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Fennel

Also called: Foeniculum vulgare

A seed long used for gas, bloating, and cramping. It relaxes the muscles of the gut and has a mild licorice-like taste.

Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.

Studied for

  • Gas and bloating
  • Indigestion
  • Menstrual cramps (some studies)

Found naturally in

  • Fennel seed
  • Fennel bulb
  • Italian sausage and other spiced dishes
What variations of fennel exist?Our top pick, what to skip, and how to read the label

Label red flags

  • Products with concentrated fennel oil rather than seed

Check with a provider

  • Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, endometriosis, or fibroids (it contains estrogen-like compounds)
  • Pregnancy: food amounts are fine, but avoid concentrated oil and medicinal amounts
  • Allergy to celery, carrot, or mugwort
  • Taking ciprofloxacin (fennel may reduce its absorption, so separate doses)
  • Infants and young children: ask a pediatrician first

Products that contain it

One product in Dr. Lesher's dispensary lists fennel on the label.

Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.

Parts of the body it affects

Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.

Illustration of the large intestine (colon)

Digestive tract

Your stomach and intestines absorb nutrients and hold most of your body's immune tissue, which makes the gut a common target in autoimmune disease.

Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0

Dr. Lesher, ND

Ready to find the root cause?

Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.

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