Evidence supporting the use of: Fennel
For the health condition: PMS (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) has been traditionally used for various women’s health issues, including menstrual discomfort. More recently, some scientific research has begun to explore its potential for managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. The main rationale for its use is fennel's content of phytoestrogens and its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Several small clinical trials and observational studies have assessed the effects of fennel extract or fennel oil in women suffering from PMS and primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).

A few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have found that fennel may help reduce the severity of menstrual pain and some PMS symptoms, such as mood swings, fatigue, and bloating. For example, a 2012 study published in the journal Ayub Medical College found that fennel was able to significantly decrease menstrual pain compared to placebo. Another study in Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research (2013) reported improvements in PMS symptoms among women consuming fennel extract. However, these studies were generally limited by small sample sizes and short durations. There is also some evidence from animal studies supporting the anti-inflammatory and hormone-modulating effects of fennel.

Overall, while there is some scientific evidence supporting the use of fennel for PMS, the quality and quantity of the evidence is modest. Larger, well-controlled studies are needed before fennel can be definitively recommended for PMS management.

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