Fennel (dill pharmacy) is a biennial (perennial) plant. Its 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, however, due to the high content of various oils in its composition today it has become widespread in folk medicine. But what kind of fennel has beneficial properties and contraindications will be described below.
Indications for use
First of all, I want to say that this plant owes its healing properties to a huge amount of various essential oils and vitamins in its composition. In addition, it also has a high level of flavonoids, carotene, glycosides, limonene, fenhona and other substances. It is they who give it a unique taste and aroma. But, despite the fact that traditional healers and culinary specialists have been successfully using fennel for a long time, the beneficial properties and contraindications to the use of this plant are still not fully understood.
Most often it is used in the form of decoctions and infusions in the treatment of diseases such as:
- pneumonia;
- tonsillitis;
- laryngitis;
- flu;
- increased gas formation;
- prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
In addition, according to consultants on breastfeeding, daily consumption of tea from fennel can significantly improve the quality of breast milk and increase its production. These are truly magical fennel has useful properties. The recipes for preparing it for each specific disease are different, but below the most effective and affordable ones will be presented:
- To increase lactation, you need to fill a third of a tablespoon of well-dried leaves and seeds with a glass of hot, freshly boiled water. The resulting infusion is consumed three times a day for a third of a glass a quarter of an hour before each main meal.
- To rid the baby of colic, the infusion is prepared in the above way. At the same time, every hour the baby should drink a teaspoon.
- For colds, it is best to take equally the leaves and chopped roots (200 g) and boil them in a liter of water for 15 minutes. Use the broth twice a day in one glass. In addition, it is great for gargling.
Widely popular healers also use fennel seed, the useful properties of which are no worse than the leaves or roots of a plant.
So, with flatulence, it is useful to chew them on a teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach and immediately before dinner. In any case, it should be understood that fennel, whose beneficial properties and contraindications are not yet fully understood, should be taken with caution. And special attention should be paid to their health when using it.
When not to use fennel?
The main contraindications are as follows:
- epilepsy;
- individual intolerance of the plant itself.
In any case, it should be noted that fennel has useful properties and contraindications, in principle, are the same as most similar plants. A great advantage is the fact that only an allergic reaction can act as side effects. However, it is better to consult a therapist before applying infusions, seeds or decoctions of it.