There’s even more to fennel than its use in modern kitchens. Fennel, a member of the carrot family, originated along the Mediterranean Sea in the southern parts of Europe and has long been utilized for medicinal purposes. In fact, one popular and simple way to garner some of the healthy therapeutic properties of fennel is to drink it as a tea. Fennel tea is most often made with fennel seeds that have been lightly crushed to release their nutrient-rich oils. “Historically, fennel was used for a wide range of ailments,” says Kimberley Rose-Francis, RDN. “For example, fennel was used for digestive, reproductive, and endocrine issues. Studies show that fennel has antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties as well.” And it’s not just one part of fennel that’s beneficial: “Its stem, fruit, leaves, seeds, and whole plant itself are medicinally used in different forms in the treatment of a variety of diseased conditions,” she adds. While fennel tea might not typically be your first choice of tea to sip on a chilly day, these five surprisingly powerful health benefits, according to research and nutritionists, may convince you to give it a try.
Health Benefits of Fennel Tea
RELATED: Sip on These 7 Types of Tea to Help Soothe Inflammation As with any natural or herbal remedy, consult your doctor before drinking fennel tea, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Fennel Tea Recipes
It’s easy to make your own fennel tea at home. For the simplest approach: Take one teaspoon of fennel seeds and add it to two cups of boiling water. Allow the seeds to steep for a few minutes before drinking. If you prefer something with a bit more flavor and variety, Bogden recommends the following recipe: Boil one and a half cups of water in a pot. Add one tablespoon of crushed fennel seeds and a quarter inch of lightly crushed ginger to the pot and let the mixture boil for three to five minutes. Strain it, add a half teaspoon of honey (or to taste), and enjoy. If you’re short on time or ingredients, most major grocery stores now sell fennel tea bags.
