Fennel Tea
A Cooking Staple with Benefits
An herb that is found throughout many regions of Europe, the United States, and Australia, fennel grows in a variety of different regions. It contains small yellow flowers and feathery green leaves, and is considered a weed due to the way it flourishes. However, the bulbs and seeds are used in many different types of cuisine. Fennel tea is made from the seeds of the plant and contains many different vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and tasty option for those seeking an interesting cup of herbal tea. Vitamins C and B are contained within the seeds in abundance, and you can also get a boost of your daily magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
One of the most unique and helpful uses of fennel tea is in treating colic in infants. It is safe enough even to serve to babies, but manages to relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. For this reason, it is ideal for those with delicate or sensitive stomachs, and can relieve a variety of digestive disorders such as constipation, gas, bloating, and abdominal cramps. Those with irritable bowel syndrome often find that this is a good home remedy when it flares up, without having to resort to prescription medications. Fennel also may relieve menstrual cramps and some symptoms of menopause, due to the same relaxing qualities and the way it acts on the muscles.
Because it's a diuretic, fennel tea can boost the metabolism and help flush out excess water weight from the body, leading to weight loss. It is often prescribed by herbalists for use as part of a detoxification program, because it helps move toxins out of the body and keeps the digestive system cleansed. If your eyes have been sore or tired, placing cotton that has been soaked in this tea over the eyelid can be a great way to get an instant pick me up, or reduce puffiness and redness that are associated with conjunctivitis. For these reasons of weight loss and relieving eye strain, fennel is often used as an ingredient in natural beauty products.
If you have fennel seeds at home that you use in cooking, you can also use them for tea. This should be a staple in any pantry. Slightly crush the seeds, and then pour one cup of water over approximately two teaspoons of these crushed fennel seeds and steep for five minutes. Strain the seeds to have a perfect cup of fennel tea. Many serve this with an orange rind or twist of lemon, for added flavor.