Fennel

Fennel Seeds is a species in the genus Foeniculum native to the Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia, from Morocco and Portugal east to Pakistan, and north to southern France and Bulgaria. It is a member of the family Apiaceae, formerly the Umbelliferae.

It is a highly aromatic perennial herb, erect, glaucous green, and grows to 2.5 m tall, with hollow stems. The leaves grow up to 40 cm long; they are finely dissected, with the ultimate segments filiform, about 0.5 mm wide. Its leaves are similar to those of dill, yet slightly thinner in comparison. The flowers are produced in terminal compound umbels 5–15 cm wide, each umbel section with 20–50 tiny yellow flowers on short pedicels.

The fruit is a dry seed from 4–10 mm long, half as wide or less, and grooved.[3] Fennel contains anethole, and this, or its polymers, act as phytoestrogens. This can explain some of fennel's action. Essential oil of sweet Fennel is included in some pharmacopoeias. It is traditionally used in medicine to treat chills and stomach problems (carminative, antimicrobal action and so on). In fact, making a strong tea with Fennel seeds is very effective in relieving bloating and gas.

Fennel leaves can be boiled, the steam inhaled to relieve croup, asthma, and bronchitis. Fennel contains Anethole, an antispasmatic, alongside other pharmacologically active substances. Fennel essential oil is used in soaps, and some perfumes