What's it all about?

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a Mediterranean plant that can grow up to 2.5 meters tall. It has been appreciated since Antiquity for its therapeutic virtues.

Traditional use

In herbal medicine, fennel is used to aid digestion and treat certain digestive disorders such as lack of appetite, bloating, flatulence, indigestion, nausea or vomiting and abdominal pain.

Fennel is rich in fiber, which gently stimulates intestinal transit. What's more, it has antispasmodic properties, i.e. it reduces muscle contractions (spasms), particularly in the digestive tract. It is also a carminative food (fights the formation of intestinal gas). 

In Hildegarde's therapeutics, fennel is a universal remedy for gastric and intestinal disorders. When food takes too long to digest in the stomach or intestine, it becomes putrefied, i.e. the organic substances rot. To these putrid substances are added the uncomfortable intestinal gases. These are transported by the blood to the lungs and expelled by breathing. This is precisely what fennel prevents, by expelling putrid substances (miasmas) from the intestine. Its antispasmodic virtues free stagnant gases. 

Dr Clark uses fennel in his intestinal program to :

• Improve digestion by stimulating intestinal transit without irritating the bowels.
• Combats bloating and flatulence (carminative properties).
• Fight constipation, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
• Promote better intestinal health.
• Solve the problems caused by heavy, fatty, hearty meals.