Fennel is a type of herb that you can use in cooking as garnish or eat much like celery. People typically eat the root of fennel as a vegetable and use its seeds medicinally as herbal remedies. Fennel seed extract has served as an herbal supplement to treat respiratory infections, digestive problems and anemia, and can also act as a diuretic. As with any herbal supplement, consult your physician before using fennel seed extract as an herbal remedy.
Respiratory Infections
Fennel seed extract may treat some of the symptoms of respiratory tract infections, and can be in herbal remedies for respiratory infections as well as some cough syrups. Fennel seed extract may help treat congestion by loosening up mucous membranes and reducing the buildup of mucus. It may also help treat bronchitis and reduce coughing, due to the presence of compounds that act as expectorants, such as cineole and anetol.
Digestive Problems
Fennel seed extract is widely known for its benefits for digestive problems, including indigestion, flatulence, constipation and diarrhea. Some of the components in fennel seed, such as essential oils, act as stimulants for your digestive tract and can increase the secretion of digestive and gastric juices and facilitate the proper absorption of nutrients by your small intestine. Fennel seeds also contain the amino acid histidine, which aids in the proper functioning of your digestive system and helps treat diarrhea due to indigestion.