An ancestral aromatic fruit

Used since ancient times by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, sweet fennel is now a staple of herbalism and cuisines around the world. It is also used in many wellness infusions, thanks to its pleasant taste and gentle properties.

Description

Dried fruits, oval in shape, grooved, pale green to light brown in color. Characteristic aniseed odor, slightly sweet taste. Crunchy texture to chew or grind.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Sweet fennel, Fennel seed
• Latin name: Foeniculum dulce
• Family: Apiaceae
• Part used: Fruit (seed)
• Form: Whole, dry
• Origin: Mediterranean, India, Europe
• English name: Sweet fennel seed
• Name in German: Süßer Fenchelsamen
• Name in Spanish: Semilla de hinojo dulce
• Name in Italian: Semi di finocchio dolce
• Name in Arabic: شمر حلو (Shammar ḥulw)

Main virtues

Sweet fennel is valued for its gentle effects on the digestive system, particularly in cases of heaviness after meals. It is also used in certain oral preparations or to naturally flavor drinks and pastries. It is also found in some infant formulas in diluted form.

Main constituents

Anethole (majority), estragole, fenchone, flavonoids, coumarins, essential fatty acids.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 teaspoon per cup (250 ml), infuse for 10 minutes covered. Consume after meals.
• Chewing: Chew 1/2 teaspoon after a heavy meal (Indian tradition).
• Cooking: as a flavoring for fish, vegetables, breads, cold infusions or pastries.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Avoid in people allergic to Apiaceae (umbellifers).
• To be consumed in moderation by children or pregnant women (presence of estragole).
• Store in an airtight container away from light.

History and origin

Native to the Mediterranean basin, fennel is one of the oldest plants used by humans. It appears in the writings of Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and medieval Arab physicians. Its use has extended through the ages to modern cuisines and wellness practices around the world.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: bulk, kraft bag, metal box or airtight jar.
• Storage: Protect from humidity and light.
• Shelf life: 18 to 24 months.
• Smell: sweet, aniseed, slightly sweet.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• European Pharmacopoeia
• Encyclopedias of herbal medicine and world cuisine

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.