Home
Articles
Q&A

What diseases can fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) treat?

Jun 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Fennel seeds are commonly used to improve cold-induced stomach pain, relieve indigestion, alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms, assist in managing kidney deficiency, and ease symptoms of colds caused by wind-cold. Fennel seeds are warm in nature and can dispel cold from the stomach. Individuals with cold stomach conditions often experience symptoms such as cold pain in the epigastric region, which worsens with exposure to cold. Consuming fennel seeds or drinking fennel seed tea can help warm the stomach, promote local blood circulation, reduce pain, and relieve stomach discomfort.

　　Fennel is commonly used to improve epigastric pain caused by cold stomach, relieve indigestion, alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms, assist in regulating kidney deficiency, and ease the symptoms of wind-cold common cold. Detailed explanations are as follows:

　　1. Improve Cold-induced Stomach Pain: Fennel is warm in nature and can dispel cold from the stomach. People with cold stomach conditions often experience symptoms such as cold pain in the epigastric region, which worsens with exposure to cold. Consuming fennel or drinking fennel tea can warm the stomach, promote local blood circulation, reduce pain, and alleviate stomach discomfort.

　　2. Relieve Indigestion: Fennel contains volatile oils that can stimulate gastrointestinal motility and enhance digestive juice secretion. For indigestion, abdominal distension, and loss of appetite caused by insufficient gastrointestinal motility, moderate intake of fennel can help break down food, promote digestion and absorption, and improve gastrointestinal digestive function.

　　3. Alleviate Dysmenorrhea Symptoms: In women, dysmenorrhea caused by cold uterus can be relieved by the warming properties of fennel, which warms the uterus and promotes meridian circulation. Consuming fennel-containing foods or applying fennel warm compresses to the lower abdomen during menstruation can, to some extent, relieve uterine spasms, reduce pain, and improve menstrual discomfort.

　　4. Assist in Regulating Kidney Deficiency: In traditional understanding, fennel has a kidney-warming effect. Individuals with kidney yang deficiency often exhibit symptoms such as cold pain in the lumbar and knee regions and mental fatigue. Moderate consumption of fennel can warm and supplement kidney yang, improve kidney function, and alleviate symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the waist and knees caused by kidney deficiency.

　　5. Relieve Wind-cold Common Cold: The warming properties of fennel can play a role in the early stages of a wind-cold common cold. When cold pathogens invade the body, causing symptoms such as clear nasal discharge, mild fever, and aversion to cold, drinking fennel tea can help expel cold pathogens from the body, alleviate early cold symptoms, and promote recovery.

　　Although fennel has the above benefits, it cannot replace medications for treating diseases. When using fennel to regulate the body, the dosage should be controlled according to individual symptoms and constitution. If symptoms persist or worsen, timely medical consultation and formal treatment should be sought.

　　

　　

Related Articles

View All
Can fennel seeds help with weight loss?
In general, fennel seeds usually do not achieve weight-loss effects. Fennel seeds should be consumed in moderation, as excessive intake may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat should consume fennel seeds cautiously to avoid worsening symptoms of internal heat. When purchasing fennel seeds, choose high-quality products without mold or unusual odor, and store them in a dry, well-ventilated place to prevent moisture and spoilage.
avatar
Dr. Yang Ziqi
View Full Answer
What are the functions and benefits of fennel seed oil?
In general, the functions and benefits of fennel seed oil mainly include regulating qi and harmonizing the stomach, relieving abdominal discomfort, promoting digestion, soothing the respiratory system, and inhibiting bacteria and inflammation. Fennel seed oil is quite potent and should be diluted before use to avoid direct skin contact. Pregnant women and infants should use it cautiously to prevent adverse reactions. As a natural essential oil, it cannot replace medication for the treatment of diseases.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
Can fennel seeds nourish the kidneys?
In general, fennel can to some extent support kidney health. However, its effect on nourishing the kidneys is relatively mild and cannot replace specialized methods of kidney nourishment and regulation. Excessive consumption may cause internal heat buildup, which could negatively affect kidney health. Maintaining kidney health should primarily rely on a balanced diet, regular作息 (作息 should be translated as作息 here, but note that this term doesn't have a direct one-word English equivalent and generally refers to "rest and activity patterns" or "daily routine"), and moderate exercise, with fennel serving only as a supplementary ingredient in daily meals.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Can fennel seeds nourish the kidneys?
In general, fennel can play a certain auxiliary role in kidney nourishment, but its effect is limited and mainly applies to specific situations. In daily life, if one wishes to better nourish the kidneys, in addition to consuming fennel appropriately, one can also include other kidney-nourishing ingredients such as black sesame seeds, walnuts, and wolfberries. At the same time, it is important to maintain a regular作息 (routine作息 should be translated as "routine" or "daily schedule"), avoid excessive fatigue, and engage in appropriate physical exercise.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
What are the functions and effects of stir-fried fennel?
Stir-fried fennel seeds typically refer to the ingredient or medicinal material obtained after stir-frying fennel seeds. It has functions and effects such as regulating qi and harmonizing the stomach, dispersing cold to relieve pain, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, improving the respiratory system, and relieving wind-dampness. To avoid adverse effects on the body, it is recommended to use stir-fried fennel seeds under the guidance of a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and adjust the dosage according to individual constitution. In daily diet, it is advisable to consume in moderation.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Does eating fennel cause internal heat (excess heat in the body)?
In general, whether consuming fennel seeds causes excessive internal heat ("fire") depends on the amount consumed. Moderate consumption typically does not cause internal heat. However, excessive intake may lead to such effects. To avoid unnecessary harm to the body, it is recommended to consume fennel seeds under the guidance of a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or nutritionist. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, consuming more cooling foods, and avoiding excessive intake of warming spices can help maintain overall health.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Is fennel the same as star anise?
In general, fennel is not star anise. Fennel and star anise are distinctly different in botanical classification, morphological characteristics, and uses. Fennel belongs to the genus Foeniculum in the Apiaceae family. The edible portions of fennel include the fennel seeds and tender stems and leaves. Fennel seeds are small and cylindrical, usually grayish-green or pale yellow in color, with a fragrant aroma and a slightly sweet taste.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
What is the property, flavor, and channel entry of Fennel?
Under normal circumstances, fennel seed (Xiao Hui Xiang) is warm in nature and pungent in taste, entering the liver, kidney, spleen, and stomach meridians. Due to its warm nature, individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat should use it cautiously to avoid exacerbating heat symptoms in the body. Pregnant women should use fennel seed only under the guidance of a physician to avoid self-administering large quantities. When used medicinally, dosage should follow medical advice to avoid excessive intake and potential adverse reactions.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.