In autumn, fennel tinges California fields with yellow, and the filiform-like leaves forms waves on the grounds following the winds. In Korea, autumn is the season of cosmos flowers, while in California its the season of fennel. Warm fennel fruits are said to be the autumn''s gift to prepare for the cold winter.

A highly aromatic perennial herb, the fennel is similar to celery stalk. In oriental medicine, it is known as Xioa Hui Xiang, it is warm herb traditionally used to treat kidney deficiency cold back with dull pain. It is especially effective in treating poor appetite and emesis (vomiting).

It is also very commonly used in chinese cooking as a major spice, and even Italians use it sausage as a major spice.

Fennel stalk is also used for medicinal purposes, and its also rich source or vitamin A, potassium and other nutrients.

Fennel has an extensive history. In 3 B.C, Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine", used fennel to treat colic in children. About 400 years later, Dioscorides recommended using fennel to treat colic in children. Pliny, Roman natural philosopher, included fennel in his famous 22 medicinal herbs, and recorded that "few snakes applied fennel to their bodies immediately after shedding their skins, and their eyes became brighter". Pliny believed this to be a sign that fennel can be used to treat vision problems, and also to restore lost vision. Such belief that plants natural characteristics shows its medical value is known as "the doctrine of signatures". Under such belief, because of its yellow flowers were believed to be connected to bile, fennel was recommended to treat eye problems and jaundice.

In 5th century, Anglo saxons who settled in England used to hang fennel above their doors to keep the evil spirits from entering their houses.

During the 17th century, it became the pillar of herbal remedies and used routinely when cooking fishes.

In East and West alike, many herbs have been introduced through food, partly as spices, but more importantly for wellness of the health. In oriental medicine, its believed that medicine is food, and that foods itself are good medicines. Likewise, the old saying "treating with medication is not as effective as treating with food, treating a disease is not as effective as preventing the disease, and utilizing a hospital is not as effective as utilizing a kitchen. Moreover, using medications from the hospital are not as effective as using medications (foods) from kitchen" is still very much true today.

Nicholas Culpepper, famous British herbalist of the 17th century, recommended fennel to promote lactation, treating blurry vision, restless stomach and intestines and to promote menstruation. In folk remedy, fennel was used along with laxatives to prevent intestinal spasm, common side effect of laxatives.

Among American Puritans, fennel was used to promote digestion, for which it is still used today in many households.

In 19th century, it was used by eclectic physicians, who were very popular during this period, to promote digestion, lactation and menstruation, and to conceal foul tastes in some medications.

Moreover, Latin American still use fennel to increase lactation, Jamaicans to treat common cold, and Africans to treat diarrhea, and indigestion.

Today, many herbalists recommend fennel for indigestion, promoting lactation, expectorant, eye cleanser, and etc.

Indications:

Fennel does not restore vision, but studies have shown positive results to support its traditional uses

1. Works on digestive tract to activate its functions, and is effective in treating bloating or abdominal distentions due to gas build up

Like aromatic herbs, fennel has the function to sedate intestinal smooth muscle to relieve gas

2. It relieves stomach spasms common after eating cold food or cold environment

3.Promotes menstruation and lactation in women

According to one study, fennel has estrogenic effect meaning its function resembles that of estrogen, female hormone, to promote menstruation and lactation. Also, it helps to relieve various menopausal symptoms.

4. It can be used in prostate cancer

Because of fennel''s estrogenic function, it can be used in place of synthetic estrogen, which is used to treat prostate cancer (however, when using fennel along with basic treatments, medical professional must be consulted).

5. Treats conjunctivitis

6. Chew fennel seed to eliminate bad breath

7. Fennel oil relieves rheumatoid pains

In addition, fennel is used to treat cough and common cold, and mild fennel tea can be use to relieve acute abdominal pain in children (consult acupuncturist before use).

Preparations:

1. Seed: Chew 0.5 ounce of seed once daily (may be parboiled)

2. Fennel oil is for external use only

3. Soak 1/2- 1 teaspoonful of crushed seed in 1 cup of hot water for about 10 minutes, and drink (water only) 3 times daily.

4. Use very mild fennel tea for colic in infants (children under 2 years old)

Caution:

In case of night sweat, spermatorrhea, afternoon fever, consult acupuncturist before use.

Fennel is a very safe herb, but as with any medication, should be used with general precautions.