How To Make Fennel Tea, What Are Its Benefits?
Fennel, which has an anise flavor, is an aromatic herb. The tea obtained from this plant is easy to make, delicious to drink, and the effect is incredible!
Everyone has experienced the uncomfortable situations caused by digestive problems after meals. It is desirable to get rid of problems such as bloating, gas or burping as soon as possible. A healthy and practical solution; fennel tea.
For digestive problems that you may encounter at any time, there should be fennel seeds in a jar in your kitchen cabinet. At the same time, if you are bothered by your breath and your baby has crying spells, try fennel tea. Of course, we cannot ignore its many other benefits.
In our article, we have compiled every curious information about fennel tea!
How to Make Fennel Tea?
Various methods can be used to make fennel tea. The flavor of fennel tea, which can also be combined with different herbs or herbal teas, is in connection with the preparation methods used.
However, there are different brewing techniques that experts recommend.
Seeds are the main ingredient for fennel tea; but leaves and roots can also be used. Different herbs can be added to all forms of fennel to add a stronger flavor.
Fennel tea preparation time is about 5 minutes; cooking time is 10 minutes.
Ingredients for tea;
- 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds, roots or leaves
- 2 glasses of water
- Honey or sugar
To make fennel tea, you can follow these steps;
Measure 1 to 2 teaspoons from fennel seeds or root.
Crush or grind the seeds.
Maintain a medium heat on the stove.
Add 2 cups of water to the teapot for each form of fennel you choose.
Boil the water until it evaporates.
Add the crushed fennel seeds to the water.
Cook for 10 minutes.
Do not turn the heat to high at this stage.
After cooking, the seeds should be drained.
Strain the tea into a glass.
Honey, sugar, artificial sweetener, or orange juice can be used for sweetening.
Let the tea cool for a few minutes before drinking it.
Cut as much as possible to prevent the nutrients from becoming airborne. Consume it in a short time.
Fennel seed tea, prepared within the framework of the above-mentioned procedure, is considered a correct concentrate.
If fennel seeds are slightly broken or crushed with a spoon or the flat edge of a knife before preparing tea, the essential oils in its content will emerge more.
Crushed seeds or other herbal forms to be added according to preference should be filtered.
Fennel 2 teaspoons of seeds will be enough for tea. These seeds have very healthy and nutritious essential oils. Two spoonfuls of seeds produce a good proportion of essential oil.
For using fennel leaves, they can be chopped into large pieces to release the oils.
Besides fennel seeds, fennel roots can also be used. Its amount is still enough for two teaspoons.
The brewing of the tea to be prepared with chopped fennel roots may take a little longer than other forms of fennel and additional additives depending on the hard texture of the root.
To increase the flavor of the tea made with fennel seeds, Fennel root or leaves can also be added. However, when roots or leaves are added, the cooking time should be increased to 15 to 20 minutes.
Water boiled at high temperatures can destroy the volatile components of fennel.
Tea should be drunk for no longer than two or three minutes.Fennel has a sharp anise scent. Its seeds, leaves and roots are commonly used.
Herbal tea made with fennel has diuretic functions such as increasing digestion, removing excess water from the body and removing some wastes. Its essential oils have antiseptic properties for the treatment of gastrointestinal infections. Even the scent of tea has a calming effect on some people.
A cup of fennel tea is recommended after a heavy meal for those with digestive system problems or irritable bowel syndrome. Too many benefits to be ignored have been reported.
Let’s take a look at the most important benefits of fennel tea recommended by nutrition and health experts;
It is effective against digestive problems such as bloating, heartburn, stomach cramps and diarrhea after meals.
Fennel tea is considered a natural “antispasmodic”. Therefore, it relaxes the digestive system, relieves gas, can treat irritable bowel syndrome.
The aromatic and carminative properties make it an excellent solution for bloating, diarrhea and stomach cramps, which are symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Fennel tea It acts as a herbal antacid and proton pump inhibitor.Drinking a single glass of fennel tea with symptoms of indigestion relieves heartburn.
Reduces acid levels in the stomach, destroys parasites, worms and bacteria in the intestines.
Fennel has some chemicals such as estrogen. One of the biggest benefits; It is a feature of reducing estrogen production, thus painful menstruation (PMS), menstrual (menstrual) cramps and menopausal symptoms. It can even relieve hiccups.
The essential oils in its content have mild estrogen-like properties. That’s why it is an ideal herbal remedy to treat hormonal problems. It also supports libido and is recommended against amenorrhea.
The main component of fennel oil, “anethole”, is used as a tonic to protect the female reproductive system. Antioxidants and vitamins and some of their cleansing effects in the body combine to lower the level of bad cholesterol and reduce hypertension.
It helps the heart and kidneys by cleaning the blood; It balances hormones.
Increases the flow of urine, protects the liver from alcohol damage and is good for diseases such as jaundice.
Blood cleansing feature supports kidney function and can prevent kidney stones. Thus, it is one of the teas to lose weight.It also improves the health of tissues and joints.
It has a supportive effect on problems such as colds, sore throats, upper respiratory tract diseases, asthma and bronchitis. In addition, it has expectorant and cleansing properties.
We can list its other benefits as follows;
It is a traditional home remedy against chronic cough, vomiting and sperm defect.
Helps control bacterial and fungal infections.
Fennel tea has a refreshing effect when applied externally to swollen and sore eyes.
It treats eye infections such as “conjunctivitis” by reducing eye swelling.
Can be used as a mouthwash. It relaxes the gums and prevents bad breath thanks to its antibacterial properties.
What are the Side Effects of Fennel Tea?
The benefits of fennel tea listed above may not be for everyone. Because in some cases, side effects can be seen.
Here are the most important side effects;
Fennel is a member of the carrot and celery family.People with estrogen-dependent cancer type should not consume it.
However, it can soothe stomach cramps and vomiting after chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer.
Especially pregnant women should not consume too much fennel tea. Compounds in fennel are a potential uterine stimulant; this may increase the risk of complications of pregnancy. Because the tea can become a toxin and may progress along the placenta, harming the development of the baby’s endocrine system.
Fennel tea should not be used as a complement to medical treatments without the advice of healthcare professionals.
Can Fennel Tea Be Used in Babies?
Fennel tea is especially recommended for babies against crying spells (colic). It is a commonly preferred colic medicine for babies. It is recommended to give fennel tea to babies alongside breast milk. It has volatile gases that reduce the possibility of bloating in babies. Bloating bothers babies, which is why most babies cry uncontrollably.
Commercial colic remedies also contain fennel oil.
Apart from healing colic cases, fennel tea strengthens the baby’s immunity. In addition, being rich in vitamins C and E is also an advantage for babies.
Fennel tea has the ability to fight anemia. This provides additional benefits to babies. The histamines in its content increase hemoglobin production in red blood cells; For this reason, it is very useful for babies.
Babies tend to swallow foreign and dirty objects; This negatively affects digestive health. Fennel tea is an effective option for cleaning the digestive system and killing internal parasites and bacteria.
So, is fennel tea harmful to babies or children?
Although fennel tea is recommended for colic in infants, some concerns have been expressed about its use. According to research, fennel tea has a carminative effect by relaxing the gastrointestinal tract; it also reduces the symptoms of colic. It is also emphasized that it can cause brain damage.Teas made with fennel seeds are safer for babies. However, a pediatrician should be consulted before giving fennel tea to babies!
What is Fennel?
Fennel is a Mediterranean plant of the genus “foeniculum vulgare” (anethum foeniculum). It is a member of the Apiaceae family.
Although its homeland is the Mediterranean and the Near East, it can be grown in every region of the world. It is a durable and long-lived plant. It has a crispy texture with small yellow flowers. Its flowers are long-stalked and umbrella-shaped. Its roots are white or light green with upward stems. The leaves are petiolate and hairless. It has a hairless, upright and hollow cylindrical body.
Fennel plant; It can grow on its own in sunny, warm and sandy areas. Its height can reach 2 meters. Its fruits are dried seeds that can reach 4 to 10 mm in length.
The root, leaves, flowers and seeds can be used in food; however, its seeds are widely used in herbal medicine. It is similar in appearance and taste to anise; even the benefits are almost the same.
Fennel, which is rich in vitamins A, B-complex, C and D; It contains antioxidants and amino acids, fatty acids, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, sodium, sulfur and zinc.
Have You Heard About Fennel?
The English equivalent of “Fennel” is “fennel”. The origin of this word comes from the word “foeniculum” given by the Romans, which is also the scientific name of the plant. It was called “marathon” in Ancient Greece.
Fennel has been used as an alternative medicine and nutritional herb since the time of the Ancient Greeks.
Prometheus in Greek mythology used fennel stalk to make fire.
Ancient Greece In , Olympic athletes have consumed fennel seeds for enhancing stamina and longevity.
Fennel tea was used in Ancient Egypt, India, and China to treat snake and insect bites > used.
Historically, the use of fennel has been accepted as a symbol of nature in traditional rituals and celebrations. This tradition dates back to Ancient Greece and Rome.