Foeniculum vulgare Fennel (Umbelliferae) Evergreen perennial

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Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Foeniculum vulgare plant species is found in S. Europe. Naturalized in Britain. It is a member of the Umbelliferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Fennel. Some home gardeners know the variety as F. officinale.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Foeniculum vulgare
Common Name:  Fennel
Family:  Umbelliferae
Author:  Mill.

Known Hazards:  Skin contact with the sap or essential oil is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[218, 222]. Ingestion of the oil can cause vomiting, seizures and pulmonary oedema[222].

Mature Height:  1.5   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Found most often in dry stony calcareous soils near the sea[1, 16, 190].

Medicinal Information: Fennel has a long history of herbal use and is a commonly used household remedy, being useful in the treatment of a variety of complaints, especially those of the digestive system[244]. The seeds, leaves and roots can be used, but the seeds are most active medicinally and are the part normally used[4]. An essential oil is often extracted from the fully ripened and dried seed for medicinal use, though it should not be given to pregnant women[4, 238]. The plant is analgesic, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactogogue, hallucinogenic, laxative, stimulant and stomachic[4, 7, 9, 21, 147, 165, 176, 192, 238]. An infusion is used in the treatment of indigestion, abdominal distension, stomach pains etc[254]. It helps in the treatment of kidney stones and, when combined with a urinary disinfectant like Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, makes an effective treatment for cystitis[254]. It can also be used as a gargle for sore throats and as an eyewash for sore eyes and conjunctivitis[254]. Fennel is often added to purgatives in order to allay their tendency to cause gripe, and also to improve the flavour[4]. An infusion of the seeds is a safe and effective cure for wind in babies[244]. An infusion of the root is used to treat urinary disorders[238]. An essential oil obtained from the seed is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Normalising'[210]. The essential oil is bactericidal, carminative and stimulant[218]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity[222].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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