In Greek myths this plant was associated with Dionysus (the god of feasts and wine). It is also said that intelligence came from the gods and reached the humans through a fennel stem. In the Middle Ages during the summer solstice this herb was placed by the door in order to fend off the evil spirits. What is more, the plant seeds were used to block the keyhole to keep the ghosts from entering the homes.

Fennel fruits – seeds are an old type of seasoning found in the Mediterranean region. These are used to make pickles, scented bread, scented vinegar, meat, fish, sea fruits. The poor would use fennel to appease the hunger in the Lent period but also for spicing up meals. While fennel seeds, leaves and roots are edible, the fat extracted from the fennel seeds was proved to be toxic even in small quantities – leading to skin rashes, breathing problems and nausea.

Fennel contains many minerals and vitamins: vitamin C, fibers, manganese, potasium, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin B3 etc. The vitamin C from the bulb of the plant is antibacterian and very useful to the immune system. Furthermore the fennel bulb is an important source of fibers which help reduce the cholesterol level. Also, the fibers from this herb can prevent intestinal cancer owing to the fact that they can eliminate toxins and cancerous substances from intestines. The herb is rich in potasium – an essential mineral which helps decrease the high blood pressure that can cause a heart attack.

Fennel has invigorating and purifying effects over the human body, and so it can be effectively used in treating bruises, cellulitis, obesity, retaining water, eliminating the toxins from the body, halitosis, inflamation of the mouth.

Fennel seeds and roots unclog the liver, spleen, billiary bladder. It eliminates cramps. In order to prepare an infusion of fennel seed it is necessary to crush a spoonfull of fennel seeds in a cup of water or milk. The container in which the mixture is being prepared must not be made out of metal. After boiling the mixture 10 minutes are necessary for it to cool. Two-three cups of this mixtures should be consumed daily.

The tea from fennel leaves and seeds is beneficial for removing intestinal worms and bacteria. The syrup made from fennel juice alleviates the violent bouts of cough. The volatile oil is antiseptic, sedative, carminative, expectonant and it is used in the making of soap and perfumes.

Worth mentioning is that this herb also has a very valued effect: if it is pulverized in coops and stables it keeps the flees away.

The consumption of mixtures containing fennel is not recommended to pregnant women and to the individuals suffering from epilepsy.