennel seeds.
• Crush the seeds well using a mortar and pestle.
• Add the seeds in two cups of water.
• Boil at a low heat for two to three minutes as high temperatures may damage the volatile compounds of fennel.
• Cover the teapot after turning off the heat.
• Steep it for about ten minutes
• Strain it.
• Add honey, sugar or orange juice for taste if desired.

Chopped fennel leaves and roots may also be included while making the tea. CCF (Coriander Cumin Fennel) tea that is highly popular in Ayurvedic medicine to promote digestion can be prepared using ground coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds.

Safety and Precautions

Side effects

Though fennel tea has no serious side effects, over-consumption might result in muscular convulsions. People with certain food allergies should be cautious while having fennel tea. Those on medications to treat seizures or having bleeding disorders should seek medical advice prior to consuming it.

During pregnancy

Though fennel tea is a good source of iron, it is recommended to consult a doctor before having it during pregnancy.

Where to buy

You can buy fennel seed tea or tea bags online or in stores selling herbal teas.