The valuable qualities of fennel seeds have been known for a long time. In ancient Rome and Greece, this plant was a symbol of victory and success. Nowadays, seeds are used in cooking, as well as in medicine.
The article will examine what fennel seeds are and how it looks, whether it looks like dill, and also consider its chemical composition, indications and contraindications.
We learn from the text from what ailments fennel seeds help, as well as how seeds are used in cosmetology and cooking.
What is it and how does it look?
Until now, there is a perception that fennel and dill are two identical plants. In fact, this is a misconception. What they have in common is that they belong to the same family - umbrella ones.
Fennel refers to two-year plants, and dill to annuals. Fennel seeds are green and oblong in shape.
And the seeds of dill - a small size with a dark brown color. In this regard, fennel seeds and dill seeds are not identical concepts, as many think. Fennel has its own household or popular name - pharmaceutical dill.
The length of fennel seeds is about 8 mm, and the width is about 3 mm. They are dense, hard, with well-drawn stripes.
Useful and healing properties
What is useful seeds? They are components of many drugs. This suggests that they contain healthy components.
Chemical composition
100 g of product contains:
- proteins - 15.80 gr;
- fats - 14.87 g;
- carbohydrates - 52.29 grams.
Caloric content is 345 kcal.
Seeds contain vitamins, various macro-and micronutrients. The number and name of these substances will be discussed in the table.
Substance name | amount | Percentage of daily allowance |
Vitamin A | 7.0 mcg | 4,5 |
Vitamin B1 | 0.408 mg | 34 |
Vitamin B2 | 0.353 mg | 28 |
Vitamin PP | 6.050 mg | 37 |
Vitamin B6 | 0.470 mg | 36 |
Vitamin C | 21.0 mg | 35 |
Sodium | 88 mg | 6 |
Potassium | 1694 mg | 36 |
Calcium | 1196 mg | 120 |
Copper | 1,067 mg | 118 |
Iron | 18.54 mg | 232 |
Magnesium | 385 mg | 96 |
Phosphorus | 487 mg | 70 |
Zinc | 3.70 mg | 33,5 |
In addition, it also contains fiber. 100 grams of its seeds 39.8 grams. Due to its presence, fennel seeds are an excellent remedy for constipation.
The presence of all the above elements gives fennel seeds a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, tonic, antispasmodic, expectorant action.
Reference. The seeds of the plant contain flavonoids and essential oils, which act as antioxidants, ridding the body of harmful substances.
Indications
- Colds.
- Signs of inflammation in the airways.
- Bronchitis, sore throat.
- Colic, bloating, constipation.
- Improper functioning of the digestive system.
- Urolithiasis and its prevention.
- Period of postpartum recovery.
- Increased lactation during the period of feeding the child.
- Excess weight.
Harm
This plant can bring not only benefit, but also harmif there is an individual intolerance to fennel. This is manifested in the form of dizziness, allergic reaction, indigestion.
Contraindications and restrictions
There are no particular contraindications for use, however, you should not abuse the seeds, since allergic reactions are possible. In general, the following categories of people have limitations in use:
- pregnant and lactating;
- epilepsy patients;
- people with frequent bowel disorders.
Use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
Slimming
If a person needs to normalize the work of the digestive system and reduce weight, then in this case, fennel seeds are perfect. Seeds not only normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract, but also improve metabolismremove toxins. They contain melatonin, contributing to weight loss.
Step-by-step recipe for fennel water for weight loss. It will take:
- liter of purified water;
- 2 tsp. seeds.
- Put the seeds in a container, add water, cover with a lid, leave overnight. You can put in the fridge.
- In the morning, strain the water and drink during the day.
Important. When using seeds for weight loss, you should remember about precautions. If you chew them, then no more than one teaspoon per day.
With cystitis
In the treatment of cystitis using decoctions and infusions of fennel. They need to take 1-2 weeks to achieve effective results.
Recipe for infusion. It will take:
- 1 tbsp. seeds;
- glass of water.
- Crush the seeds and pour boiling water.
- Let it brew for 12 hours.
- Drink infusion throughout the day in small portions.
With a cold
To treat a cold, you need to prepare the following decoction:
- take a glass of water;
- add 1 tbsp. fruits;
- put to simmer for 30 minutes.
Drink 2 tbsp. four times a day, 15 minutes before meals.
With pneumonia
For pneumonia, an infusion from a combination of different plants, including fennel seeds, is a good remedy.
For this you will need:
- Fennel fruit 1 tbsp. l .;
- flowers coltsfoot 1 tbsp. l .;
- comfrey root 1 tbsp .;
- flowers of black elderberry 1 tbsp .;
- flowers mullein 1 tbsp .;
- rhizome of wheatgrass 1 tbsp .;
- linden flower 1 tbsp.
Cooking:
- all components mix;
- pour a glass of boiling water;
- let stand for at least 2 hours, strain.
Drink during the day in three doses.
From wrinkles
For a rejuvenating effect, the following recipe will do. It will take:
- half a teaspoon of ground fruits of fennel;
- 2 tablespoons of hot olive oil;
- one teaspoon of semolina.
Mix everything, leave the mixture to cool and swell. Apply to face, neck and around eyes. Do not apply on lymph nodes.
With menopause
The effect of this fetus in this period is due to the production of its own estrogen, which helps to improve the well-being of women. In this case, fennel water will help.
Her recipe:
- 3 tbsp. seed pour half a liter of water.
- Infuse the liquid for an hour, then add another half liter of water.
It is necessary to take after eating half a cup one month.
As a tonic
To enhance the immunity is suitable tonic tea with fennel. Need a tablespoon of seeds and a glass of boiling water. Leave for half an hour, then you can take 3 times a day.
From acne
You can take the usual decoction of the plant inside, and also used as an external agent. To do this, combine 12 drops of patchouli essential oil, 50 ml. vodka, a teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds, mix, stand for 3 days.
Wipe face in the morning and evening.
From cough
The following decoction helps well:
- teaspoon pour a glass of water;
- bring to a boil, cook for 20 minutes over medium heat;
- after that strain.
Drink throughout the day.
To improve kidney function
It will take:
- 1 tbsp. l tricolor violets;
- comfrey;
- elder pharmacy;
- fennel;
- centaury.
- All combine, pour a glass of water.
- Boil.
- Cool, strain.
Drink three times a day.
For eyes
To prevent the development of myopia can be taken fennel in combination with other components.
You will need:
- fennel fruits;
- rose hips;
- black ashberry;
- calamus root in the amount of 100 gr.
- All this chop, mix.
- Take 2 tablespoons of the mixture, add 500 ml. water, boil for 5 minutes, leave to brew for 3-4 hours, strain.
Drink half a cup in the morning, afternoon and evening before eating for a month.
With pustular skin lesions
Recipe:
- In a teaspoon of seeds, add 250 ml. boiling water.
- Leave for 15 minutes and strain.
- Dilute with clean water 1: 1.
In the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening, wipe the areas with pustules with the resulting solution.
Important! Any decoction can not be stored for more than two days. With prolonged storage, it can harm the body due to fissionable acids.
Cooking Application
Fennel fruits have long been a favorite additive to many culinary specialists. So, they are added when baking, both sweet and salty, when cooking meat and fish dishes. In addition, the seeds give a refined tart taste to alcoholic beverages. And if you add them to the sauce or marinade, then this will undoubtedly make the food more useful and tasty.
Fruits give the dish a sweetish-bitter taste.
Where to get?
Seeds can be purchased at the pharmacy or grow yourself. It is best to plant seeds in early spring. The soil for this must be a good, fertilized. Seeds can be collected as soon as in the center of the "umbrella" will be brown in color, and the rest of the ashy. After collecting the seeds, they must be dried and cleaned of contamination. Keep them in a well-closed container. It is better to pick up glass or porcelain dishes.
You can buy seeds in a pharmacy or on the market. Pay attention to the fact that the seeds were dry with a pleasant smell, reminiscent of anise. There should be no mold and moisture. Prices for this product in Moscow and St. Petersburg depend on the seed manufacturer. So, 50 grams of the product can be purchased for both 50 rubles and 120.
Fennel seeds are useful not only for the treatment of various diseases, but also to maintain the work of all body systems.