Ayurveda explains the Health benefits of Fennel or Saunf. Fennel Tea is useful in weight loss, indigestion, cystitis, loss of appetite etc. It improves heart health and strengthens the lungs.
Related article 8 Ayurvedic Weight Loss Herbs – Powerful Fat Burners
Ayurveda and Fennel or Saunf
Fennel seeds also known as Foeniculum vulgare belong to the carrot family or Umbelliferae. It is a flowering plant with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. This plant usually grows in drylands near the sea coast. These seeds have a strong flavour and have found their way into the kitchen. Fennel seeds are known as “Saunf” in India. Usually, they are chewed after a heavy meal. Saunf seeds have immense medicinal properties and are effective when used in home remedies.
It is known by different names in India
Punjabi and Hindi : Sounf
Tamil : Soumbu
Bengali : Mauri
Marathi : Badi Shep
Gujarathi : Variyali
Telugu : Sopu
Kannada – Badisopu, sompu
Malayalam : Perum jeerakam
Arabbian : Rajiyanaj
Farsi n: Rajiyan
Ayurveda acharyas explain the health benefits of this spice as follows.
Balances vata dosha and kapha dosha
Fennel Balances Vata and Kapha. It protects the heart’s health, improves memory power, and reduces the burning sensation. Further, its properties are explained as follows. It helps in bleeding disorders that arise due to the aggravation of pitta. It is very useful in piles or haemorrhoids. It also helps to reduce menstrual cramps.
The fennel plant has various names in Ayurveda. It is called “mishreya”, “Madhurika and madhura”. This spice tastes sweet (madhura rasa), Pungent (katu rasa) and Bitter taste (tikta rasa). After digestion also it tastes sweet. Fennel is light to digest (Laghu ) and improves the moistness of tissues (Snigdha ). Saunf is hot in potency. (Ushna)
Helps in weight management
Ayurveda acharyas say that these seeds balance Kapha and cause the drying of fat tissues. Hence they recommend this herb for obesity to achieve weight loss.
When fennel is consumed half an hour before meals it suppresses appetite and thus prevents food cravings for carbohydrates. The food consumption is reduced and this, in turn, helps in weight loss (Read Ayurvedic Weight Loss Herbs – Powerful Fat Burners). These seeds also help to reduce cholesterol. Apart from these, fennel seeds increase urine output and prevent the accumulation of water in the body. Water retention increases weight. Hence fennel seeds are mainly used to address obesity.
Helps to reduce blood sugar in diabetes
Various studies have shown that Fennel seeds have anti-diabetic properties which help in lowering blood sugar levels in diabetes. As this is a storehouse of vitamin C and Potassium, it helps in lowering blood sugar levels and also helps to increase insulin reactivity resulting in balancing the blood sugar. Hence it is the best ayurvedic herb for diabetes.
Good for PCOS or PCOD
Since fennel seeds help in weight loss and also manage blood sugar levels it is highly recommended by Ayurveda doctors in ayurvedic treatment for PCOS or PCOD. Women who suffer from menstrual cramps can also reap the benefits of these seeds. They reduce pain and ease the menstrual flow.
These seeds are known as xiao hui xiang in Chinese medicine. It has been used for thousands of years to enhance lactation and treat the absence of periods and loss of appetite. According to Chinese medicine experts, Fennel seed contains phytoestrogen which balances oestrogen levels. For that reason, it has been used in treating hormonal imbalances that cause menstrual disorders, such as cramps, PCOS or PCOD and menopause.
Eases Digestion
A heavy meal or excess consumption of oily foods makes digestion sluggish. We feel heaviness and bloating of the stomach. Chewing fennel seeds in these conditions gives very good relief. Saunf boosts Agni or body fire (Agnikrut ). These seeds improve appetite and set right digestion. They are very useful in flatulence and bloating which occur due to indigestion. Fennel relieves constipation. It also acts as best detox spice . Read Ayurveda Liver Detox – An Easy Liver Cleansing Guide
Too many oily foods, spices and travel may cause nausea and vomiting (Aruchi). When saunf seeds are chewed they help to prevent nausea, vomiting and motion sickness. Hence carry a small bottle of fennel seeds whenever you go out.
Helps In Respiratory Disorders
Usually, respiratory infection like tuberculosis leads to loss of weight and strength. Fennel improves body weight and energy (balya and Durnama Kshayajit ). These seeds soothe cough and are very helpful in the common cold.
Health Benefits of Fennel Tea
The tea is made by steeping hot water with slightly crushed fennel seeds. After steeping, the mixture can be strained and drunk as tea. The seeds have a great number of health benefits and so the resulting tea is a pleasant beverage that can naturally relieve many health conditions and problems.
During diarrhoea and Dysentery, mishreya kindles appetite and normalises digestion. The fennel seeds reduce stomach colic and pain. Boil 2 teaspoons of these seeds in a glass of water for 3 minutes. Drinking this warm decoction of fennel seeds relieves colic.
These seeds are very useful in the treatment of constipation (Read Can Constipation Cause Erectile Dysfunction ?), haemorrhoids or piles. Drinking warm tea prepared from fennel seeds helps in easy evacuation of bowel
Women who suffer from menstrual cramps are also immensely benefited by this herb. Chewing fennel seeds or drinking fennel seeds’ tea help to relieve menstrual cramps.
Fennel tea is also a popular drink for breastfeeding mothers. It is believed to help mothers produce more milk and help with lactation.
Fennel Tea for Weight Loss
Fennel can also help people lose weight and detoxify their bodies. Fennel acts as a natural diuretic. When consumed, the herb helps the body get rid of more water. Through the loss of excess water, fennel helps people lose weight. The removal process also helps rid the body of toxins. Fennel is a common ingredient in ayurvedic detox for men programs, so if you are wanting to go through a natural detoxification process consuming fennel and drinking fennel tea can be a great option.
Since fennel seeds boost metabolism, set right digestion, improve urine output, increase sweating and help to reduce cholesterol, they can be used in weight loss remedies. Hence fennel seeds are used in preparations of Ayurvedic Herbal Weight Loss Teas.
Fennel seeds are powerful fat burners. Take equal quantities of fennel seed powder, dry ginger powder and cumin seed (jeera) powder. Mix them well and store them in an airtight container. Take two teaspoons of this mix and boil in a glass of water. Allow this to warm down. Add a teaspoon of honey and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice to this and drink two times daily on empty stomach. This aids in weight loss.
Home remedies with Fennel or Saunf
Indigestion:
It is customary in India to place a bowl of fennel seeds in front of guests after a heavy meal. When you slowly chew 1 teaspoon of these seeds, after a heavy meal, the stomach feels lighter. This is because saunf normalises excess pitta and relieves heaviness of the stomach, indigestion and bloating. Fennel seeds are roasted or coated with sugar to enhance taste and flavour.
Foul Breath:
Fennel seeds can be used as mouth fresheners. These can be chewed to prevent foul breath. You can also use tea prepared from these seeds to gargle. This process not only prevents foul breath but also clears the throat. Boil 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds in a glass of water for 2 minutes. Filter the decoction to remove seeds. Allow the decoction to warm down. Use this for gargling.
Constipation:
Based on the principles of Ayurveda vitiated vata causes constipation. (Constipation can also cause Klaibya or erectile dysfunction in men). Chew 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds on empty stomach and drink a glass of warm water. Repeat this thrice daily. This helps in the easy evacuation of the bowel. Prepare tea from these seeds as mentioned above and consume warm tea three times daily to get rid of constipation.
Piles or Haemorrhoids:
Mix an equal quantity of fennel seeds and cumin seeds (jeera). Chew a teaspoon of this mixture three times daily followed by a glass of warm water. This remedy helps to reduce painful piles and ease the evacuation of the bowel.
Acute Diarrhoea:
Take equal quantities of ginger powder and fennel seeds powder. Mix them well. Consume a teaspoon of this mixed powder with a spoon of honey thrice daily when you have diarrhoea.
Menstrual Cramp:
Chew a teaspoon of these seeds and drink a glass of warm water. Repeat this three times a day. This remedy helps to relieve menstrual cramps.
Cystitis and UTI:
If you have burning urination, drink a glass of fennel tea three times daily. Add a teaspoon of honey to it. This remedy helps to relieve burning urination.
IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Fennel tea is also very popular among those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ( Read Ayurvedic Home Remedies for IBS). Fennel has properties that help soothe and relax the gastrointestinal tract. It can help relieve symptoms such as gas, upset stomach, abdominal cramping, and bloating. Many people with irritable bowel syndrome claim that drinking three cups of tea a day helps to relieve and treat many of their symptoms.
Fennel is very healthy for you and its health benefits are many. Fennel has a considerable amount of vitamin C, vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. If you are looking to add more of these vitamins and minerals to your diet, fennel may be a great way to do it. Whether you consume fennel as a vegetable, culinary herb, or tea, you will definitely reap the benefits that this super herb can give to you.
Author : Dr. Savitha Suri Consultant Ayurvedic Physician
Reference
Whats App or email Dr.Savitha Suri @ drsavithasuri@gmail.com, + 91 6360108663/ to know more about ayurvedic treatment for weight loss
Free Ayurvedic Consultation
Call us at +91 9945995660 / +91 9448433911
Whats App + 91 6360108663/
