Evidence supporting the use of: Fennel
For the health condition: Worry

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Mediterranean and Asian cultures. Its seeds and extracts have been used to address a range of digestive and respiratory complaints, but references to fennel for mood or psychological conditions like "worry" (anxiety) are rarer. In traditional herbalism, fennel is sometimes included in calming or digestive blends under the belief that easing digestion helps soothe the mind, based on the gut-brain connection observed in holistic systems of medicine. However, explicit mentions of fennel as a remedy for worry are limited, and when present, are often indirect or part of multi-herb formulas.

Scientific evidence for fennel’s anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties is scant. Only a few animal studies suggest mild central nervous system depressant effects, but these are neither robust nor widely replicated. There is little direct clinical evidence in humans to support its use for worry or anxiety. Most support for fennel’s use in this context is therefore rooted in tradition rather than rigorous science, and the evidence level remains low. Fennel may be calming to some people due to its pleasant aroma or digestive benefits, but it is not widely recognized as a primary herbal remedy for anxiety or worry in either traditional or modern contexts.

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