Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Fennel
Fennel won’t cure blindness, but science has supported some of its traditional uses.
Digestive Aid - Like most other aromatic herbs, fennel appears to relax the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract (making it an antispasmodic). It also helps expel gas. And European research shows it kills some bacteria, lending some support to its traditional use in treating diarrhea.
In Germany, where herbal medicine is more mainstream than it is in the United States, fennel is used like anise and caraway as a treatment for indigestion, gas pains, and infant colic.
Women’s Health - Antispasmodics soothe not only the digestive tract but other smooth muscles, such as the uterus, as well. However, fennel was traditionally used not to relax the uterus but to stimulate it into menstruation. It is possible that high doses of fennel provide sufficient stimulation to promote menstruation.
One study suggests the herb has a mild estrogenic effect, meaning it acts like the female sex hormone estrogen. This action may have something to do with its traditional use as a milk and menstruation promoter.
Other women may try it to help begin their periods or increase milk production. Older women might give it a try to relieve the discomforts of menopause.
Prostate Cancer - Female sex hormones are often prescribed for prostate cancer. All forms of cancer require professional care. Try fennel in addition to standard therapies only with the supervision of your physician.
Rx for Fennel
As a digestive aid, either chew a handful of seeds or try an infusion or tincture. Use either an infusion or tincture to attempt to bring on menstruation or (while under the care of a physician) as a possible aid in the treatment of prostate cancer.
To make a pleasant, licorice-flavored infusion, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of bruised seeds per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
In a tincture, take ‘12 to 1 teaspoon up to three times a day. Weak fennel preparations may be given cautiously to children under age 2 for colic. If the condition persists, consult your pediatrician. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.