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What is Fennel Tea?

Trent Burkholder
Trent Burkholder

Fennel tea is a drink prepared by boiling or soaking the seeds of the fennel plant, a perennial herb indigenous to the Mediterranean area. The plant has been used by humans for thousands of years, and is now found growing wild in many regions of the world. The usage of the plant is generally as a spice for cooking or as a dietary supplement with medicinal benefits. The curative features of fennel tea have made it a popular alternative treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions, including respiratory disorders, upset stomach and digestive problems.

A common use of fennel tea is in the regulation and improvement of gastrointestinal function. Natural oil in the plant may help inhibit muscle spasms, especially in the intestinal tract. It has been found to be very effective in treating bloating and irritable bowel syndrome. Other uses include relief from upset stomach, constipation, and indigestion. Being relatively mild, the tea can generally be used with infants to help reduce flatulence and treat colic.

Fennel tea is often used for an upset stomach, respiratory disorders, and digestive problems.
Fennel tea is often used for an upset stomach, respiratory disorders, and digestive problems.

Fennel tea has a long history of use in the treatment of eye maladies as well. In ancient Rome it was believed to help improve vision and clear cloudy eyes. Drinking the tea, or taking a tea soaked cloth and placing it over the eyes for several minutes, may help relieve conjunctivitis. Some animal studies have shown the potential for use in the treatment of glaucoma as well.

Fennel tea is helpful in relieving menstrual cramps.
Fennel tea is helpful in relieving menstrual cramps.

The stimulating effect of fennel tea on the metabolism presents a possible use as a weight loss aid. The tea may boost the metabolic process, which may result in increased fat burning. The tea can also act as an appetite suppressant, bolstering a person’s resolve while on a diet. Another benefit of the effect on the metabolism appears to be in flushing out toxins from the body.

Fennel tea has been used to treat colic.
Fennel tea has been used to treat colic.

Fennel tea is believed to stimulate the effects of estrogen, providing an impact on several conditions common to women. Reducing the effects of premenstrual syndrome appears to be one possible benefit. It may relax the smooth muscles in the uterus, relieving menstrual cramps and other menopausal symptoms. There also seems to be a positive effect on women with low milk production, and the tea may help increase the female libido as well.

Some herbalists prescribe fennel tea to treat pain and fever.
Some herbalists prescribe fennel tea to treat pain and fever.

Fennel tea has a wide variety of other uses as well. Some cultures use the mixture to treat pain and fever. Herbalists often use it as a diuretic, a treatment for hypertension, or to reduce inflammation from arthritis. Some indications are that it may even help reduce the recurrence of cancer in some patients. Taken in moderation, fennel tea may have numerous benefits, but it should not be taken in large quantities because of its potential to disturb the nervous system.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

I drink fennel tea during my periods. I think what happens is that a few days after I have my period, my estrogen drops and I get severe migraines. Fennel tea seems to help balance my hormones and I get through those few days more easily. I think some people also use it for PMS symptoms or to help bring on a period when it's late.

serenesurface

@SteamLouis-- Yes, I gave my baby fennel tea when she had colic. But I did ask my doctor first and he said it's okay. So I suggest checking with the doctor no matter what anyone advises you.

Fennel tea is given to infants if the infant has digestion problems. I'm not too sure about the excessive crying. If the crying is due to digestion problems, then fennel tea will help. But if the cause is something else, then it might not. So get to the bottom of the crying first.

As for the amount, I would give just several tablespoons of it when my baby had bloating and gas. First, prepare the tea with boiled water, do not keep the fennel in there for too long so that it's not too strong. And put the tea in a bottle when it has cooled down.

SteamLouis

My infant cries excessively and a few people I know suggested fennel tea. I'm willing to try it but I just want to make sure, it's safe for an infant to have fennel tea, right? Will it cause any side effects and how much should I give?

Has anyone here given their baby fennel tea?

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    • Fennel tea is often used for an upset stomach, respiratory disorders, and digestive problems.
      By: NataliTerr
      Fennel tea is often used for an upset stomach, respiratory disorders, and digestive problems.
    • Fennel tea is helpful in relieving menstrual cramps.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Fennel tea is helpful in relieving menstrual cramps.
    • Fennel tea has been used to treat colic.
      By: kmrep
      Fennel tea has been used to treat colic.
    • Some herbalists prescribe fennel tea to treat pain and fever.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Some herbalists prescribe fennel tea to treat pain and fever.
    • Fennel oil is a key ingredient of gripe water, which is a common home remedy for infants with colic.
      By: Galina Barskaya
      Fennel oil is a key ingredient of gripe water, which is a common home remedy for infants with colic.
    • Fennel tea may regulate or improve the function of the gastrointestinal tract.
      By: maya2008
      Fennel tea may regulate or improve the function of the gastrointestinal tract.
    • Fennel tea is made with the seeds of the fennel plant.
      By: Jessmine
      Fennel tea is made with the seeds of the fennel plant.