Application of fennel seeds, useful properties, composition, contraindications

Useful properties of fennel are known for a long time. This plant, which belongs to the umbrella family, was a symbol of victory and success for ancient Romans and Greeks, and was also considered a strong protection against evil spirits. In addition to eating, it was used to treat various diseases. Fennel is widely used in our time both in cooking and in pharmacology.

Fennel and dill - it's the same?

Decoction of dill seeds was well known to our ancestors, who used it as a carminative. But that's what fennel is, not everyone knew. Many people still believe that fennel and dill are one and the same. In fact, this is not true, although the plants are really very similar. In addition, fennel is sometimes called Voloshsky dill. This two-year-old plant with a fleshy root and a thin stem reaches a height of two meters. Fennel seeds are green, oblong, ribbed. The plant is leafy and vegetable, it reminds an anise aroma. All parts of this culture can be eaten. Salads and soups use greens and bulbs, which gives the dishes a special flavor and a pleasant taste. Dried seeds are added to various sauces, fish and meat dishes, confectionery and bakery products, they are good for conservation.

Dill is a herbaceous annual plant. It grows to a height of 165 cm. It has thin dissected leaves and small seeds of dark brown color. The smell of dill is refreshing, spicy. For eating, leaves and seeds are suitable.

Fennel composition

This spice contains vitamins A, B and C, microelements, macronutrients, glycosides, flavonoids. In the seeds of fennel, water, fats, proteins, carbohydrates and fiber are present. In addition, the plant contains essential oils, which give it a spicy taste and a pronounced flavor. This product is dietary, since it has an energy value of only 31 kcal per 100 grams.

Influence on the body

Useful properties of fennel seeds provide protection of the body against many diseases. This product has an anti-inflammatory, healing and soothing effect, and is also an antioxidant. Fennel is used to treat colitis, flatulence, in order to increase appetite. In diseases of the digestive tract, it is recommended to chew two or three grams of fennel seeds after eating. The use of this spice also contributes to the expansion of the heart vessels and lowering the cholesterol level.

Fennel is successfully used in the treatment of tuberculosis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, as it exerts an expectorant, bactericidal, antiviral and antipyretic effect. Very effective infusion of fennel seeds for colds, flu, throat diseases. For its preparation, one tablespoon of raw material is poured into a glass of boiling water. Take the drug you need a third of a glass or rinse your throat.

Nursing mothers with the help of plant seeds increase lactation. Adding spices to food helps calm the nervous system, relieves nervousness and a sense of fear. Also, the plant is recommended for use with stomatitis, pharyngitis, inflammation of the kidneys, bladder, with an irregular menstrual cycle. In the menopause period, tea with fennel helps relieve the unpleasant symptoms that accompany this condition. For violations of the female cycle, juice from the fennel grass is used, which is consumed separately or with juices of carrots or beets. Useful infusion of seeds and with diseases of the genitourinary sphere, since it is a good diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent.

To treat sexual disorders apply therapeutic tincture. Fennel fruits and celery leaves (100 grams each) are filled with a liter of dry wine. The medicine is insisted for a month. It is important to shake the tincture daily. A month later the product must be filtered. Eat 150 grams after eating.

Tea from fennel seeds is useful in poisoning, as it helps to remove toxins and toxins from the body. Also this drink is used to prevent oncology.

An essential oil is obtained from the fennel fruits by distillation. This colorless liquid has a strong, peculiar aroma, reminiscent of anise. Oil is used as a remedy for flatulence and diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Fennel for weight loss

The product is recommended for those who wish to reduce weight. Adding fennel to food dulls the feeling of hunger, thanks to the diuretic effect of the plant helps to remove excess fluid. By activating metabolic processes, fennel helps gently cleanse the body, reduce appetite, gives energy and vivacity. With regular use, the pancreas is normalized, and this stabilizes body weight.

Want to lose weight? Try tea with fennel. To make it, crushed seeds of the plant (20 grams) pour a glass of boiling water, put on a small fire and boil for about five minutes. Withdraw from the fire, the drink is allowed to brew for half an hour.

You can cook a low-calorie diet. The root of fennel is cut into small pieces, filled with a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice.

For children

Tea with fennel is also useful for young children. It is allowed to give it from four months. Such seagull helps to save the baby from intestinal colic and flatulence, helps to strengthen the nervous system and improve immunity. The composition of fennel contains calcium, so this product has a positive effect on the bone system of babies.
To make a drink, you need to buy fennel seeds in a pharmacy, pour two teaspoons into a small saucepan and pour a glass of boiling water. Boil on low heat for a few minutes. Children give the drug no more than six times a day for one tablespoon.

Fennel in Cooking

Due to its specific taste and aroma, this plant is very much appreciated as a spice. Dishes with its addition become refined and unique. Fennel can be added to soups, second courses, salads, used for preserving vegetables. In addition, it can be fed separately. This is a good side dish to meat or fish. Before serving, the plant is scalded with boiling water. Heat treatment is not necessary.

Especially popular in cooking fruit fennel. Dried and ground, they are used as a spice for fish and meat dishes. In crushed form, fennel is often added to various pastries, vegetable oil is insisted on it.

Very flavorful and delicious tea is obtained, for the preparation of which fennel seeds are used. The use of this product in its raw form is also useful.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications, only individual intolerance can be noted. A large amount of fennel should not be used by women during the period of gestation, epileptics, and also for those who suffer from diarrhea.