Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

If you have ever been a nursing mother or worked in the birth world, you’ve likely heard and/or experienced fennel seeds in your life as a way to increase your milk supply. It is true! Fennel is a known galactagogue (i.e. milk booster) for mothers. But did you know that fennel is also a phenomenal tool to support your digestion? Read on to learn a bit more about fennel, how to grow it, and a recipe for a milk stimulating nursing tea.

Energetics: warm, moist, relaxant

Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae - the celery, carrot, or parsley family)

Medicinal Part: seed

Medicinal Applications:

• Dispels gas and bloating in the digestive system. Also also suited in relieving “colic” in children.

• Increases the quality of the bile in the liver and aids in the digestion and utilization of fats in the body.

• Helpful helpful remedy for both intestinal and menstrual cramping.

• Thins mucus with colds and bronchitis, as well as IBS with excess intestinal mucus production.

• Diuretic, fennel helps to move and expel fluid from the body.

Growing Fennel

Fennel is GREAT for butterflies and attracts swallowtails, specifically. The entire fennel plant can be consumed, though the seeds are the true medicinal part of the plant.

• Allow about 80 days to cultivate in zones 4-9 with moist and well-drained soil.

• Plant in full sun, 1/4”-1/2” deep, 6”-12” apart.

• When seeds begin to turn brown, harvest the entire tops of flowers and save in a brown paper bag for later use.

Nursing Tea Recipe

• 1 heaping teaspoon fennel seeds

• 1 heaping teaspoon goat’s rue

• 1 heaping teaspoon chamomile

• 24 oz hot water

Steep seeds in hot water, covered (very important) for 10-15 minutes. Always an option to allow to steep longer for a more aromatic and potent tea. You can also eliminate the goat’s rue or chamomile if you don’t have these on hand nor like the flavor.

What do you use fennel for? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!