Fennel Seed / Gas / Bad Breath

Herb Of The Week / Fennel Seed / Gas / Bad Breath

I hope and pray that everyone will have a healthy and prosperous
upcoming week. I also pray that you will be blessed spiritually with
an increased understanding of those things essential for your
well-being.


In search of new and interesting herbs, I was reminded of an herb that
I personally use quite extensively but never thought it to be
important enough to post.

FENNEL SEED ( Foeniculum vulgare) is a licorice flavored spice that
can be purchased at the grocers in the spice section. But it works
remarkably well for freshening the breath, relieving gas and upset
stomach. Recently I sold an ad to an Indian restaurant (That's what I
do folks- sell advertising) and they had a dish of fennel seed at the
check-in/checkout cashier counter where most restaurants have their
mint dish. The seeds can be chewed to sweeten breath as well as an
excellent stomach and intestinal remedy, which relieves flatulence and
colic whilst also stimulating the digestion and appetite.



Fennel is said to help a toothache, and a gargle will relieve a sore
throat. Fennel also increases breast milk. To use as a compress, put
crushed seeds in hot water for relief of swollen, tender, nursing
breasts.


During the Middle Ages, the seeds were chewed to stave off hunger
during fasting periods, and also during long church sermons. Eating
the leaves has been a traditional tonic for the eyes, brain and
enhanced memory. The Fennel plant came originally from Europe, where
it is still grown today.


Today India exports substantial quantities of fennel to USA,
Singapore, UK, UAE, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Japan in a
variety of forms including seed, powder and volatile oils.


But why take my word for it?


By good utilization of search engine technology, we can look up
information as in depth as we desire in our own free time. As we
mention all the time, with every post, that you can research anything
mentioned in this newsletter on your own. Some good search engines are
www.mamma.com or www.google.com. or www.dogpile.com or
www.askjeeves.com ...etc. By entering one or more keywords you can do
your own research.


Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:


1. Anxiety, depression, anger, resentment, guilt and other STRESS
factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time

The United States Surgeon General warned Americans in a landmark 1988
report on Nutrition and Health that "diet related diseases account for
68% of U.S. deaths"


Remember, we ALWAYS recommend that you ALWAYS consult a professional
herbalist, naturopathologist or physician. We are just passing along
what we hope to be useful information.

Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly
regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of
strength, purity or safety of products. Decisions to use herbs or
supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using
prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with
their pharmacists or health care providers before starting.

Bye-Bye,

Q