Fennel (Feoniculum vulgare or officinale) Sweet fennel tastes like licorice. It is used to flavor pickles, candies, breads, and liqueurs.

As a medicinal herb, the seeds, bulbs, and stems of fennel are used to reduce flatulence, aid digestion, regulate appetite, fight infection, increase flow of milk in nursing mothers, and to heal snake bites. The active ingredients in fennel help sooth and protect the small and large intestines.

Fennel seeds are good for colic, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, and coughs due to colds. Fennel is also used to treat gum disorders, loose teeth, laryngitis, and sore throats. Fennel root decoctions (strong teas) are effective in preventing kidney stones and reducing high uric acid content. Recent studies have found fennel to possess diuretic, choleretic (increases bile), pain reducing, and fever reducing actions.

Fennel seed tea is easy to make. Just crush or grind the seeds and boil in water for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep the pot covered. Cool, strain, and take 3 times a day.

Fennel is rich in volatile oils that have estrogen like qualities. These oils inhibits smooth muscles spasms. Fennel essential oil is often added to chest rubs along with thyme, eucalyptus, and almond oil. This rub is an effective treatment for coughs.

In medieval times people chewed fennel seeds to subdue growling stomachs. Cold infusions were used to tighten wrinkled skin and to bath tired eyes.

The tasty seeds can be chewed or added to food. The bulbous stems are used as a vegetable. Fennel leaves are good with fish and make a fine sauce for pork chops. To make fennel sauce, add 5 tablespoons of chopped fennel leaves to 1 cup cream, lightly whipped. Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon over cooked chops and return to oven until hot.

Fennel is originally from Europe and is known to have been cultivated in Asia and Egypt for thousands of years. Fennel is a tender perennial that does well here in North Georgia. One planting will last for many years if not dug for the roots. The plant reaches 3-5 feet tall and resembles a dark-colored fern. The bright green stems produce flat clusters of golden flowers. Sow seeds directly into the garden. Grow in full sun and light, well-drained soil.

*Do not use fennel tincture or capsules for more than six weeks. Avoid fennel during pregnancy. Do not use high doses of fennel in cases of estrogen dependent cancers.