Foeniculum vulgare – Fennel (Saunf): An Overview
Introduction
Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as fennel, is a flowering plant species in the carrot family (Apiaceae). It is native to the Mediterranean region but has become widely naturalized in many parts of the world. Fennel is a highly aromatic and flavorful herb used in cooking and traditional medicine. Fennel is a perennial herb that grows up to 2.5 meters tall. It has hollow stems and finely divided, feathery leaves.It produces small, yellow flowers in large, flat-topped clusters known as umbels. The seeds are oval-shaped, ridged, and aromatic, commonly referred to as fennel seeds.
Botanical Name:
Foeniculum vulgare Miller
Family:
Umbelliferae/Apiaceae
Urdu Name:
Saunf, Badyan, Rizeh, Raz
English Name:
Fennel, Sweet Fenne
Parts Used:
Fruit, root.
Temperament:
Hot + dry
Order:
2nd order
Geographical Source:
Pakistan, India, Spain, Ross, Sapras.
Organoleptic Evaluation:
Appearance: Fennel is a plant in apiaceae family with yellow flowers, feathery leaves and oval-oblong shaped fruit that can be greenish brown to yellowish brown in color.
Odor: fennel has an aroma similar ko licorice.
Taste: Bitter taste with a spicy and nutty flavor.
Texture: The plant has a smooth texture with five segments and a bifid stylopod at apex.
Pharmacological Actions / Functions:
The whole plant is pleasantly aromatic. Fruits (seeds) are regarded as stimulant, carminative, masticatory (removing bad odour from mouth), flavouring agent, and condiment, emmenagogue, lactagogue, antiflatulent (the oil also), check griping of purgatives. Oil (anethole) is gastric stimulant.
Specific Action:
Tonic for digestive tract (especially stomach), and for
eyesight.
Chemical Constituents:
- Fenchone
- Anethole
- Estragole
- Phellandrene
- Limonene
- Anisic
- Aldehyde
- Volatile oils
- Fixed oils
- Proteins
Mode of Action:
1-Anti-fungal property:
Estragole (constituent of fennel) fennel extract has antifungal properties, effective against various fungi including dermatophytes , Aspergillus species and Candida albicans . Fennel’s glucanase enzyme break down fungal cell walls, inhibiting fungal growth. Fennel has been shown to be effective against fungal skin or hair infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, dandruff and itchiness.
2-Cardiovascular activity:
Fenchone ( fennel ) contains significant fibres , which helps reduce total serum cholesterol and low- density lipoprotein ( LDL) cholesterol in the blood, this reducing the risk of heart diseases. Potassium, calcium and magnesium these minerals decrease blood pressure naturally. Potassium can lower blood pressure.
Medicinal Uses:
- Fennel is indicated as safe herbal drug in indigestion, abdominal pain, and gastritis.
- In flatulence, flatulent colic and stomach debility, the seeds are widely used throughout the world. It is an aromatic gastric stimulant, clears the organs of obstructions particularly the digestive tract, thoracic region, liver, spleen and kidneys. In phlegmatic and atrabilious disorders used as antiflatulent, resolves the malhumours and strengthens the eyesight.
- Dried fruits are used for flavouring soups, dishes and sauces, bread rolls, pastries and other confectionery items.
- Being official (the seed oil) in pharmacopoeias and codices of several countries from centuries, considered as corrective for less pleasant drugs particularly Senna and rhubarb.
- A hot infusion of the fruits is useful to increase lacteal secretion and to stimulate sweating. They are also used in the manufacture of cordials and enter into the composition of fennel water, which is employed mostly as vehicle for other drugs and as flavouring agent.
Compound Preparations:
- Jawarish Razyana
- Jawarish Mastagi Kalan
- Ruh-i-Badiyan
- Roghan Badiyan
- Sherbet Ustukhuddus
- Sherbet Khaksi
- Sherbet Gaozaban
- Sherbet Mushil
- Arq Badiyan
- Arq Birainjasif
- Arq Faulad
- Qurs Podina
- Qurs Mulayyin
- Kuhl
- Sadaf
- Laooq Mo’tadil
- Ma’jun Izaraqi
- Ma’jun Sohag Sonth
- Arq Badiyan
- Jawarish Kamuni.
Dosage:
5 to 7 g.
Corrigent:
Coriandrum sativum Linn., white sandal wood (Santalum
album Linn.).
Tenedium:
Bekh Badiyan (root of Fennel),Tukhm Krafs (seeds ofApium
greveolens Linn.).
Side Effects:
The roots also used medicinally as that of seeds. Excessive use may be harmful for individuals with warm temperament.
Prescription:
1- For Stomach Problems:
(Indigestion, Flatulence, Vomiting etc )
Foeniculum vulgare (Saunf) 20g
Anethum Graveolens (Soya) 20g
Ammonium Chloride (Noshadar Thikri 20g
Trachyspermum Ammi (Ajwain) 20g
Black Salt (Kala Namak) 10g
Mentha (Podina) 20g
Mix all ingredients and make a powder.
Usage:
1 Capsule after meal with water (BD).
2-Eyesight weakness:
Foeniculum vulgare (Saunf) 10g
Cardamom (Ilaichi Khurd) 3g
Almonds (Badam) 10g
Crystal sugar (Masri) 30g
Make a Powder of All ingredients and fill the capsule.
Usage:
Take one capsule (BD) with milk or water.
Conclusion:
Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, is a versatile and beneficial plant with a rich history and a wide range of uses. It is valued for its culinary applications, including its seeds, leaves, and bulbs, which add unique flavors to many dishes. Medically, fennel has been used for centuries to alleviate digestive issues and boasts anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Its aromatic qualities also make it a popular choice in perfumes and essential oils. With its hardy nature and adaptability to various growing conditions, fennel remains an important and widely appreciated plant in both modern and traditional contexts.