Fennel seeds (saunf) are essential ingredients in gripe water fed to babies, suffering from indigestion and other gastric troubles. In adults too, fennel seeds work wonders — they fight flatulence, help in digestion, improve blood circulation, and increase milk production in lactating mothers.
While fennel seeds are medicinal, fat obtained from them has been found to be harmful. Those with sensitive skin should avoid fennel seed oil, though it has wide applications including treating insect and even snake bites. It stimulates menstruation too.
Saunf gets its medicinal properties because of the presence of a substance called anethole. For babies who are having painful teething issues, fennel water is the best home remedy. A small dose of gripe water prepared by fennel seeds is good for babies with gastric troubles too. Fennel tea relaxes the intestines and gives relief from constipation and bloating. Pregnant women should however, avoid fennel seeds, their extracts or preparations. Saunf may act on the uterus and may cause complications related to pregnancy.
Fennel contains carbohydrates, proteins, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin C and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and manganese.
Quick remedies
* Fennel tea can be prepared by boiling a glass of water and adding a teaspoon of fennel seeds to it. The decoction should cooled and filtered before consuming. You may add honey to it. This is good for people suffering from digestive disorders.
* A teaspoon of fennel seeds, if consumed raw, improve vision, fight hypertension (high blood pressure) and
increase lactation.
* A teaspoon of fennel seeds give relief from stomach ache as they have antispasmodic effect.
* Fennel seeds also help in losing weight and strengthening the muscles.