Fennel is considered to be a very important herb used from many years specifically in India, China, Arab and western countries. Apart from being used as a spice, it aids in digestion and provides many health benefits. Fennel tea is prepared by crushing mature fennel seeds. Fennel seeds contain different oil compounds like fenchone, anethole and estragole which have antispasmodic, antibacterial/antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s Benefits!!
Reduces Bloating and Flatulence
If you drink fennel tea regularly it reduces your problem of bloating and flatulence. The important oils in the fennel tea benefit our digestive system. These oils help to relax the smooth muscles of our gastrointestinal tract and helps in reducing bloating and stomach cramps. Many times trapped gases are able to pass through our system more easily and hence there is less chance of foods getting fermented and putrefied in the large intestine. If you drink this tea regularly, it reduces flatulence and prevents you from all those smelly farts as a result of undigested food.
Prevents you from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a condition of large intestine which affects women. The symptoms are generally problematic bowel movements, abdominal pain, stomach cramps bloating, and excessive gas. Fennel tea contains oil compounds which increase the production of gastric juices which benefits in starting the digestion properly. They then regulate the contractions of the intestines, relieve intestinal cramps and release trapped stomach gas. Hence fennel tea with high volatile oil content is most suited to treat IBS
Beats your Bad Breath
Munching few fennel seeds sweetens and refreshes your breath after a meal and you get rid of bad breath especially after meal. The antimicrobial properties of fennel tea fight with the germs causing bad breath. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help in soothing sore gums. If you swish lukewarm fennel tea and gargle with it, it benefits you by reducing bad breath.
Improves Digestion!
Fennel tea is highly beneficial in relieving digestive problems such as constipation, flatulence, colic, bloating, intestinal gas, indigestion, irritable bowel and even heartburn. It stimulates digestion and its carminative effects soothe the digestive tract and prevent formation of gas. It rebuilds the digestive system generally after radiation or chemotherapy treatments. When you chew fennel seeds after your meals it helps in digestion and relieves you of the stomach pains and even bloating. When you are suffering from indigestion, drink fennel tea or take fennel seed powder at least two times a day.
Relieves Water Retention!
When you drink fennel tea regularly it flushes out excess fluids from the body as and works as a diuretic. Applying strong fennel tea under your eyes helps to reduce puffy eyes which are generally caused due to fluid retention. It also prevents and relieves water retention. It helps to remove toxins and helps to reduce the problems of urinary tract problems. The diaphoretic properties of fennel tea stimulate perspiration.
Reduces Obesity!
Fennel is believed to suppress the appetite and hence creates a feeling of fullness. It is a natural fat buster and boosts the process of metabolism and helps in breaking down the fats. As it is diuretic, it reduces water retention, which causes temporary weight gain. Dry roast, grind and sieve fennel seeds and consume about one-half teaspoon of the powder daily with warm water.
Prevents Cancer!
Fennel generally decreases the risk of developing colon cancer as it removes carcinogenic toxins from the colon. Anethole is present in fennel seeds and is an anti-inflammatory phytonutrient and has anti-cancer effects. Anethole is said to prevent growth of breast cancer cells. Quercetin and limonene present in this herb also have anti-carcinogenic effects.
Relieves Menstrual Problems
The emmenagogue properties of fennel seeds promote and regulate menstrual flow. The phytoestrogens in fennel seeds deals with premenstrual syndrome, breast enlargement and menopausal disorders,
Many studies have indicated that fennel reduces symptoms of painful menstruation. It is used as a galactagogue and promotes lactation in nursing mothers.