1. Beats Bad Breath
Munching on a few fennel seeds will sweeten and refresh your breath
after a meal and especially get rid of bad breath after an odorous meal.
Its antimicrobial properties fight the germs that cause bad breath.
Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties also soothe sore
gums. In addition to chewing on a fennel seeds, you can swish lukewarm
fennel tea in your mouth and gargle with it to reduce bad breath.
2. Aids Digestion
Fennel is highly beneficial in relieving digestive problems such as
indigestion, bloating, flatulence, constipation, colic, intestinal gas,
heartburn, and even irritable bowel.
This herb stimulates digestion and has carminative effects that
soothe the digestive tract and prevent the formation of gas. Moreover,
it can help rebuild the digestive system after radiation or chemotherapy
treatments.
Simply chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals aids digestion
and relieves stomach pains and bloating. When suffering from
indigestion, you can drink fennel tea or take one-half teaspoon of
fennel seed powder along with water two times a day.
3. Relieves Water Retention
Drinking fennel tea on a regular basis helps flush out excess fluids
from the body as it works as a diuretic. You can also reduce puffy eyes
caused by fluid retention by applying strong fennel tea under your eyes.
In addition to preventing and relieving water retention, fennel helps
remove toxins and reduces the risk of urinary tract problems. It also
has diaphoretic properties that will stimulate perspiration.
4. Reduces Obesity
Fennel is excellent for combating obesity as it suppresses the
appetite and creates a feeling of fullness. Fresh fennel works as a
natural fat buster by boosting the metabolism and breaking down fats.
Plus, being a diuretic, fennel helps reduce water retention, which is a
common cause of temporary weight gain.
One simple way to facilitate weight loss with this herb is to dry
roast, grind and sieve fennel seeds and consume one-half teaspoon of the
powder with warm water twice daily.
5. Protects Against Cancers
Fennel bulb can help decrease the risk of developing colon cancer because it helps remove carcinogenic toxins from the colon.
Moreover, the herb has an anti-inflammatory phytonutrient called
anethole that has anti-cancer effects. A 2012 study at the University of
Texas found that this phytonutrient can stop breast cancer cells from
growing. Other phytonutrients like quercetin and limonene present in
this herb also have anticarcinogenic effects.
6. Relieves Menstrual Problems
Many factors, including stress and poor diet, can interrupt a
woman%u2019s regular menstrual cycle. Fennel seeds have emmenagogue
properties that promote and regulate menstrual flow. The herb also has
phytoestrogens that help with issues like premenstrual syndrome,
menopausal disorders, and breast enlargement.
A 2012 study conducted by researchers from Babol University of
Medical Sciences and Health Services in Iran also indicates that fennel
can help reduce symptoms of dysmenorrheal or painful menstruation.
Apart from menstrual benefits, fennel is traditionally used as a
galactagogue to promote lactation in nursing mothers. It also works as
an aphrodisiac to increase libido in both men and women.
7. Treats Respiratory Illnesses
Fennel has mild expectorant properties that help relieve respiratory
tract infections associated with coughs, colds, the flu, and sinus
congestion.
For instance, when suffering with a cough and sore throat, you can
drink warm fennel tea two or three times a day. Also, you can boil two
tablespoons of fennel seeds in one cup of water until half the water
evaporates, strain the solution and gargle with it
8. Prevents Cardiac Problems
Fennel can reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It is a
good source of potassium that helps lower high blood pressure as well
as folate that is needed for converting potentially dangerous
homocysteine molecules into a benign form
9. Promotes Eye Health
Researchers at the Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences &
Research have found that fennel may help reduce eye pressure and promote
the dilation of blood vessels. Thus, it may help prevent or treat
glaucoma, a vision-impairing disease. However, further research and
evaluation is needed in this regard.
Moreover, an Indian study led by researchers from the Department of
Biochemistry at the Shivaji University suggests that fennel seeds
contain a compound (trans-anethole) that may prevent retinopathy
associated with vision loss in diabetics.
You can derive these benefits by drinking fennel tea daily. Also, you
can prepare an infusion of one-half teaspoon of fennel seeds boiled in
one cup of water until half the water evaporates. Strain and cool the
solution and then use it as eye drops to relieve eye strain and
irritation.
10. Improves Memory and Brain Function
Fennel works as a general brain booster. Researchers have found that
fennel seeds help improve cognitive performance. Fennel bulbs and seeds
also have high levels of potassium, which encourages increased
electrical conduction throughout the body, contributing to healthy brain
functioning and cognitive abilities.
Moreover, fennel juice acts as a vasodilator and increases oxygen
supply to the brain. It is also helpful in relieving depression and
delaying the onset of dementia.
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