Fennel Seeds

I had to pull the car over so my boyfriend could spit out the fennel seeds he had taken from the Indian restaurant. I didn’t mind. I was pretty happy that he was open to chewing some to help his digestion after dinner. Only, he was mistaken in taking a few too many. This led to confusion as to keep chewing or to spit them out, which then led to panic and to me pulling the car over. Scarred by this traumatic experience, it may be some time before he tries fennel again, but you should give it a try today!

Fennel could be the easiest answer to the uncomfortable bloating that you experience after you eat. The volatile oils from this seed give it carminative qualities, meaning it is able to dispel gas. And it isn’t just that which makes it a great post-meal digestif, but also it’s ability to relieve bloating, nausea, cramps AND low digestive fire. The best part about this is that it can increase your agni (digestive fire), without increasing pitta (fire/hot!). It’s quite cooling to the body and the best part about it, chewing a pinch of fennel seeds will give you pleasant breath. Not limited to digestion, some of fennel’s other superhero powers include: decreasing colic in babies, releasing smooth muscle spasms (especially in GI tract, lungs and uterus), and it clears phlegm and will help you kick that nasty cough you’ve had for weeks (you know who you are).

Here are a few ways to try fennel:

• In your cooking! You can drop a few seeds in the oil you are heating or use ground fennel while cooking to season your food.
• The traditional Ayurvedic cumin, coriander and fennel tea (CCFT). Use equal parts of cumin, coriander and fennel seeds. Slightly crush a teaspoon (to release the oils) and add to hot water. Steep 5-10 minutes.
• Chew a pinch of seeds after your meal. This really is only a pinch and may account for 5 seeds or so. You can chew and swallow them.