Medicinal plant fennel ordinary. Fennel is an amazing plant

Fennel- perennial spicy-aromatic plant that belongs to the celery family. Appearance fennel resembles dill (see photo), and its flavor and aroma is more like anise. The plant is native to Southern Europe and Asia Minor, it is also found in the Mediterranean. To date, fennel is grown in many countries of the world, in particular, its largest importers are Italy, Japan, Argentina. In general, fennel is cultivated for its sweet, slightly spicy flavor and distinctive aroma. By the way, given plant also known as sweet dill. Not only the leaves of the plant, but also its other parts, such as seeds, are widely used in cooking.

Cultivated fennel has two types:

• fennel pharmacy - gives only seeds and greens;
• vegetable fennel - this species has a fleshy stem, or as it is also called "head of cabbage".

It is better to store the plant in the refrigerator, but not more than 5 days. Its aroma is not particularly persistent and disappears quickly enough, and therefore fennel should not be stocked up for future use, but it is better to buy fresh if necessary.

cultivation

Knowing about the beneficial properties of the plant, many are thinking about how to grow fennel. Everything is very simple! Fennel is grown from seeds that are sown in the spring (they start doing this from about mid-April, you can sow until the beginning of June). In addition, previously prepared seedlings can be planted (this method is more acceptable, since when growing with seeds, a fleshy head of cabbage may not form at the base of the fennel, which is due to long daylight hours). Seedlings are planted in February-March.

When planting, the bed is first well fertilized and supplied with water, and then covered with a film to retain the necessary moisture. The distance between plants during planting should be about 40 - 50 cm. Such a plant should also be kept between the beds. By the way, we draw your attention to the fact that fennel should be planted separately from other plants, because if there is a lack of moisture, it will take it from other crops that are in close proximity. In addition, it is believed that fennel can inhibit the growth of some plants, for example, such as, and some others.

At the end of May, the fennel must be “twisted”, this is necessary in order to whiten the heads of the plant. The greenery of the plant will delight throughout the summer, and the harvest of konanchik should be harvested closer to autumn.

Beneficial features

The beneficial properties of fennel were well known to doctors. Ancient Greece and Rome. At that time, he was treated for coughs, stomach ailments, headache. In ancient times, it was believed that the plant gives strength and endurance to the human body.

The juice of the spicy plant helps with vision problems, it helps to relieve eye fatigue and reduces irritation. Folk recipes recommend the plant for the treatment of conjunctivitis and even cataracts.

Fennel is known for its antioxidant effect on the human body, because it contains very beneficial substance anethol. It prevents the development of cancer, is an effective hepatoprotector.

Vitamin C, which is found in fennel in a considerable amount, provides normal work immune system, helps with arthritis. In addition, Ayurveda recommends using the roots of the plant as a mild laxative, and the seeds as a stimulant.

The plant is used as a remedy that improves the process of milk production in lactating women. Fennel mimics the production of a female hormone, which sets the endocrine system to produce estrogen.

It should also be noted that fennel has enough a large number of essential oil. It is used in aromatherapy as a remedy for cellulite and obesity. To this end, it will be enough to add a few drops of essential oil to an anti-cellulite cream or mixture designed to combat "orange peel".

Application in cooking

In cooking, the spicy plant is used in different types: as a seasoning, salad dressing, etc. For gastronomic purposes, as a rule, dried seeds or leaves of the plant are used. Gourmets claim that the taste and aroma of fennel is most fully revealed with white fish. Actually, it is precisely for this reason that fennel is used for baking fish, and besides meat, adding ginger to it.

Fennel heads are recommended to be stewed or baked, and then served with meat dishes as an unusual side dish. You need to buy them with special vigilance, because, as we mentioned earlier, fennel tends to lose its unique aroma and brightness of taste over time. So, sprouts should be dense and light green, the aroma should be fresh with notes of anise. Properly cooked fennel has a wonderful taste.

Interestingly, in India, fennel seeds are served at the end of the meal, as a dessert and to freshen your breath after a meal. To do this, they are rolled in sugar to add a pleasant sweet taste.

The seeds of the plant can be consumed whole or ground. By the way, fennel is quite often used for various kinds pickles and preservation. Its aroma combines notes of anise and dill, so it is best suited for pickling cucumbers and other vegetables.

Fennel is high in fatty oils, which are sometimes used as a substitute for cocoa butter. In the manufacture of bakery products, sweet rolls and cookies can be sprinkled with seeds. Fennel is included in some pudding and pie recipes.

The leaves and petioles of the plant are used in the national cuisine of China, India, as well as Romania and Hungary. Here they prepare traditional vegetable soups, as well as fish dishes. Besides a small amount of leaves are added to salads and meat dishes.

Fennel lovers brew its leaves like tea, sometimes ginger is added to this drink. A hot drink of these two components will protect well from colds.

Fennel benefits and treatment

The benefits of fennel are due to its composition. Young children are given the so-called "dill water", which is also made from fennel. This remedy is great for bloating and gas accumulation. Among the people, it is sometimes called medicinal dill, although fennel does not have many similarities with garden dill.

Fennel-based preparations are widely used as an antispasmodic and carminative. Fennel decoctions are used for bronchitis and whooping cough.

The fruits of the plant, due to their delicate aroma, awaken the appetite and improve digestive processes. Fennel is known for its antifungal properties. Essential oil can be used as a sanitation of the premises, this will significantly reduce the number of fungi in the space.

There is evidence that fennel essential oil has an exciting effect on men and women.

By the way, you can buy fennel in any supermarket or market, but you will find its essential oil only in a pharmacy. In addition, the plant can be bought in the form of herbal tea.

Fennel harm and contraindications

There are no contraindications to the use of the plant as such. Of course, because of the antispasmodic effect of fennel, it is better not to use it for pregnant women and people suffering from epilepsy. Do not exclude the individual intolerance to the product.

Fennel - what it is, is known to many. Valuable medicinal plant applied in alternative medicine from ancient times. The Mediterranean is considered the birthplace of the plant. Since ancient times, the plant has been popular in China, Egypt, India, Greece, Rome. He was credited magical properties. Since the time of Hippocrates, fennel has been known as a choleretic, diuretic and expectorant.

Fennel was also considered a talisman. Bunches were hung from front door at home and believed that this was an ideal remedy for damage, the evil eye. Since ancient times, the plant has been widely used by folk healers and healers for the treatment of eye pathologies. Back in 1563, the doctor of King Ferdinand I, Mattiolus, published a treatise "on the strength and effects of fennel", where he spoke about the miraculous effect of the plant on the body. He wrote that the seeds help to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, improve appetite, treat flatulence, painful periods, and CNS disorders.

In the eighteenth century, fennel preparations were used to treat a lot of pathologies, in particular nephrolithiasis. Today, the plant is still in the same demand and is used to treat many diseases.

Fennel: use in medicine, aromatherapy, cooking

Means based on a miraculous plant treat flatulence, colitis, spasms, bronchitis. The berries of the plant are a component of herbal preparations, teas, dietary supplements. The plant is also used in traditional medicine.

The greenery of the plant has a pleasant, slightly sweet refreshing taste. Seasonings for fish soups and sauces are made from it. In Italy, fennel is pickled. The seeds of the plant are used to make bread and sausages. Leaves are used for conservation. Berries are the raw material from which they are obtained vegetable oil used in the preparation of confectionery and alcoholic beverages.

The plant is valued, or rather its oils in aromatherapy. Even small children can be treated with fennel preparations.

Fennel - what is it? Plant characteristic

Fennel is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Celery family and reaches a height of one and a half meters or more. Fennel is equipped with rounded erect, thinly ribbed, highly branched stems with a bluish bloom, alternate pinnately dissected large petiolate or sessile leaves, small yellowish, five-petaled flowers collected in complex umbrellas. Fennel fruits are oblong, greenish-brown, bare vines. Fennel begins to bloom in July, the flowering period lasts until September. Fruit ripening occurs at the beginning autumn period.

North Caucasus, Russia, Ukraine, Crimea, middle Asia- the habitat of the plant.

Collection and preparation

For the manufacture of medicines use the fruits of the plant. Since they do not ripen at the same time, it is recommended to harvest several times. First, slightly yellowed umbrellas are collected, and only then, after the fruit ripens, the rest of the plant is cut off.

Such selective harvesting requires care and caution, but the raw material has high quality than what is obtained by mass collection.

After harvesting, the raw material ripens and dries. Plants can be laid out on paper and dried on fresh air, under a canopy, or you can use the dryer. So dry the raw material much faster. You can store the harvested raw materials for three years, in a dry place, paper bags.

Composition and benefits

No wonder fennel has a wide application and is valued not only by healers, but also by culinary specialists. It contains a large number of:

• essential oils:
• anethole;
• limonene;
• proteins;
• fatty oils;
• sugars;
• coumarins;
• vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, PP;
• ascorbic acid;
• micro and macro elements: zinc, iron, phosphorus, manganese, copper, sodium, calcium;
• folic acid.

Plant preparations contribute to:

• improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• increased secretion of the digestive glands;
• regulation of motor activity of the intestine;
• increased secretion of milk in lactating women;
• improvement of appetite;
• increase the body's defenses;
• treatment of whooping cough, asthma, migraines, colitis, flatulence, dyspepsia, impotence, neurasthenia, skin pathologies.

Folk recipes

Cold pathologies, neurasthenia, spastic colitis: the use of infusion

Brew thirty grams of dried crushed plant raw materials with boiled water - 400 milliliters. Prothome the composition in a water bath for twenty minutes. Leave it to stand. Take 60 ml of the filtered drug after each meal.

Dill water for babies

The remedy is recommended to treat flatulence in young children. Soak a handful of plant seeds in four hundred milliliters of boiling water. Leave the product to brew, literally for forty minutes. After straining the remedy, give the baby two tablespoons of the drug three times throughout the day.

Preparation of an agent that improves lactation

Combine equal amounts of fennel seeds with sowing oats, barley seeds, hops (cones), galega, dill, hay fenugreek and cumin. All components must be pre-dried and crushed. Brew two tablespoons of the mixture in boiling water - half a liter. Infuse the drug for two hours. Drink half a glass of strained drink after each meal.

Dyspepsia, indigestion: therapy with a healing drink

Combine equal amounts of fennel seeds with peppermint, navel flowers, lemon balm, angelica rhizomes, wormwood. Cut the ingredients finely and brew thirty grams of the mixture in boiling water - two hundred milliliters. Let the tool sit for a bit. Drink 50 milliliters of strained composition at least four times a day.

Gastroesophageal reflux: collection therapy

Take 10 grams of fennel seeds with chamomile, lemon balm leaves, marjoram - the same amount. Grind the raw materials and brew with freshly boiled water - half a liter. After two hours, strain the composition and use fifty milliliters of the drug three times a day.

Cough soothing agent

Mix in equal proportions dried fennel seeds with mallow, mullein. Cut the components and brew in 200 ml of boiling water. Sweat the product over low heat for a quarter of an hour. Drink 70 ml of the filtered composition at least three times a day.

We eliminate the unpleasant manifestations of menopause

Mix fennel fruits with string, woodruff, motherwort, oregano, elecampane rhizomes, calendula, chamomile, flaxseed. Finely chop the ingredients and brew in boiled water - half a liter. The composition should be infused for an hour. It is recommended to consume 200 ml of filtered drink three times a day.

Fennel in the treatment of algomenorrhea

Take fifteen grams of dry fennel fruit and combine with poplar buds, eucalyptus leaves, hoof, flaxseed, violet, motherwort, yarrow, elecampane rhizomes. Steam two tablespoons of the mixture in four hundred milliliters of freshly boiled water. Let the composition sit for a bit. Drink half a glass of strained drink after each meal.

Impotence remedy

Combine fennel fruits with wild rose, orchid tubers, yarrow, immortelle, mordovnik, eleutherococcus, sage, plantain, periwinkle, goose cinquefoil, centaury, elecampane rhizomes, knotweed. Brew the mixture with boiled water - half a liter. Leave the composition to infuse. It is recommended to drink a glass of drink twice a day.

Contraindications!

It is strongly not recommended to take plant preparations with individual intolerance, pregnancy. Do not abuse the means, exceed the indicated dosages or use the plant in medicinal purposes without prior consultation with the attending physician.

Fennel is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the umbrella family. It has a tall (up to 2 m) branched stem, which, like the leaves, has a bluish color. It looks like dill, but tastes and smells like anise. The most common types of fennel are ordinary and vegetable. The latter species is distinguished by a more fleshy trunk. Fennel leaves are dissected into long thread-like lobes. Blooms in June-July yellow flowers collected in multi-beam complex inflorescences-umbrellas. Fennel fruits are oblong ribbed two-seeded seeds of a grayish-greenish color. Fennel has a sweet and spicy aroma and anise flavor.

Fennel has become known to man many centuries ago. Even in ancient Greece, this plant was considered a symbol of victory and success.

Other names

Pharmacy dill, Voloshsky dill, ANETUM FOENICULUM L., FOENICULUM VULGARE MILL., SAUNF.

Places of growth

Fennel is native to Southern Europe and Asia Minor. It is currently grown in areas with temperate climate South and Western Europe, East India, China, New Zealand, Japan, South America and in southern Africa.

Applied Part

The whole is used as a spice. above-ground part plants, seeds and roots.

Chemical composition

Collection and storage

Leaves are harvested throughout the summer. They are dried in the shade, spread out thin layer on clean paper, turning occasionally. Fennel grass can be prepared by dry salting, just like parsley, dill, etc.

Store dried herbs in an airtight cardboard box or in canvas bags.

Fennel seeds are harvested as they ripen in September, when the fruits in umbrellas become brown in color. The upper parts (umbrellas) are cut off, tied with sheaves and dried in the shade at a temperature not exceeding 35 C. After threshing, the seeds are dried and stored in a tightly closed container. fennel root dug up late autumn. Having cleared from the ground and dried, it is stored as root crops - best of all in a dry cellar.

fennel pretty rare plant in Russia. In other countries, this herb has been widely used.

In our country, usually, for the first time, girls learn about fennel in the maternity hospital, as about dill water, which can increase the flow of milk when feeding a child or relieve colic in infants. But on this beneficial features fennel are not limited. This plant carries a lot miraculous properties and can replace many drugs. Let's take a closer look at this unusually valuable plant.

Fennel plant. What is it?

Fennel is a herbaceous, up to 2 meters tall, biennial or perennial belonging to the umbrella family. This medicinal herb with pale yellow small flowers has been known since ancient times.

Outwardly, fennel resembles dill, tastes like anise. Fennel differs from anise in a more pronounced sweetish taste, with hints of tarragon and mint.

What types of fennel are known

There are two types of fennel ordinary and vegetable.

• Fennel ordinary attracts attention with the aroma of leaves and fruits. In another way, it is called pharmacy dill.
• Vegetable fennel, known as Italian, Florentine, is grown to produce juicy heads of cabbage, leaf petioles.

Where is fennel used?

Fennel has found its application in medicine, cosmetology, cooking, soap production, veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, and beverage production.

Fennel in medicine

Fennel ordinary medicine known from time immemorial. This plant contains substances that improve digestion, have a diuretic, expectorant effect. Fennel is indispensable for infants. It helps relieve colic and intestinal pain in babies, is indispensable assistant parents when caring for young children.

For problems with the digestive system in adults, fennel is recommended with bloating, colitis, to relieve stomach cramps, constipation. This is medicinal plant used to increase the muscle tone of the stomach, the treatment of atony. Ancient physicians noticed this important property fennel ordinary, as an increase in appetite. Fennel root can replace the most expensive synthetic laxative.

"Dill water" is used as sedative with insomnia.

Fennel is a natural hormonal remedy. In its composition, it contains anethole - an essential oil that promotes the production of estrogens (female hormones). Thanks to this, fennel - irreplaceable plant for women. It normalizes the balance of hormones, facilitates the course of menstruation, menopause. In the postpartum period, fennel contributes to the normalization of milk production during breastfeeding.

Modern medicine, along with homeopathy, prescribes decoctions of fennel for respiratory diseases: cough, bronchitis, pneumonia as an expectorant.

Fennel has been shown to have antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Fennel in cooking

Fennel has been known since ancient times as a condiment, a spice that has a sweetish-spicy taste. It is also called sweet cumin. In cooking, almost all parts of this plant are used: from the root to the seeds. "Paws" (leaves) are added to salads, first courses. Fennel gives an extraordinary taste to fish and meat dishes. Fennel fruits (oblong seeds) are used in pickles, marinades. They are able to replace cumin seeds. The root is used in baking.

In Europe, fennel is used in the production of sausages, sausages, and cheese.

Contraindications when using fennel

Like any medicinal plant, fennel must be used with care. Herb and fennel fruits contain specific substances, including essential oil, which can both heal the human body and cause harm if used improperly.

Fennel is contraindicated in pregnant women, as bleeding and abortion are possible.

This herb is contraindicated for people with intolerance to the aroma of cumin and anise. Essential oils contained in seeds, plants can cause allergies.

How to grow fennel

Despite the contraindications for fennel, this plant generally has a beneficial effect on human health, rejuvenates the body. In Russia it natural medicine not as widespread as in Europe or Asia. The benefits of this plant are obvious, so many people wanted to have it at hand, preferably in the country, in the garden.

How to grow fennel personal plot? The simplest and reliable way- sow fennel seeds in fertile soil, away from dill, basil, parsley, cilantro. The proximity of related plants can contribute to cross-pollination and deterioration of the taste of seeds. Watering, loosening the soil - these are unpretentious actions, and the most valuable medicinal herb will delight you with its harvest.

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A plant called Fennel belongs to the Umbelliferae family. In our country, the plant is also called Voloshsky or pharmacy dill. Fennel has been valued since ancient times as a medicinal plant and spice.

Other names for this herbaceous perennial:

• Foeniculum vulgare (lat.),
• Fennel (English)
• Fenouil, Aneth doux (fr.),
• Sußfenchel, Gewürzfenchel, Brotwürzkörner, Brotanis (German).

Fennel is widely used both in medicine and in cooking.

Appearance

Fennel is noted to be very similar to dill, although the taste and aroma of this plant is more spicy, slightly spicy and sweet.

• The fennel stem is straight and hollow, bluish-green in color, grows up to 250 cm in height. Longitudinal stripes can be seen on the stems of old plants.
• Fennel leaves resemble dill leaves, but are thinner and have an anise-like flavor.
• Flowers are represented by umbrellas up to 15 cm wide, consisting of tiny yellow flowers with short legs (up to fifty in each section). The plant begins to bloom in early summer.
• The fruits, represented by long gray ribbed two-seeded seeds, gives in September.

Fennel leaves are clearly similar to dill, but their taste is aniseed, and to some it resembles a mixture of mint and tarragon

Tiny fennel flowers are represented by umbrellas and have yellow

Fennel bears fruits in the form of seeds, gray color

Kinds

Today, there are about ten varieties of plants, but only two of them are used for food:

• ordinary;
• vegetable (its other names are Italian, Sicilian or French).

As a vegetable, fennel began to be used recently - about 10 years. The plant is mainly used as a herb.

In vegetable fennel, the bases of the leaves are inflated, due to which a bulbous structure is formed. The taste of this cultivated fennel is sweeter and more aromatic (reminiscent of anise), and the plant is smaller.

Vegetable fennel is distinguished by inflated leaves that form a large bulb

Where does it grow

Fennel is native to Asia Minor and southern Europe. Now it is grown throughout Europe, in India, Japan, South America, New Zealand and other parts of the planet. The plant can be seen near houses, roads, on the slopes of mountains, in ditches, among other herbs. Wild fennel grows in the Caucasus and on the Mediterranean coast. The plant is cultivated in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus.

Fennel is cultivated all over the world, and grows wild in the Caucasus

spice making method

As a spice, used:

• aerial part (leaves),
• root;
• fruits (seeds).

Leaves are harvested in summer period. They are laid out to dry in a thin layer in a shaded place on clean paper. Periodically, the raw material is turned over.

Dried herbs should be put in a canvas bag or cardboard box and sealed tightly.

Also, for harvesting fennel herbs, the dry salting method is used, which is used to harvest dill, parsley and other herbs.

Dried fennel leaves are used in winter period, in this form they do not lose their flavor

Characteristics

• Fennel is valued for its fragrant edible leaves and fruits.
• The plant is used in cosmetology, cooking, as well as in medicine.
• Fennel fruit contains an essential oil.
• The appearance and use of fennel make the plant look like dill.

Nutritional value and calories

Chemical composition

• Vitamins A, C, PP, group B.
• Magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium.
• Copper, iron, manganese, zinc.
• Essential oils - up to 0.5 percent in leaves and up to 6.5 percent in fruits.

Beneficial features

• The plant has an antispasmodic and slight diuretic effect.
• Fennel has disinfectant properties.
• Aroma oil from this plant helps to eliminate toxins.
• Fennel powder is included in cough medicines as a good expectorant.
• The plant helps in restoring appetite during the recovery period, improves digestion.
• Used externally, an infusion of fennel fruits helps with fungal diseases.
• The plant has a calming effect.
• Fennel is able to stimulate lactation.

Fennel effectively helps the digestive system, removes toxins, relieves spasms and is even used as a sedative.

Harm

• Seeds and other parts of the plant can be harmful if they are intolerant or consumed in excess.
• The plant is not recommended for pregnant women and patients with epilepsy.
• When breastfeeding, use fennel with caution.
• Abuse of the plant causes allergic reactions and indigestion.

Butter

Fennel aromatic oil is obtained by steam distillation of its seeds. Fennel EO contains fenchol, limonene, anethole, camphene, phellandrene, pinene. The oil has a spicy sweet smell, remotely similar to anise.

Benefits of Fennel EO:

• comprehensively cleanses the body, helps to remove toxins;
• has a mild laxative and diuretic effect;
• activates digestion;
• helps with bloating and constipation;
• in women, it stimulates the endocrine system and the production of estrogen, which alleviates PMS, painful periods and menopausal difficulties;
• increases lactation;
• enhances sexual desire;
• reduces inflammation and facilitates the separation of sputum;
• improves heart function;
• helps to cope with hiccups and colic;
• rejuvenates the skin;
• helps fight acne.

Fennel essential oil is effective for women's diseases, for the heart, for digestive system and problematic skin

Fennel oil is added to cosmetic preparations (gel, mask, tonic, cream, and others), used for massage, for compresses, baths, inhalations, and also added to an aroma lamp to sanitize the air. It is also in demand in the production household chemicals(as perfume) and Food Industry(as flavoring).

Essential oil fennel is added to various cosmetic preparations as a rejuvenating component

Fruits (seeds)

Fennel fruit is usually not very correctly called seeds.

Decaying fruits form from yellow flowers.

Characteristics

• Shape - from oval to cylindrical, slightly curved.
• Aroma - spicy-sweet anise.
• Fruit color - greenish or yellow-green, length - 3-8 mm.

Ripe fruits are harvested in autumn.

Larger seeds are of the highest quality.

Fennel fruits are greenish or yellow-green in color, their length does not exceed 8 mm.

Application in cooking from different countries

• In Central Europe, they are most often seasoned with bread;
• In Europe, for example, Italy - lentils, sausages, various fillings. It is a common seasoning for suckling pig (porchetta).
• In Asia, India and China, curries, rice dishes and vegetables are flavored with other spices.

Application

In cooking

• Fennel as a spice is in demand in Chinese, Indian and European cuisine.
• Fennel leaves serve as a seasoning added to salads, potatoes, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish.
• The plant is used to add flavor to gravy, sauce or soup.
• Dried fennel is either crushed or lightly roasted before use.
• Fennel is added to tea, pastries, drinks.
• This spice is included in well-known mixtures - curry, Provence, Chinese (5 spices), European for fish.
• Fennel umbrellas are used in canning and pickling.
• As a vegetable, the plant is boiled, stewed, pickled or baked.
• Fennel goes great with olive oil, pepper, lemon juice, apples.
• Sugar-dipped fennel seeds are served as a dessert in Indian restaurants.

Fennel bulbs go well in fruit and vegetable salads.

Fennel seeds are great for flavoring soups with a spicy flavor.

Fennel bulbs are baked as an independent dish

Watch the following video from the TV show "1000 and 1 Spice of Scheherazade". From it you will learn everything about the fennel plant.

In medicine

Fennel is called one of the most ancient medicines. His beneficial effect people discovered before our era.

Medicinal raw materials of fennel are its ripe fruits.

The medicinal raw material of fennel is its seeds.

The plant is valued for the following medicinal properties:

• antimicrobial;
• expectorant;
• anticonvulsant;
• vasodilating;
• diuretic;
• sedative;
• bronchodilator;
• enveloping;

In addition, the following effects of fennel on the body are noted:

• antispasmodic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• wound healing;
• anthelmintic;
• painkiller;
• antioxidant;
• choleretic;
• disinfectant;
• laxative;
• lactagon.

A decoction of fennel seeds has a beneficial effect on the entire body as a whole.

A decoction of the seeds is used to wash the skin against pustular lesions, as well as wash the eyes with conjunctivitis. It is drunk to get rid of flatulence and insomnia. Since the plant improves vision, its extracts are included in tonic eye preparations.

In cosmetology

Fennel is actively used by cosmetologists, since the plant restores the moisture of the skin well, promotes rejuvenation and tones the skin.

Essential oils obtained from fennel leaves and seeds are used as:

• component of tonic lotions and body creams;
• massage agent, combining them with a base oil (almond, olive or other);
• ingredient in anti-aging creams.

Fennel is widely used in cosmetology, it perfectly restores and rejuvenates the skin.

When losing weight

Those who are on a diet should turn to fennel close attention. The active substances in the composition of the plant can dull the feeling of hunger. In addition, the plant contains vitamins and minerals that support the body on a diet.

Features of the use of fennel for weight loss:

• The plant can be eaten raw and made into a tea.
• Fennel EO is added to baths and used for massage.
• For tea, take chamomile flowers, fennel seeds, linden flowers and mint leaves (a teaspoon of all plants). Pour boiling water and leave for one hour. Consume hot or cold once a day. Do not drink this tea for more than one week.

At home

The plant is grown as an indoor plant to add a fresh, sweet smell to the room.

• Fennel EO is used in the perfume industry.
• Fatty oil of fennel, obtained in the process of distillation of aromatic oil, is used in engineering. Waste after its receipt is fed to livestock.
• The plant is sometimes used to flavor toothpaste.

cultivation

Growing fennel in the garden is very easy. The plant grows well in open fertile areas with a sufficient level of moisture and the amount of lime in the soil. Fennel does not grow well in acidic, waterlogged or clay soil.

Fennel is easy to grow in the garden, it is enough to fertilize the soil before sowing, and it is good to water it during growth.

The plant is propagated by seeds, sowing them dry both in autumn (late October) and in spring (early May). Seedlings must be thinned out, the soil is regularly loosened, watered and weeded in a timely manner. If the plant grows too densely and receives little moisture, then it will shoot faster, which will reduce the green yield. You can harvest fennel as the greens grow.

Fennel can be grown from seeds and at home on a windowsill

To get your fennel seeds to plant, you need to let them mature. Having collected them in September in umbrellas, the raw materials are tied into sheaves and dried in the shade. Then the umbrellas are threshed, the seeds are dried a little and put away for storage in a closed container.