Fennel: useful properties and contraindications for use

Fennel( dill pharmacy) is a biennial( perennial) plant. The bush can reach a height of more than two meters. Distinctive features are a strong specific smell and a powerful root system. Initially it was used only as a seasoning, but due to the high content of various oils in its composition today has become widespread in folk medicine. But about what exactly has fennel useful properties and contraindications, and will be told below.

Indications for use

First of all I want to say that this plant owes its medicinal properties to a huge number of different essential oils and vitamins in its composition. In addition, it also high levels of flavonoids, carotene, glycosides, limonenes, fenhone and other substances. They also give it a unique taste and aroma. But, despite the fact that folk healers and cooks have been using fennel for a long time, useful properties and contraindications to the use of this plant have not yet been fully studied.

Most often it is used in the form of decoctions and infusions in the treatment of diseases such as:

• pneumonia;
• tonsillitis;
• laryngitis;
• influenza;
• increased gas production;
• prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

In addition, according to breastfeeding consultants, the daily use of fennel tea can significantly improve the quality of breast milk and increase its production. Here such truly magical fennel has useful properties. The recipes for cooking it for each particular disease are different, but the most effective and affordable ones will be presented below:

1. To increase lactation, a third of a tablespoon of well-dried leaves and seeds should be poured into a glass of hot, freshly boiled water. The resulting infusion is consumed thrice a day in a third of a cup a quarter of an hour before each main meal.
2. To get rid of the baby from colic, the infusion is prepared by the above method. At the same time every hour a kid should drink a teaspoon.
3. For catarrhal diseases, it is best to take an equal number of leaves and crushed roots( 200 g) and boil them in a liter of water for 15 minutes. Use a decoction twice a day for one glass. In addition, it is great for gargling.

Widely popular healers use also a seed of fennel, the useful properties of which are no worse than the leaves or roots of the plant.

So, with meteorism it is useful to chew them on a teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach and just before dinner. In any case, it should be understood that fennel, useful properties and contraindications of which have not been fully studied, should be taken with caution. And special attention should be paid to your well-being when using it.

When should you not eat fennel?

The main contraindications are the following:

• epilepsy;
• individual intolerance of the plant itself.

In any case, it should be noted that fennel has beneficial properties and contraindications in principle are the same as most similar plants. The great advantage is also the fact that as side effects can act only an allergic reaction. However, it is better to consult a therapist before using infusions, seeds or decoctions of it.