Fennel tea is a drink prepared by boiling or soaking the seeds of the fennel plant, a perennial herb indigenous to the Mediterranean area. The plant has been used by humans for thousands of years, and is now found growing wild in many regions of the world. The usage of the plant is generally as a spice for cooking or as a dietary supplement with medicinal benefits. The curative features of fennel tea have made it a popular alternative treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions, including respiratory disorders, upset stomach and digestive problems.
A common use of fennel tea is in the regulation and improvement of gastrointestinal function. Natural oil in the plant may help inhibit muscle spasms, especially in the intestinal tract. It has been found to be very effective in treating bloating and irritable bowel syndrome. Other uses include relief from upset stomach, constipation, and indigestion. Being relatively mild, the tea can generally be used with infants to help reduce flatulence and treat colic.
Fennel tea has a long history of use in the treatment of eye maladies as well. In ancient Rome it was believed to help improve vision and clear cloudy eyes. Drinking the tea, or taking a tea soaked cloth and placing it over the eyes for several minutes, may help relieve conjunctivitis. Some animal studies have shown the potential for use in the treatment of glaucoma as well.
The stimulating effect of fennel tea on the metabolism presents a possible use as a weight loss aid. The tea may boost the metabolic process, which may result in increased fat burning. The tea can also act as an appetite suppressant, bolstering a person’s resolve while on a diet. Another benefit of the effect on the metabolism appears to be in flushing out toxins from the body.
Fennel tea is believed to stimulate the effects of estrogen, providing an impact on several conditions common to women. Reducing the effects of premenstrual syndrome appears to be one possible benefit. It may relax the smooth muscles in the uterus, relieving menstrual cramps and other menopausal symptoms. There also seems to be a positive effect on women with low milk production, and the tea may help increase the female libido as well.
Fennel tea has a wide variety of other uses as well. Some cultures use the mixture to treat pain and fever. Herbalists often use it as a diuretic, a treatment for hypertension, or to reduce inflammation from arthritis. Some indications are that it may even help reduce the recurrence of cancer in some patients. Taken in moderation, fennel tea may have numerous benefits, but it should not be taken in large quantities because of its potential to disturb the nervous system.