Edible Parts: Leaves  Root  Seed  Stem
Edible Uses: Condiment

Leaves - raw or cooked[52]. A delicious aniseed flavour, the young leaves are best since older ones become tough. They make a very nice addition to mixed salads[K]. Leaf stalks and stem base - raw, cooked or used as a flavouring in soups etc[50, 61, 183]. A strong, aniseed flavour[K]. They are often blanched before being eaten[183]. Very low in carbohydrates, proteins and fats[132]. Seeds raw or cooked. They have a delicious aniseed flavour and are used as a flavouring in cakes, bread etc[52, 183]. Root - cooked[53]. The flavour is somewhat parsnip-like[K]. A herb tea can be made from the seeds or the leaves[16, 183].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Analgesic  Antiinflammatory  Antispasmodic  Aromatic  Carminative  Diuretic  Emmenagogue  Expectorant  
Galactogogue  Hallucinogenic  Stimulant  Stomachic  Urinary

Fennel is a commonly used household remedy, being useful in the treatment of a variety of complaints, especially those of the digestive system. The seeds, leaves and roots can be used, but the seeds are most active medicinally and are the part normally used[4]. An essential oil is often extracted from the seed for medicinal use, though it should not be given to pregnant women[4, 238]. The plant is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactogogue, hallucinogenic, laxative, stimulant and stomachic[4, 7, 9, 21, 147, 165, 176, 192, 238]. Fennel is often added to purgatives in order to allay their tendency to cause gripe, and also to improve the flavour[4]. An infusion of the root is used to treat urinary disorders[238]. An essential oil obtained from the seed is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Normalising'[210]. The essential oil is bactericidal, carminative and stimulant[218]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity[222].

Dye  Essential  Repellent  Strewing

The seed yields up to 5% of an essential oil[1, 4, 46]. This is used medicinally, as a food flavouring, in toothpastes, soaps, perfumery, air fresheners etc[1, 46, 238]. The flavour of fennel oil depends upon its two main constituents. 'Fenchone' is a bitter tasting element whilst 'anethole' has a sweet anise-like flavour[238]. The proportions of these two ingredients varies according to strain and region. Plants growing in the Mediterranean and southern Europe usually have a sweet oil whilst plants growing in central and northern Europe usually produce a more bitter oil[238]. The quality of the oil also depends upon how well the seed has been dried - the oil from fully ripened and dried seeds being much sweeter and more fragrant[245]. The dried plant is an insect repellent[14, 53], the crushed leaves are effective for keeping dogs free of fleas[201]. The plant was formerly used as a strewing herb[201]. Yellow and brown dyes are obtained from the flowers and leaves combined[168].

Special Uses

Dynamic accumulator  Scented Plants