FENNEL: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an herb with yellow flowers. The dried seeds are used in food. The dried seeds and oil are also used as medicine.

Fennel is native to the Mediterranean, but is now found throughout the world. As medicine, it might relax the colon, and also appears to contain an ingredient that may act like estrogen in the body. As a spice, fennel has an anise-like taste.

People use fennel for menstrual cramps. It is also used for excessive crying in infants (colic), indigestion, and symptoms of menopause, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Taking fennel oil or fennel extract by mouth seems to improve pain in people with menstrual cramps. Its effect on pain might be similar to drugs such as ibuprofen or mefenamic acid.

There is interest in using fennel for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Fennel is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used as medicine at appropriate doses for a short period of time. There isn't enough reliable information to know whether fennel is safe when used long-term. Although rare, side effects might include stomach upset and seizures.

When applied to the skin: Fennel is possibly safe. Fennel can make skin extra sensitive to the sun and make it easier to get a sunburn. Wear sunblock if you are light-skinned.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Fennel is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used as medicine at appropriate doses for a short period of time. There isn't enough reliable information to know whether fennel is safe when used long-term. Although rare, side effects might include stomach upset and seizures.

When applied to the skin: Fennel is possibly safe. Fennel can make skin extra sensitive to the sun and make it easier to get a sunburn. Wear sunblock if you are light-skinned. Pregnancy: Fennel is possibly unsafe to use when pregnant. Regularly using fennel has been linked to preterm birth.

Breast-feeding: Fennel is possibly unsafe. There are some reports of breast-feeding infants with damage to their nervous systems after they were exposed to herbal tea containing fennel through breastmilk.

Children: Fennel is possibly safe when used at appropriate doses for up to one week in young infants with colic.

Allergy to celery, carrot or mugwort: Fennel might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to these plants.

Bleeding disorders: Fennel might slow blood clotting. Taking fennel might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders.

Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Fennel might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by estrogen, do not use fennel.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with FENNEL

    Some birth control pills contain estrogen. Large amounts of fennel might affect estrogen levels in the body. Taking fennel along with birth control pills might decrease the effects of birth control pills. If you take birth control pills along with fennel, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom.

  • Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) interacts with FENNEL

    Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic. Fennel might decrease how much ciprofloxacin the body absorbs. Taking fennel along with ciprofloxacin might decrease the effects of ciprofloxacin. To avoid this interaction, take fennel at least one hour after ciprofloxacin.

  • Estrogens interacts with FENNEL

    Large amounts of fennel might have some of the same effects as estrogen. Taking fennel along with estrogen might decrease the effects of estrogen.

  • Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) interacts with FENNEL

    Large amounts of fennel seem to affect estrogen levels in the body. Taking fennel along with tamoxifen might decrease the effects of tamoxifen.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with FENNEL

    Fennel might slow blood clotting. Taking fennel along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with FENNEL

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Fennel might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

Fennel is available in many different types of products, including essential oils, seed extracts, seed powders, teas, and creams. There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of fennel might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Next

  • Common Searches:
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Black Cohosh
  • Calcium
  • Chromium
  • Coenzyme Q - 10
  • DHEA
  • Flaxseed
  • Folic Acid
  • Ginko
  • Glucosamine
  • Melatonin
  • Niacin
  • Magnesium
  • Probiotics
  • Red Yeast Rice
  • St. John's Wort
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E

Show More Show Less

You Might Also Like

Navigating Life With Migraine

Alternative Treatments for Migraines

Can Your Multivitamin Help Protect Your Eyes?

View More

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

FENNEL: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What are the side effects of fennel? ›

Side effects of Fennel include:
  • difficulty breathing.
  • tightness of chest/throat.
  • chest pain.
  • nausea.
  • vomiting.
  • hives.
  • rash.
  • itchy or swollen skin.

Who should avoid fennel? ›

Taking fennel might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders. Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Fennel might act like estrogen.

What is fennel used for medically? ›

Fennel is used for various digestive problems including heartburn, intestinal gas, bloating, loss of appetite, and colic in infants. It is also used for upper respiratory tract infections, coughs, bronchitis, cholera, backache, bedwetting, and visual problems.

What is the medicinal plant fennel used for? ›

Foeniculum vulgare Mill commonly called fennel has been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments related to digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Additionally, it is also used as a galactagogue agent for lactating mothers.

What does fennel do to the liver? ›

Fennel seed oil could avoid liver damage and act as a hepatoprotective (liver protective) in an animal study. Oral intake of fennel seed oil could also decrease the levels of enzymes associated with liver damage. Thus, saunf is indeed good for the liver.

What does fennel do for a woman's body? ›

Research shows that fennel seeds may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antiviral effects. A 2020 systematic review found that digesting these seeds may also stimulate prolactin to help mothers naturally produce breast milk. A person can ingest fennel seeds in dishes or as an extract.

What is fennel best used for? ›

The fennel bulb can be eaten raw, sliced wafer-thin and added to salads; or it can be steamed, baked, braised or roasted and is commonly used in Italian and French cuisine. Just make sure to cut out the tough inner stalk before slicing or cutting into wedges.

What does fennel do for the gut? ›

Improved digestion.

In many parts of the world, it's common to eat a little bit of fennel after a meal to aid with digestion and relieve gassiness. Fennel has been shown to help with digestion by reducing inflammation in the bowels and decreasing bacteria that cause gassiness.

Is fennel good for the kidneys? ›

Fennel and barley seeds has good effects on liver and kidney functions, glucose and lipid levels.

What does fennel do for lungs? ›

The fennel health benefits extend to respiratory health as well.The high amount of phytonutrients present in fennel seeds helps to clear sinuses. These tiny seeds offer bronchial relaxation that helps to reduce symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and congestion.

Does fennel clean the blood? ›

The essential oils of fennel seeds are great for detoxifying the body, which helps cleanse the blood.

Does fennel increase estrogen? ›

Estrogen rich foods are foods that contain high levels of the hormone estrogen. These foods can help to balance estrogen levels in the body and may offer a variety of health benefits. Some of the most common estrogen rich foods include soy products, flaxseeds, and fennel.

What does fennel do to your stomach? ›

Improved digestion.

In many parts of the world, it's common to eat a little bit of fennel after a meal to aid with digestion and relieve gassiness. Fennel has been shown to help with digestion by reducing inflammation in the bowels and decreasing bacteria that cause gassiness.

Does fennel affect the kidneys? ›

The histological investigation confirmed the fact that treatments with fennel and barley seeds mitigation the kidneys and livers diseases. Fennel and barley seeds has good effects on liver and kidney functions, glucose and lipid levels.

Is fennel bad for blood pressure? ›

Fennel and its seeds also contain nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which play important roles in keeping your heart healthy ( 14 ). For example, including rich sources of potassium in your diet may help reduce high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease ( 15 ).

Is fennel good for your bowels? ›

Fennel seeds are unlikely to cause constipation. In fact, they are often used to relieve digestive issues, including constipation, as they can help promote bowel movement and ease digestion.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Virgilio Hermann JD

Last Updated:

Views: 5801

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Virgilio Hermann JD

Birthday: 1997-12-21

Address: 6946 Schoen Cove, Sipesshire, MO 55944

Phone: +3763365785260

Job: Accounting Engineer

Hobby: Web surfing, Rafting, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Ghost hunting, Swimming, Amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Virgilio Hermann JD, I am a fine, gifted, beautiful, encouraging, kind, talented, zealous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.