Fennel

Names in Different Languages

English	Fennel
Urdu	سونف
Hindi	सौंफ
Farsi	رازیانه
Unani	Saunf
French	Fenouil
German	Fenchel

Traditional Uses

In Ayurveda and Unani medicine, fennel seed has long been chewed after meals for digestion and fresh breath, brewed as tea for colic, gas and cough, and used traditionally for menstrual discomfort, low milk supply and menopause symptoms.

Modern Research

Anethole, the main active compound, relaxes gut smooth muscle, which supports fennel's traditional digestive use; randomized trials support infant colic relief and modest menstrual-pain relief, and a 2020 trial reported reduced IBS symptoms. Evidence for menopause and lactation support is smaller and mixed. The EMA accepts fennel tea as a traditional medicine for mild spasmodic digestive complaints but limits use to 2 weeks over estragole concerns.

Uses

• Digestive support (gas, bloating, indigestion)
• Menstrual pain support (traditional)
• Infant colic support (traditional)
• Cooking spice and mouth freshener

Benefits of Use

• Digestive support: antispasmodic action may ease bloating, gas and intestinal cramping
• Menstrual comfort: trials report reduced menstrual pain, comparable to common pain relievers in some studies
• Colic support: fennel seed oil emulsion reduced crying in colicky infants in randomized trials
• Menopause support: small trials report reduced hot flashes and improved menopause symptom scores

Safe Dose & Overdose (mg/g)

Side Effects

• Mild stomach upset, nausea and heartburn in some users
• Allergic reactions, especially in people allergic to celery, carrot, dill or mugwort pollen
• Photosensitivity (increased sun sensitivity) at high doses
• Uterine stimulation at medicinal doses — avoid in pregnancy

Interactions

• Hormone therapies and hormone-sensitive conditions: anethole has mild estrogen-like activity
• Blood thinners: may increase bleeding risk in theory
• Seizure medicines: fennel may interact with some anti-seizure drugs
• Liver-processed drugs: fennel may alter cytochrome P450 enzyme activity
• Diabetes medicines: may add to blood-sugar-lowering effects

Sources

• NutraSmarts Fennel
• ScienceInsights Fennel Safety
• EBSCO Fennel Therapeutic Uses