Some herbs have been used as natural remedies for various ailments for thousands of years. Therefore, it is assumed that they are not harmful to humans. Before there were Eastern and Western medicine, doctors, medications, and hospitals, there were shamans, rituals, and medicinal herbs. At that time, there were hardly any opportunities to scientifically test the effects of various plants.
But today things are different: today, it can be researched whether and to what extent various plants and medicinal herbs are effective. Fennel tea is often consumed for digestive problems or menstrual cramps. But what exactly is in fennel tea? How does fennel tea work? Can it also be dangerous? This article provides answers to all of these questions.
The most important points in brief:
- Fennel tea is made from water and fennel seeds and contains various essential oils, vitamins, and other active ingredients. It works best when prepared with fresh fennel fruits and can achieve an even greater effect when combined with other herbs or spices.
- In adults, fennel tea can help with respiratory diseases, and in women also with symptoms of menopause. It can also be helpful for bloating, cramps, or other gastrointestinal complaints. Fennel is an antibacterial agent and can also be used against stress to provide a calming effect.
- One of the active ingredients contained in fennel is considered carcinogenic but is classified as low-risk as only small amounts of it are present in fennel. Additionally, other active ingredients in fennel are considered to be cancer-inhibiting. Since only small amounts are consumed and the fennel in tea is diluted with water, it poses hardly any risk.
Effect of fennel tea: What you should know
To clarify any uncertainties, we have delved into the topic of the effects of fennel tea and conducted thorough research. The results are compiled in the following section, along with answers to the most important questions regarding the effects of fennel tea.
What is fennel tea made of?
Fennel tea is a tea made from water and fennel seeds. Fennel seeds mainly consist of essential oils, and fennel oil accounts for 3-7% of its content. Fennel oil primarily consists of anethole but also contains fenchone, estragole, and other substances.
| Ingredients Categories | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Oils and acids | Phosphoric, sulfuric, malic, and succinic acids, fennel oil |
| Mineral | Calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium |
| Be vitamins | Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K |
In addition, fennel also contains minerals, and vitamins, as well as various fats, fatty acids, and amino acids.
What are the effects of fennel tea on adults?
Fennel is attributed with many effects, but which effects have actually been scientifically investigated or even proven? The following effects have been studied for fennel:
Fennel can help with menopause symptoms. Several studies have shown that fennel had a positive effect on symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal atrophy in women going through menopause. However, it is uncertain whether it is also good for mental health and better quality of life.
Fennel has traditionally been used to treat mucus in the respiratory tract. The essential oil contained in fennel can improve the contraction of muscles in the trachea and thereby help to remove foreign bodies, mucus, and bacteria from the body. In addition, the mucus is also diluted.
Fennel tea is often recommended for digestive problems, and indeed, fennel can help with digestion and digestive disorders. One study showed that a combination of fennel and turmeric oil significantly relieved symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, fennel can relieve spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.
It is often claimed that fennel helps with menstrual cramps. A review of several studies suggested the effectiveness of fennel extracts against dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), but could not be demonstrated due to methodological shortcomings. Another study states that there is no evidence for the effect of supplements, including fennel, against menstrual cramps.
Fennel tea has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries.
Fennel tea has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries.
Anethole, an important component of fennel, is considered to have anti-cancer properties. Other oxidants in fennel are also said to have anti-cancer properties. One study showed that anethole could prolong the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice. Thus, fennel can be used as a natural remedy against tumors.
For millennia, women have used fennel tea to improve milk production. Dopamine is a substance in the body that can inhibit milk production. The active ingredient anethole in fennel could compete with dopamine at the receptors and thus cancel out the inhibitory effect.
An animal study showed that fennel can also serve as an anti-stress agent. Thus, fennel tea has a calming and stress-reducing effect. Fennel is often used as an antibacterial agent and also has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, antithrombotic, and hepatoprotective effects.
What effects does fennel tea have on babies and children?
First of all, it should be noted that fennel has been used for centuries in babies and children, for example for digestive problems. However, there are hardly any studies that have tested the effects of fennel and fennel tea on babies and young children.
However, one study shows that fennel tea has positive effects on digestive problems in premature babies. In addition, it is well tolerated by babies. Another study demonstrates that herbal tea in general can alleviate colic in babies.
 |
| Fennel tea has been shown to have positive effects on babies and toddlers with digestive disorders. The tea is also well tolerated by babies |
According to the World Health Organization, there are no restrictions on the consumption of fennel tea for breastfeeding mothers and children. Due to the dilution of fennel in the form of tea, it is often free of problematic ingredients. However, if you are still unsure about consuming fennel tea, you should speak with your doctor.
When should you drink fennel tea?
Due to its many benefits, fennel tea can be used on a variety of occasions. It can help with most gastrointestinal problems such as cramps, bloating, and digestive difficulties. Fennel tea can also be used to promote bowel health. During a respiratory illness, fennel tea can be used. Not only is the antibacterial effect useful, but also its the ability to thin and remove mucus from the body. The warmth of the tea can also help you. Fennel tea is also often consumed during pregnancy and breastfeeding as it can promote milk production and has antibacterial properties.
Lastly, fennel tea is often consumed because of its ability to relieve cramps. Fennel is also popular among women in menopause. Several studies suggest that fennel is effective in treating symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal atrophy.
Fennel tea is also frequently used for infants and toddlers due to its good tolerance and is useful in treating colic. Additionally, those who need a bit of relaxation and calming can drink fennel tea as it has been proven to reduce stress and calm the nerves.
What are the side effects of fennel tea?
Estragol, which is contained in fennel tea, presents a challenge for scientists. A study with rats and mice showed that estradiol can be carcinogenic. However, the study was heavily criticized by the scientific community as only large amounts of estradiol were administered and tested, whereas fennel only consists of a small portion of it. Additionally, some of the antioxidants present in fennel are anticancer, which were not taken into account in the study. Fennel tea that has been diluted with water poses very little risk.
The amounts in which fennel tea is consumed also pose very little risk. However, prolonged consumption should be discussed with a doctor. It is also recommended to purchase tea that contains little estragole.
Regarding further side effects, it should be noted that in general, fennel tea has no side effects. Rarely, allergic reactions may occur on the skin or in the respiratory tract. Fennel tea is not recommended for those with allergies to plants in the carrot family or anethole.
Regarding further side effects, it should be noted that in general, fennel tea has no side effects. Rarely, allergic reactions may occur on the skin or in the respiratory tract. Fennel tea is not recommended for those with allergies to plants in the carrot family or anethole.
How does fennel tea work best?
Fennel tea can be purchased in the form of loose fennel, tea bags, or as gastrointestinal tea. The most effective fennel tea is made from fresh fennel fruits, as the oils can fully exert their effect. It is also recommended to buy only organic and preferably fair trade tea to minimize pesticide exposure.
To make the tea, first crush about 1 teaspoon of fresh fennel fruits, allowing the essential oils to transition into the tea. Then pour boiling water over the fruits. The tea should steep for 6-15 minutes, depending on the desired strength, and then be strained through a sieve. The tea is now ready to be consumed.
For greater effect, the tea can be combined with other herbs. For digestion, it is useful to add anise, caraway, or chamomile, while for coughs or other respiratory problems, anise, licorice, or thyme can be used.
Conclusion
Fennel tea is a blend of tea and fennel that has been used as a medicinal remedy for centuries. It is especially popular because it is believed to have so many benefits. However, not all of these benefits have been scientifically proven. Fennel tea, for example, can help with digestive problems, menopausal symptoms, and respiratory problems.
However, it has not been proven to help with menstrual cramps. Fennel tea can also improve milk production during breastfeeding and has positive effects on babies and children with digestive disorders. It can also help with stress. Side effects of fennel tea are rare, with only allergic reactions occurring in some cases.
The potentially carcinogenic substance estragole is considered to pose only a low risk, as other substances in fennel have anticancer properties, and only small amounts are ingested in tea. However, if in doubt, a doctor should be consulted. Overall, it can be said that fennel tea has almost only positive effects, and most of these effects have been scientifically proven.