Fennel - Medicinal Uses

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel has a licorice aniseed flavour and smell. Fennel's health and medicine uses are the following:

• Stimulate for milk production for nursing mothers, particularly if boiled with barley.
• Anti-flatulent and good for indigestion; used for gas, acid stomach, gout and colic in infants (useful in making gripewater). 
• Fennel seed tea good for upset stomach.
• Expectorant and helps reduce catarrh (either as a syrup or tea).
• Reduces weight (reputation of making overweight people lean in classical Greece).
• A tisane made with fennel can be helpful in maintaining weight control.
• Inflammed eyes and conjunctivitis: use a compress steeped in fennel tea, place on the eyes, or use an eyewash from the tea of the herb to soothe eyes.
• Strengthens eyes and is reported to improve sight.
• A tea made by the herb can be applied to ease insect bits.
• Fennel rubbed through hands and placed on body as a flea repellant; likewise rub hands through fennel fronds and rub into your cat or dog. Repel fleas around kennels and pet sleeping quarters with fennel fronds.

Fatty oils contained in fennel give it an anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory calming effect. Carminative.

Should not be taken while pregnant as can stimulate the uterus.
May also increase menstrual flow.

Essential oil: 1 drop massaged over stomach, particularly good for children.
Herbal oil: 1 or 2 teaspoons massaged over stomach (not as strong as the essential oil)
Infusion: 1 teaspoon per cup, steep 10 minutes.



Sources: Claire Loewenfeld and Philippa Back Herbs for Health and Cookery.
Gary & Steve Null, The Complete Handbook of Nutrition. 

Thyme - medicinal uses

Thyme (thymus vulgaris) is an elixir for coughs, colds, flu, tonsillitis and laryngitis. It is a healing and antiseptic herb. Thymol is the essential oil found in thyme and is one of the most potent antimicrobials. Thyme is also rich in flavonoids, saponins and other antioxidants. The tea is very beneficial for singers and performers to help support their vocal cords.

Sore Throats and Colds:
Thyme tea: Use chopped fresh thyme or dried thyme and make a tea.

Thyme-infused honey: Gently heat 1 cup of honey and half a cup of fresh thyme for 15 - 20 minutes. Take 1 teaspoon three times a day to relieve colds, coughs and sore throats. Do not overuse dosage.

Respiratory Tract Clearance and Bronchitis
Put a few drops of thyme oil in a bowl and fill with boiling water. Then place your head over the bowl to allow the steam to come into your face, wait a few minutes first or you may scold your face. Put a towel over your head and breathe in. It will loosen the phlegm and relax the muscles in the respiratory tract. Warning: Be careful you do not allow the steam to scold.

Sources: The Herbal Apothecary, JJ Pursell.