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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and European herbalism, to support digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion such as bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort. The seeds are commonly chewed after meals in many cultures, especially in South Asia, to freshen breath and support digestive comfort. Traditional texts attribute carminative (gas-relieving) properties to fennel, and it is often included in herbal formulas for dyspepsia and mild gastrointestinal complaints.

Modern research provides some support for these traditional uses. Fennel seeds contain volatile oils such as anethole, fenchone, and estragole, which possess mild antispasmodic and carminative effects. Small clinical studies and animal research suggest fennel extracts can help relax gastrointestinal smooth muscle, reduce intestinal cramping, and decrease gas formation. A few randomized controlled trials have found fennel preparations helpful for reducing infant colic, a condition related to digestive discomfort, and for alleviating symptoms of functional dyspepsia in adults.

However, the overall evidence base is not robust, with most studies being small, of limited duration, or of moderate quality. Nonetheless, the long-standing traditional use, coupled with plausible mechanisms and emerging, albeit limited, scientific support, justifies a moderate evidence rating for fennel’s use in indigestion.

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