Calming stomach pains with fennel

Tall, hardy licorice-flavored fennel is a member of the carrot family of plants and is a common seasoning in many Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. Rich in vitamins and minerals, the herb also has been used in a variety of medicinal traditions over the centuries. In Chinese herbal medicine, it’s used to treat stomachaches and vision loss, among other things. In India, the seeds are sometimes chewed after meals to freshen breath and promote healthy digestion. The ancient Greeks prescribed fennel to breast-feeding women to improve lactation, and some Native American groups used it to treat the common cold.

-- Elena Conis

Uses: In the U.S. today, fennel supplements are most commonly used to improve liver health, calm upset stomachs and treat colic in infants. Fennel is also a popular ingredient in breast enhancement supplements, and it’s included in several brands of herbal toothpaste and mouthwash to kill germs and freshen breath.

Dose: Take two to 12 drops of fennel oil or 1 1/2 teaspoons of crushed fennel seed a day for upset stomachs, colds and other respiratory infections.

Precautions: People allergic to celery, aniseed, coriander, cumin or dill may be allergic to fennel too. Women with reproductive cancers should avoid fennel supplements because of their possible estrogen-like activity.

Research: Fennel seed oil contains a compound called anethole, which gives it its licorice flavor and anti-indigestion capabilities. In vitro studies show the herb also has antihistamine and antibacterial activity; in some studies fennel extract killed off common food-born pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella.

Clinical trials on the herb, however, are few in number. One, conducted in Iran, showed fennel cream could reduce growth and thickness of unwanted body hair in women. Some research has shown the herb can quiet colicky babies: According to a recent Italian study on the subject, colic symptoms (measured by time spent crying) were reduced in 85% of babies treated with an herbal remedy containing fennel, chamomile and lemon balm.

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Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your healthcare provider for advice on selecting a brand.