Fennel, a medicinal plant belonging to the family of parsley, is defined as Foeniculum vulgare L. in Latin. Fennel, which is a herb that gives flavor to dishes with its dark color and unique smell, is also consumed as a tea by brewing.
The plant, which contains valuable minerals such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium, is also rich in vitamins A and C. The root of the fennel plant has been used for many years to relieve constipation and gas problems, and its leaves are brewed as tea and consumed to heal many different ailments.
About 80 to 90% of tea made from fennel leaves consists of phytontone, 4 to 6% essential oil, 3 to 10% flavonoids, fixed oil, furanocoumarines and 1 to 10% estragol. It is consumed for many different purposes such as eliminating stomach and intestinal system disorders, improving respiratory system diseases, and relieving headaches such as migraine.
Fennel tea is also used today to increase the amount of breast milk and to relieve babies’ gas problems. Before we talk about the benefits of fennel tea for babies, it is necessary to know fennel tea closely.
What is fennel tea?
In addition to increasing the milk amount of nursing mothers in recent years, fennel tea, which is frequently consumed to eliminate gas problems in mothers and babies, is made from fennel, one of the plants of the Mediterranean region. The plant, which is also known as tangle in Anatolia and belongs to the family of parsley, is about 1.5 meters long.
Roots and seeds of the plant with a dark color are often used to improve constipation and gas problems among the people. The leaves of the plant used in making tea also have an aromatic taste and a characteristic odor. Tea is usually made with the seeds and leaves of the plant.
In the light of the researches, chewing the seeds of the fennel plant increases the amount of nitrite present in the saliva and thus regulates the blood pressure. Tea made from the leaves and seeds of fennel is also known to be rich in vitamins A and C, and used for gastrointestinal problems.
There are opinions that this medicinal plant, which is thought to be good for cholesterol, prevents many different diseases. Before we move on to the benefits of tea made from fennel, which is rich in vitamins and minerals that the body needs, let’s take a look at how fennel tea is prepared.
How to prepare fennel tea?
Fennel tea, which is thought to be effective in preventing many health benefits and diseases, can be easily brewed with hot water by purchasing it as ready-to-brew bags, or it can be prepared with fennel leaves and seeds.
While boiling water in a coffee pot, in another container, 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds is crushed for 1 cup of fennel tea. When the water starts to boil, the crushed seeds are thrown into the pot. Depending on the desire, fennel leaves can also be placed. After the tea boils on low heat for one or two minutes, the stove is turned off and left to infuse for 5 minutes.
The fennel tea in the coffee pot is filtered and taken into the cup and consumed before it cools. Like all herbal teas, fennel tea should be consumed carefully and in small quantities. Excessive consumption can be harmful to health. Side effects such as vomiting, headaches and allergies can be seen. The physician should be consulted before consuming together with medical drugs.
Pregnant women and elderly people should definitely ask their doctor before consuming fennel tea and other herbal teas.
What are the benefits of fennel tea?
The balance between the effects of free radicals in the body and antioxidant substances may be disturbed from time to time. This condition, which can cause some health problems due to the weakening of the immune system, can be balanced with herbal teas. However, consuming these products in small amounts is extremely important to prevent different health problems.
In the presence of regularly used medicines, herbal teas should be used in consultation with the physician. Fennel tea is one of the medicinal herbal teas. Fennel tea, which is also thought to be good for anemia defined as anemia, is thought to help relieve hoarseness and remove toxins.
Fennel tea, which is thought to be good for mental problems such as depression and anxiety, relaxes the muscles by relaxing the person. Since it has a diuretic feature, it prevents the formation of edema. Rich in vitamin C, fennel tea restores skin texture and revitalizes the skin by forming a collagen structure.
As it is rich in vitamins and minerals, it protects the body by helping to strengthen the immune system against possible infections. Fennel tea, which is known to have many health benefits, can also be used in the following situations:
Relieves Stomach and Intestinal System
Fennel tea, which increases the motility of the stomach and intestine, or in other words, its mobility, can be consumed to eliminate disorders such as bloating of the digestive system, stomach cramps, gas and muscle spasm.
Fennel tea, thought to help fight ulcer-causing bacteria, may alleviate the symptoms of the disease. When it is drunk after dinner, it facilitates digestion and gives a feeling of satiety. It is also known to be good for constipation.
Good for Respiratory System Problems
In addition to eliminating throat fires caused by flu and colds, anetol and fennone, which are considered to be good for cough, are thought to relieve the airways.
It supports the immune system against pathogens in the body. In addition to its expectorant effect, it is also effective in opening the nasal canals. It can be used by gargling for sore throat. It can be effective in curing diseases like bronchitis.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Fennel tea, known to be effective in regulating blood pressure, relaxes the vessels that are stretched thanks to its potassium content. It is thought to be good for hypertension.
Accelerates Metabolism
The fennel plant is known to accelerate metabolism. A cup of fennel tea, which is drunk before bedtime, allows the metabolism to work faster overnight. In addition, since it is effective in overcoming the feeling of hunger in the morning, it can be consumed together with the diet program.
Reduces Menstrual Pain
Menstrual pains, which most women experience, arise from the contraction of the womb. Fennel tea can be consumed to alleviate this condition that causes intense pain. Fennel tea can also help relax the muscles of the body, helping to cope with periods of periods.
Reduces Headaches
Fennel tea is also thought to be good for headaches due to its muscle relaxant effect. In limited studies, fennel has been shown to have a centrally effective pain relieving effect.
Increases Breast Milk
Fennel tea, which is thought to stimulate the hormone estrogen and is known to be a galactogog herbal plant, may produce more milk in the mother’s body. It also provides fluid balance as it is rich in sodium and potassium minerals. The use of fennel tea during breastfeeding should be done with the recommendation of a physician.
Reduces Babies’ Gas Pain
Fennel tea, which is known to have an effect on the formation of sleep patterns of babies over six months, should be consulted with the physician before giving to babies.
Relieves swelling in the eyes
After the fennel tea is brewed, it is cooled and rubbed around the eyes with the help of cotton, is effective in reducing puffiness in the eyes.
It should not be forgotten that, like fennel tea, other herbal teas have not been adequately studied yet.
Therefore, it is necessary to apply to the nearest health institution for the effective treatment of diseases. Medicinal herbs teas can be consumed by babies, children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, elderly people and people who use medicines all the time. In case of such situations, consult your physician before consuming herbal teas.
We wish you healthy days.
