Fennel tea is made from the widely grown culinary herb which is cultivated all over the world, although it is originally from the shores of the Mediterranean. Fennel herb has been used for thousands of years and has a wide range of beneficial health properties.
Fennel is a traditional element of Chinese, Arab, Indian, and Western herbal medicines, and it is so diverse that it was even used by the Chinese and Hindus as a snake bite remedy.
Fennel herb tea is so gentle that it is safe enough to be used with both babies and children. It should not be given in high doses, however, as there is a risk that it can cause muscular spasms and hallucinations.
The Benefits of Fennel Tea
- When using the dried seeds it is better to use seeds that are at least one year old. Although it is possible to make the tea by using seeds, it is also possible to buy fennel herb in ready-prepared form from health food shops. Fennel as an herb has wonderful antioxidant, anti inflammatory and decongestant as well as anti spasmodic properties.
- Fennel tea drunk just three times a day is thought to improve the symptoms of most upper respiratory tract ailments such as bronchitis, whooping cough, and asthma. The tea itself is easy enough to make if ready-made tea bags are not available. Steep the seeds in boiling water for about 10 minutes, then strain before drinking.
- Fennel helps to aid digestion and improve the appetite of those who have been ill. Fennel tea is also ideal for alleviating the symptoms of premenstrual tension, as it can help to ease abdominal cramps, upset stomach, and bloating. The tea stimulates the effects of estrogen and can be used to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes by balancing estrogen levels.
- Fennel herb tea can also be used as a wash and can help breastfeeding women suffering with sore nipples or infection. Just dip a cloth in the tea mixture and apply to the affected area three times a day.
- Used as a wash, fennel herbal tea is also perfect for helping to treat eye infections such as conjunctivitis and is ideal as a mouthwash due to its fresh taste.
- Fennel helps to break up kidney stones. Sipping the tea can also alleviate hiccups, prevent gout, and reverse alcohol damage to the liver as well as treating jaundice. The herb tea can also boost metabolism during weight loss and can aid in flushing toxins and excess water from the body.
- Drinking fennel herb tea can relieve sore throats and can even help to reduce fever.
Side Effects of Fennel
Although there have been no major side effects from using fennel herb tea reported, if using in large quantities then it is always advisable to seek expert medical opinion.
As with all herbal remedies, fennel may have an adverse effect on people already on medications by either increasing or decreasing their effectiveness. Some rare reports of allergic reactions have been reported, so persons prone to allergies should seek professional medical advice.
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HERBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF REMEDIES