Fennel tea provides several health benefits for the body, one of which is the relief of gastrointestinal problems.
Did you know that there are people who have the habit of drinking fennel tea right after meals? This is thanks to the benefits it provides for the health of the body. Furthermore, this medicinal plant has the same active ingredients as anise and fennel.
In other words, this herb contains proven properties that help with better digestion. Furthermore, they alleviate gastrointestinal problems. And, it also has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antidyspeptic properties.
Thus, fennel, also known as green anise, anise and white pimpernel, is a medicinal plant from the Apiaceae family. Furthermore, its scientific name is Pimpinella anisum. In this aspect, the plant is approximately 50 cm tall, composed of split leaves, white flowers and dried fruits. Furthermore, it has only one seed, with a sweet flavor and intense aroma.
Finally, fennel is also used in cosmetic and perfumery products. Therefore, it is found in different forms, such as dry extract and oil, in markets, street markets, natural product stores and compounding pharmacies. Interestingly, fennel is often confused with fennel and star anise. However, they are very different plants, which have different properties.
What is fennel tea good for?
Fennel is a medicinal plant that provides several benefits to those who consume it. In principle, it is capable of reducing the effects of food fermentation in the intestine. For example, the production of gases.
Therefore, this will help to alleviate the discomfort caused by increased gas in the intestine. On the other hand, fennel tea can help relieve symptoms that occur during menopause.
According to studies, this herb has antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic and insect repellent properties. Ultimately, it provides several benefits for the health of the body. In this way, fennel can treat conditions such as:
- Stomach ache.
- Headache.
- Indigestion.
- Abdominal swelling.
- Muscle spasms.
- Menstrual cramps.
- Inflammations in the mouth and throat.
- Cough, flu, cold, phlegm, runny nose.
- Symptoms of menopause.
Fennel Side Effects
Fennel normally does not cause side effects in people, especially if it is consumed in adequate quantities. However, there are rare cases, due to excessive consumption, where people may experience side effects. For example, nausea, vomiting and allergic reactions.
Who shouldn’t drink fennel tea?
Fennel tea is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women and children under 12 years of age. Therefore, there are reports of anethole toxicities in children. In short, they presented with atypical eye movements, twitching, lack of appetite and continuous crying.
On the other hand, women with breast cancer should also avoid drinking tea. This consumption can alter the production of female hormones, such as estrogen, influencing cancer treatment.
Finally, people who take iron supplements should not consume the tea. Since, it will impair the absorption of the nutrient in the body.
How much to take and when is the best time?
Even though anise is a medicinal plant, anise tea should not be consumed continuously. In other words, only when necessary. Therefore, 1 to 3.5 grams of fennel is recommended, which is equivalent to two tablespoons per 150 ml of water. In this aspect, it can be consumed up to three times a day.
On the other hand, it is recommended that tea be consumed after meals, when there are gastrointestinal problems. Furthermore, if the person wants to enjoy the expectorant properties, it can be consumed at any time of the day. However, there must be an interval of hours between doses.
Questions about fennel tea
- Firstly, a big question: does tea help you lose weight? Anyway, there is no evidence to prove that the properties of fennel help you lose weight.
- Can hypertensive people consume fennel tea? Yes. Well, there are no contraindications for them not to consume it.
- Does it bring benefits in menopause? Although there is still no conclusive research, the anethole present in fennel has the property of mimicking the female hormone (estrogen). Therefore, helping to improve the symptoms of this period in a woman’s life.
- Does it help people with diabetes? There is no evidence that fennel tea is beneficial for diabetics.
- Does this tea calm you down? Studies carried out on animals indicate a potential anxiolytic and antidepressant effect. However, there are no studies carried out in humans to confirm this hypothesis.
How to prepare fennel tea
Fennel tea provides several benefits to those who consume it, especially during colds. It helps improve flu and cold symptoms, such as cough, runny nose and phlegm. Furthermore, to prepare this tea it is quite easy, you will need:
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dried fennel;
- 1 cup of water.
Preparation mode
- First step – Firstly, take a container and boil water in it.
- Second step – Then, place this water in a cup along with the fennel.
- Third step – Afterwards, you need to cover and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Fourth step – Finally, strain this mixture and it is ready to drink.
Ultimately, as long as it is consumed properly, anise tea only offers health benefits to the body. So enjoy!
And if you liked this post, read also: Horsetail tea: what it is for and how to make it.
