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Sweet fennel plant has feathery leaves, golden yellow flowers and oblong shaped fruits. There are two types of fennel, sweet fennel and garden fennel. Sweet fennel is a gentler herb for the body; garden fennel has a harsh taste and contains less minerals and vitamins for the body. Sweet fennel is known for its many natural healing characteristics: it promotes the body’s natural cleansing ability, contributes to the mental balance, and revitalizes and stimulates memory and the brain’s functions.
Sweet fennel is naturally found in the Mediterranean countries, but it now can be found growing worldwide. Sweet fennel oils are extracted by steam distillation from crushed seeds: it has a spicy, peppery aroma. Sweet fennel healing properties include being used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an antiseptic, as a detoxifier, as a stimulant for the circulatory system and even as an insecticide.
Sweet fennel has been used for many centuries and many different cultures. In ancient China and Hindu cultures, they used it as an antidote to many different snakebites. The Egyptians, Chinese, Indians and the Greeks all valued it for its ability to prolong life, for courage, power and strength. Greek athletes would chew the fennel seeds to obtain stamina and strength. In the medieval times of England it was thought to ward off evil spirits.
This most sought after herb has found many uses in today’s society as well. It is an excellent detoxifying body cleanser; it is used for the digestive system, liver, kidneys and spleen. Many herbalists recommend sweet fennel mixtures to relive hiccups, nausea, and vomiting. It can also be inhaled to relieve symptoms of colds, asthma and bronchitis. It is also used to clean poison from insect bites.
Sweet fennel is an excellent way to promote natural healing within the body, but be sure to use in moderation. Do not use if pregnant or epileptic, and do not give to young children. If it is taken in large doses it can have a narcotic effect, so moderation is advised.
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