Fennel tea can bring magical effects to you for your health
The Roman writer and naturalist Pliny, who lived between 23 and 79 AD, is said to have been the first to use fennel, a unique herb with a crisp, pale green root and feathery leaves similar to carrot tops. Centuries later, in 812 AD, Emperor Charlemagne declared that every garden should grow fennel so that people could take advantage of its potential healing properties. In this article we are going to discuss some about fennel tea.
In addition to fennel and leaves, drinking fennel seeds in the form of tea can also provide some benefits. If you want to learn about what it tastes like, the health benefits it can provide, and how to make this tea at home, keep reading.
What is Fennel Tea?
Fennel seed tea, or fennel tea, is made from the seeds of the fennel plant (Cuminum foenum-grass). The tea tastes a bit like licorice, but with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Fennel is a perennial herb that is common in the Mediterranean region, but can now be grown in many countries outside of that region, such as the United States, France, India, and Russia .
Fennel has long been used extensively in traditional medicinal practices in ancient Egypt, China, and India , but more and more people are becoming aware of its benefits as newer information highlights its potential to boost health.
Health Benefits of Fennel Tea
Fennel has been linked to many health benefits due to its high content of anethole, estragole, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and volatile compounds. It may help:
What is the caffeine content in fennel tea?
According to Medical News Today, it is a decaffeinated beverage, which may be a good option for those who are sensitive to caffeine or need to lower their caffeine intake. However, just because tea is a decaffeinated beverage doesn’t mean you should drink it without restriction, as there are side effects to fennel tea that you must be aware of (more on that later).
How to Make Fennel Tea
It is usually made by crushing dried fennel seeds into a powder and then steeping them in boiling water. Here is a simple guide to making your own fennel tea:
Simple Fennel Tea Recipe
Ingredients
1 to 2 teaspoons freshly ground fennel seeds
1 cup boiling water
Production process
1. Pour boiling water into a teapot and steep the fennel seeds in the boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired strength.
2. Strain and drink. You can reheat it according to your preference.
This tea recipe is enough for 1 person
Prep Time: 15 minutes
It is best drunk freshly brewed. The longer it sits, the more volatile compounds are released into the air, leaving less nutrients for the body. If fennel seeds are unavailable, you can purchase ready-made fennel seed tea from a reputable, high-quality source.
When drinking fennel tea (or other types of herbal teas), be sure to start with small amounts to reduce the risk of side effects. It’s best to talk to your doctor first to see if you can drink this tea.
How to Store Fennel Tea
Whole or ground fennel seeds are available year-round in the market. If you buy fennel seeds from a store, look for whole seeds rather than powdered ones. The latter may be adulterated with unwanted spices.
Once you get home, store fennel seeds in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dry place away from light. For ground and powdered fennel, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ideally, use up fennel seeds as quickly as possible. They tend to lose flavor quickly because the essential oils begin to evaporate once they are stored.
What are the side effects of fennel tea?
Be careful when drinking fennel tea to make sure you don’t overdo it, as estragole, a key element in fennel, is considered a potential carcinogen. Likewise, if you plan to give fennel tea to a colicky baby, consult your doctor first to determine a safe amount.
As mentioned above, fennel has an estrogenic effect. This effect can mimic estrogen, which can lead to potential health problems. Therefore, pregnant women should never drink fennel tea, and breastfeeding mothers must also be extra careful.
Additionally, women with breast, uterine or ovarian cancer, endometriosis , uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts or fibrocystic breasts should avoid fennel because the estrogen it contains may exacerbate these conditions.
If you have a bleeding disorder, be cautious when drinking fennel tea, as it may increase the likelihood of bleeding or bruising. This also applies to people diagnosed with epilepsy, as it can cause seizures in high-risk individuals. Fennel may interact with other medications , including some antibiotics (particularly ciprofloxacin -type antibiotics) or birth control pills .
People who are allergic to carrots, celery, or mugwort and other plants in the Apiaceae family must avoid fennel tea, as the herb is closely associated with these foods and may cause an allergic reaction. Fennel may also increase sensitivity to sunlight and, in some cases, interfere with menstruation. There is also concern that fennel may cause premature breast development in girls.
FAQ
Q: What is fennel tea good for?
A: Fennel tea can help with constipation by relaxing the body’s digestive muscles and relieve some respiratory problems by reducing phlegm and relieving gas. This tea can also help relieve symptoms in babies with colic, improve sleep, and may aid weight loss.
Q: What are the benefits of fennel tea?
A: Fennel tea has many health benefits, including:
• Detoxification of the body
Increases the body’s antioxidant levels
Promote immunity
Reduce inflammation
promote lactation
Q: Can I drink fennel tea while pregnant?
A: Pregnant women should not drink fennel tea unless your doctor gives the OK. Fennel has estrogenic effects and therefore may exhibit properties similar to estrogen. This could cause health problems in pregnant women.
Q: Can fennel tea increase breast milk production?
A: Fennel tea has been used for years as a galactagogue to improve the quality and quantity of breast milk. However, breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor first if they want to try fennel tea to increase lactation.
Q: Is fennel tea a laxative?
A: It can act as a mild laxative. It can help relieve stomach pain, intestinal cramps , and constipation.
Q: Where can I buy fennel tea?
A: Fennel seeds for fennel tea are available year-round at many markets. Although they are available in both whole and ground forms, it is best to purchase whole seeds, as ground fennel may be adulterated with unwanted spices. Tea bags are also available in some health food stores and on the Internet, but be sure to purchase from a reputable source.
