The fennel flower seed is a common culinary herb. It can be used both internally and externally as a digestive aid. It has been used by healers for many years due to its calming, soothing effect. It relieves nervous tension, stomach upset and cramps. Fennel is one of the most well known of herbs used for culinary, medicinal and aromatherapy uses.
There are several types of fennel flower seed available. You can buy them from your local garden center or seed store, or grow it yourself from a fennel bulb or seedling. The key to growing fennel flower seeds is getting just the right temperature, moisture and nutrients. Fennel thrives in full sunlight on a sunny windowsill. Planting herbs in pots is not recommended; seeds and plants need room to grow and bloom.
Some of the most interesting aspects of this perennial herb are that it has powerful anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. Research shows that when the opioid receptors in the human brain are blocked, it has a calming effect in humans. Chronic sufferers of arthritis, asthma and other inflammatory conditions benefit from the fennel flower seed. The seed is reported to reduce allergic reactions, cramps, headaches, nausea and vomiting. It is believed that it may reduce pain thresholds and relieve the effects of some depression medications.
Preliminary research indicates that there may also be some medicinal use for the following conditions: migraine headaches, chronic pain, muscle spasms, gastrointestinal problems, sleep disorders such as insomnia, anxiety and depression, high blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea, digestive problems, menopause and menstrual disorders. There is still much more evidence to be made available to the pharmaceutical industry concerning the usefulness of the fennel flower seed and/or its ingredients for specific conditions. So far, however, the results of extensive testing conducted on animals indicate that the plant is a safe, natural and possibly effective treatment for a number of conditions. If further testing pans out that the use of the herb is effective for those conditions that are being studied, it will be marketed as a prescription product under the trade name of “THymoquinone”.
The main ingredient in thymoquinone is theophylline, which acts as a weak inhibitor of the action of the opioid peptides. Because of this, theophylline is used in combination with other compounds to treat different disorders. In clinical studies conducted by the US National Institute of Health, fennel flower and nestl root were shown to be beneficial to patients with asthma. It was also found that theophylline produces significant reductions in airway pressure, which improves the quality of breathing for the patient.
Unfortunately, the benefits of using fennel flower seed and fennel flower root for respiratory conditions may be offset by one major downside to this favorite herb. Although it is known that theophylline produces significant reductions in airway pressure, there is currently no known way to enhance the strength of the drug’s effect. This means that it is ineffective against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and does not have the same efficacy against sleep apnea. Some researchers theorize that the reason for this is that fennel flower contains a low concentration of flavonoids – chemicals that confer health benefits when metabolized – compared to other natural remedies. flavonoids are believed to improve the effectiveness of prescription medications such as warfarin, a commonly prescribed medicine for cardiovascular disease.
Another potential downside to using fennel flower seed and fennel flower root is that the volatile oil produced by this herb is highly flammable. It has been found that burning fennel can release at least six times more volatile oil than does smoking. When this oil comes into contact with a human skin, it causes a toxic reaction. Fennel is best stored in an area of a kitchen or pantry away from any source of heat. Avoiding direct contact with an open flame should reduce exposure to this potent herb. In addition, it is not recommended to use fennel flower to hydrate baby dolls, as the potent flavor of the herb is difficult for babies to tolerate.
Fennel flower and fennel root are safe to use as spices or in recipes. However, do not use these products if you are allergic or sensitive to thyme, lavender, chamomile, Rosemary, or ginger. There are no documented reports of adverse reactions due to taking fennel flower or fennel root. If you are considering trying this product for the treatment of your disorder or if you suspect that you may consult with your doctor before doing so.