What are the functions and benefits of fennel?
Generally speaking, the effects and functions of fennel mainly include warming the kidney and dispersing cold, harmonizing the stomach and regulating qi, promoting digestion, relieving dysmenorrhea, dispelling cold, and alleviating pain. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Warm the kidney and disperse cold
Fennel has a warm nature and pungent taste. It can warm and invigorate kidney yang, dispel cold pathogens in the lower jiao, and alleviate discomforts such as cold pain in the waist and knees, and cold distension in the lower abdomen caused by insufficient kidney yang and invasion of cold pathogens. When cold pathogens stagnate in the lower jiao, consuming fennel can help warm the kidneys and reduce discomfort caused by cold.
2. Harmonize the stomach and regulate qi
Fennel can regulate the qi of the spleen and stomach, and alleviate symptoms such as abdominal distension, belching, and acid regurgitation caused by disharmony of stomach qi. When qi stagnation occurs in the spleen and stomach, consuming fennel can harmonize stomach qi, smooth the flow of qi in the gastrointestinal tract, and improve gastric discomfort.
3. Promote digestion
Fennel contains volatile oils that can stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric juice, enhance gastrointestinal motility, accelerate food digestion and absorption, and improve poor appetite and indigestion. When appetite is poor, moderate consumption of fennel can stimulate appetite and promote digestive function.
4. Relieve dysmenorrhea
Fennel can warm and invigorate the meridians, dispel cold, and alleviate dysmenorrhea and cold pain in the lower abdomen caused by cold-induced blood stasis. When experiencing related discomfort during menstruation, consuming fennel can help promote blood circulation and alleviate pain symptoms.
5. Dispel cold and relieve pain
Fennel can expel internal cold pathogens and alleviate cold pain in limbs and joints, and pain caused by hernia due to cold pathogens. When pain is caused by cold pathogens, consuming fennel can help eliminate cold pathogens, relieve pain, and improve physical comfort.
Fennel is warm in nature and should not be consumed in excessive amounts by individuals with yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity, as it may exacerbate internal heat. As a dietary therapy ingredient, fennel cannot replace medication for treating diseases; prompt medical attention is required if symptoms are severe. Individuals in special populations should consult a healthcare professional before consumption.