Fennel Seed is an ancient Indian spice. Usually spices are hot in nature and are not soothing to stomach. But fennel seed is an exception to this rule.It is sweet and coolant in nature. It is the spice of choice to chew after food. Usually given at the end of dinner in every Indian hotel.
Botanical name: Foeniculum vulgare
Family: Umbelliferae
Punjabi, Hindi name: Sounf
Tamil name: Soumbu
Bengali name: Mauri
Marathi name: Badi Shep
Gujarathi name: Variyali
Telugu name: Sopu
Kannada name – Badisopu
Arabbian name: Rajiyanaj
Farsi name: Rajiyan
Sanskrit synonyms: Mishi, Madhurika, Madhura
Classical categorization:
Charaka – Madhuraskandha – Sweet tasting group of herbs
Medicinal qualities:
Guna (qualities) – Laghu (light to digest), Snigdha (unctuous, oily)
Rasa (taste) – Madhura (sweet), Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
Vipaka (taste conversion after digestion) – Madhura (sweet)
Veerya (potency) – Sheeta – cold (coolant)
Effect on Tridosha: Balances Vata and Kapha.
Fennel seed benefits:
Durnama Kshayajit – useful in chronic respiratory conditions leading to emaciation. (as in tuberculosis).
Kshataksheenahita – useful in people with injuries
Balya – improves strength and immunity
Pittasradoshajit – useful in bleeding disorders of Pitta origin
Agnikrut – improves digestion strength
Hrudya – good for heart, cardiac tonic
Shukrapaha, Avrushya – It is not an aphrodisiac
Yonishoolanut – useful in relieving pain arising from female reproductive system
Useful in
Krumi – worm infestation
Baddhavit – constipation
Anila – Vata disorders
Daha – burning sensation
Aruchi – Anorexia, lack of interest in food
Chardi – vomiting
Kasa – cough, cold
Part used: Fruits, fruit oil and root
Ayurvedic medicines with fennel –
Abhayarishta – used to relieve constipation and piles
Brahmi Vati – used to improve intelligence and memory
Panchatikta Guggulu ghrita – used in abscess, sinuses etc.
Fennel side effects:
Two of the Ayurvedic text books mention it as Avrushya – hence it is not ideal for people undergoing aphrodisiac therapy. It may decrease sexual interest or performance.
It is safe to use in children, pregnant and lactating mothers.
