Fennel Plant

Feathery green foliage with aniseed flavour. An attractive border plant with bright yellow flowers. The enlarged root bulbil is or course used as a vegetable. A pleasing acquired taste.

A member of the carrot family!

The Anglo-Saxtons held this herb as one of their nine that they held sacred to help them fight evil.

Recognised to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

• Hardy perennial.
• Can reach 6½ feet (2 metres).
• Stake if required.
• Prefers a sunny, moist, chalky soil but will tolerate slight shade.
• Avoid clay soils.
• Flowers July - October.

• Culinary Uses.
• Seeds are used to flavour bread and biscuits.
• Often used for making soup and in curries.
• Leaves and stems can be eaten raw in salad.
• Great for aniseed flavouring particularly with fish or poultry.
• Leaves can be infused in oil or vinegar.
• Flowers are edible.

• Medicinal Uses.
• Used to treat conjunctivitis, sore or inflamed eyes.
• Has anti-bacterial properties.
• Can be used to aid digestion, help wind, colic intestinal cramps and menopausal symptoms.
• The bruised seeds can be used to help increase milk flow in breast feeding Mothers.
• Crushed leaves and stems can be used to ease sore or swollen breasts due to breast feeding.
• Is used as a relaxant.
• Can be gargled for sore throats or as a mouth wash for gum disease!
• Can ease colds.
• Can be used as a liver tonic
• Sometimes used as a complimentary treatment for prostate cancer.
• Chew the seeds to sweeten breathe.
• Has been proven to reduce toxic effects in the body caused by alcohol.

• Other Uses.
• Attracts beneficial insects.
• Can be used to deter fleas if rubbed on animals coats or left in their bedding.
• The oils are sometimes used as a massage oil.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using. Avoid if pregnant.