SO DYK
GI TRACT

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

also known as Sweet fennel, Bitter fennel

Fennel — Köhler 1887 botanical illustration

A licorice-flavored seed and bulb used since antiquity for digestive comfort, gas, and as a mild expectorant.

  • Eases infant colic (with caution)
  • Carminative — eases gas and bloating
  • Eases mild cough as expectorant
  • Mild lactation support (galactagogue)
  • Approved by Commission E for digestive complaints
  • Used since ancient Greek and Roman times

Active in Anethole, Fenchone, Estragole, Limonene.

Possible cross-reactivity with Apiaceae allergy (carrot, celery)
Limit infant exposure — rare estrogenic concerns
Use caution with hormone-sensitive cancers
Avoid medicinal doses of essential oil in pregnancy
Photosensitivity possible