Medicinal Recipe: Anise or Fennel Seed Infused Tea or Tincture

To relieve that fullness feeling and bloating from indigestion, Anise and Fennel helps relieve the pain and discomfort as well as flatulence.

Dosage:
1) Grind up 1 teaspoon of ripe anise or fennel seeds to release the essential oil.
2) Infuse them in boiling water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain.
3) Drink up to 3 cups per day.

The seeds can also be tinctured using two ounces of
seed per on-half quart of brandy and some lemon peel. Let the
mixture sit for twenty days. The dose is one teaspoon as needed.

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Fennel

Name:
*Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Description:
*There are both annual and perennial types
*Can reach 5 feet tall
*Aniseed-type taste

Parts Used:
*Leaves, flowers, seeds, stems, roots (all parts edible)

Position:
*light, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil
*sunny position
*tolerates cold
*avoid clay soil

Propagation:
*All varieties work best if sown directly in the soil in the spring
*Division of mature plants can also occur in the spring
*Can start indoors in pots/trays if interested

Maintenance:
*Cut down and remove old stems
*Do not grow near dill or coriander/cilantro because it easily cross pollinates with them and reduces seed production
*Pick flowering heads in the summer to maintain the leaf production (esp. if you are not using the flowers)

Harvesting:
*Harvest foliage and flowers as required
*Harvest seeds when ripe, then dry and freeze for a few days to kill any insects
*Lift roots in the fall and dry them
*Freeze leaves if using later

Medicinal:
*Dried ripe fruits/seeds have a calming effect on the digestive system, relieves flatulence, bloating, stomach discomfort
*Its' pleasant taste and gentle action make it a popular choice for children ailments (for their digestive system)
*Improves the flow of milk in breastfeeding mothers and passes through the milk to improve colic in infants
*Also used to treat coughing, respiratory problems, and antacid
*The seeds and leaves can be used in facial steams and baths for a deep cleansing feel
*Fennel tea mixed with honey is good to rub on skin to lessen wrinkles

Cooking:
*Slice the raw bulbs thinly and add to salads, or cut in half and roast as a vegetable to bring out its' sweetness
*Use fennel leaves in salads and salad dressings, with fish, pork, and seafood dishes
*Dried seeds can be used in breads, salads, pickles, pasta, and tomato dishes

Companion Plant:
*It attracts beneficial hover flies which keeps aphids away

Misc.:
*It is a natural flea repellent: rub fronds on pet and put fronds under pet's bedding to deter fleas

For additional information, see: references and warnings