The beneficial properties of fennel have been known for a very long time. This plant, which belongs to the umbrella family, was a symbol of victory and success among the ancient Romans and Greeks, and was also considered a strong protection against evil spirits. In addition to eating, it was used to treat various diseases. Fennel is widely used in our time both in cooking and in pharmacology.
Are fennel and dill the same thing?
Dill seed decoction was well known to our ancestors, who used it as a carminative. But what is fennel, not everyone knew. Many still believe that fennel and dill are one and the same. In fact, this is not so, although the plants are really very similar. In addition, fennel is sometimes called Volosh dill. This biennial plant with a fleshy root and a thin stem reaches a height of two meters. Fennel seeds are green, oblong, ribbed. The plant is leafy and vegetable, according to the aromareminiscent of anise. All parts of this culture can be eaten. Greens and onions are used in salads and soups, which gives the dishes a special aroma and pleasant taste. Dried seeds are added to various sauces, fish and meat dishes, confectionery and bakery products, they are also good for preservation.
Dill is a herbaceous annual plant. It grows up to 165 cm high. It has thin dissected leaves and small dark brown seeds. The smell of dill is refreshing, spicy. Leaves and seeds are edible.
Fennel ingredients
This spice contains vitamins A, B and C, micro and macro elements necessary for the body, glycosides, flavonoids. Fennel seeds contain water, fats, proteins, carbohydrates and fiber. In addition, the plant contains essential oils, which give it a spicy taste and a pronounced aroma. This product is dietary, as it has an energy value of only 31 kcal per 100 grams.
Effect on the body
Useful properties of fennel seeds protect the body from many diseases. This product has an anti-inflammatory, healing and soothing effect, and is also an antioxidant. Fennel is used to treat colitis, flatulence, to increase appetite. For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is recommended to chew two to three grams of fennel seeds after meals. The use of this spice also helps to dilate the blood vessels of the heart and lower cholesterol levels.
Fennel is successfully used intreatment of tuberculosis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, as it has an expectorant, bactericidal, antiviral and antipyretic effect. An infusion of fennel seeds is very effective for colds, flu, and sore throats. To prepare it, one tablespoon of raw materials is poured with a glass of boiling water. You need to take the remedy in a third of a glass or gargle with it.
Nursing mothers use plant seeds to increase lactation. Adding spices to food helps to calm the nervous system, relieves nervousness and feelings of fear. Also, the plant is recommended for use in stomatitis, pharyngitis, inflammation of the kidneys, bladder, with an irregular menstrual cycle. During menopause, fennel tea helps to relieve the unpleasant symptoms that accompany this condition. In case of violations of the female cycle, fennel herb juice is used, which is consumed separately or with juices of carrots or beets. An infusion of seeds is also useful for diseases of the urogenital area, because it is a good diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent.
For the treatment of sexual disorders, a medicinal tincture is used. Fennel fruits and celery leaves (100 g each) are poured with a liter of dry wine. The medicine is infused for a month. It is important to shake the tincture daily. After a month, the remedy must be filtered. Consume 150 grams after meals.
Fennel seed tea is useful for poisoning, as it helps to remove toxins from the body. This drink is also used to prevent oncology.
From fennel fruitessential oil is obtained by distillation. This colorless liquid has a strong peculiar aroma, reminiscent of anise. The oil is used as a remedy for flatulence and diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
Fennel for weight loss
The product is recommended for those who wish to reduce weight. Adding fennel to food dulls the feeling of hunger, thanks to the diuretic effect, the plant helps to remove excess fluid. By activating metabolic processes, fennel helps to gently cleanse the body, reduce appetite, give energy and vigor. With regular use, the work of the pancreas is normalized, and this stabilizes body weight.
Want to lose weight? Try fennel tea. To prepare it, crushed plant seeds (20 grams) are poured with a glass of boiling water, put on a small fire and boiled for about five minutes. After removing from the heat, the drink is allowed to brew for half an hour.
You can also cook a dietary low-calorie salad. Fennel root is cut into small pieces, seasoned with a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice.
For kids
Fennel tea is also good for little kids. It is allowed to give it from four months. This tea helps to relieve the baby from intestinal colic and flatulence, helps to strengthen the nervous system and increase immunity. Fennel contains calcium, so this product also has a positive effect on the skeletal system of babies. To prepare a drink, you need to purchase fennel seeds at a pharmacy, pour two teaspoons into a small saucepan and poura glass of boiling water. Boil over low heat for a few minutes. Children are given the drug no more than six times a day, one tablespoon each.
Fennel in cooking
Due to its specific taste and aroma, this plant is highly valued as a spice. Dishes with its addition become refined and unique. Fennel can be added to soups, main dishes, salads, used for preserving vegetables. In addition, it can be served separately. It is a good side dish for meat or fish. Before serving, the plant is scalded with boiling water. Heat treatment is optional.
Fennel fruits are especially popular in cooking. Dried and ground, they are used as a spice for fish and meat dishes. Crushed fennel is often added to various pastries, vegetable oil is infused on it.
Tea made from fennel seeds is very fragrant and tasty. Raw use of this product is also beneficial.
Contraindications
Among the contraindications, only individual intolerance can be noted. A large amount of fennel should not be consumed by women during the period of bearing a baby, epileptics, as well as those who suffer from diarrhea.
