Fennel, also known as saunf, has been a reliable medicinal, therapeutic and herbal plant since medieval ages. Its popularity has widely grown across India, China, Middle East, Europe and throughout the world because of its numerous health benefits. In fact, this aromatic and flavored herb was used by several communities in treating snake and insect bites and was insanely preferred by athletes to maintain stamina. The ardent and unique flavor of fennel makes it a very useful ingredient in kitchen recipes. The best way to consume fennel is by directly eating whole fennel seeds or preparing fennel tea. To prepare fennel tea, crush or grind fennel seeds and add the powdered fennel to hot water. Allow the hot water to seep in through the fennel, then strain and your cup of fennel tea is ready.
A fit body is a combined result of balanced diet and strong immune system [1] . Fennel seeds provide robust immunity to the body with its excellent capabilities to drive away bacteria and viruses from the body. Fennel comprises of selenium which triggers faster production of T-cells in the body. T-cells are the chief cells which initiate immune response in the body. Higher the production of T-cells, better is the immunity of the body. Fennel seeds particularly bring fast immune responses towards respiratory disorders such as cold, cough, fever, bronchitis and congestion.
Bad breath mainly occurs due to growth of bacteria and germs inside the mouth or due to improper digestion [2] . Fennel seeds possess anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which help in fighting the growth of germs and bacteria. In addition, fennel seeds act as a mouth-freshener giving an aromatic fragrance to mouth. Simply gargle or wash your mouth properly with the fennel tea to overcome bad breath. Also, chewing one teaspoon of fennel seeds fights against germs and helps in getting rid off bad breath.
Breast-feeding babies often suffer from colic due to stomach cramps or intestinal spasms [3] . This causes severe and persistent pain which results into uncontrollable crying of infants. Try Fennel tea! It is very effective in treating colic in babies. Boil one cup of water with three teaspoons of fennel seeds and half cup of sugar. When the liquid attains a consistency of syrup, allow it to cool and strain. Feed your infant with one teaspoon of this syrup, three times a day. If available, you can also add chamomile, vervain, licorice, and balm-mint to the syrup to make it more effective against colic.
Fennel is a rich source of antioxidants, phytonutrients, limonene and quercetin which are anti-carcinogenic in nature [4] . Fennel restricts the uncontrolled cell growth in breast and reduces risk of breast cancer. It removes carcinogenic toxins from colon and reduces risk of colon cancer, prostrate cancer and lung cancer. Fennel tea is also very effective in treating digestion problems of cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. In addition, fennel lowers down the activity of NF Kappa B, a protein found in the body which may induce growth of cancer cells, thereby safeguarding from cancer possibilities.
Fennel tea is a miracle remedy to reduce puffiness below the eyes [5] . Simply dip a cotton ball in fennel tea and place it on the eye lids for about 15-20 minutes. It will calm your eyes and reduce the swelling under the eyes after a bad night’s sleep. In addition, fennel is also good for improving vision of eyes and fighting eye infections such as conjunctivitis. Fennel also helps in decreasing the pressure on eyes and promoting dilation of blood vessels, which reduces risk of loss of vision in diabetic patients.
Fennel tea contains abundant antioxidants, fibers and vitamins which help in lowering bad cholesterol and protecting good health of heart [6] . Also, fennel ensures proper functioning of liver – which is responsible for appropriate breakdown of cholesterol. Less quantity of free cholesterol in the body ultimately reduces risk of heart diseases.
Fennel tea contains volatile oils which aid digestion process by ensuring proper relaxation of smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract [7] . This decreases symptoms of bloating and flatulence. Being a diuretic, fennel tea flushes out toxins and excess fluids from the body, thereby relieving from water retention and reducing urinary tract infections. The volatile oil compounds present in the fennel seeds also eases contractions of intestines and helps in correcting irritable bowl syndrome and stomach cramps.
With its diuretic properties, fennel tea regulates the levels of blood sugar by removing excess salts and sugar through regular urination [8] . In addition, fennel also comprises of Gluconorm – 5, which reduces the overall production of glucose in the body. Also, good quantity of vitamin C, potassium and magnesium in fennel seeds checks the excessive production of insulin in the body. These nutrients also help in nullifying the harmful effects of sodium, thus maintaining the proper levels of blood pressure and reducing hypertension problems.
A cup of fennel tea is an excellent remedy in cases of cold and sore throat [9] . It warms up the throat and gives a soothing feeling. Fennel is considered to be a natural expectorant which helps in losing the mucous and getting rid off respiratory infections such as accumulated cough, flu and sinus congestion. Anti-bacterial properties of fennel seeds also help in getting some relief from the problems of asthma.
This is one of the most unconventional health benefits of the fennel tea [10] . Higher potassium content in the fennel leads to increased electrical conduction in the body which further results into improving brain functioning. Apart from better cognitive abilities, fennel tea also acts as vasodilator which escalates the supply of oxygen to the brain. Increased availability of oxygen to the brain ultimately delays dementia and brings relief from depression. Thus in long term, regular consumption of fennel seeds or fennel tea helps in boosting memory power and increasing brain activity.
In addition to these health benefits, fennel tea is also very effective in boosting metabolism, cleansing toxins, burning fat, improving hormonal balance, reducing joint pain and gout.
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