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SupplementModerate evidenceDigestion

Fennel

EMA monograph covers traditional use for dyspepsia and bloating.

Why

EMA monograph covers traditional use for dyspepsia and bloating. Gentle carminative, useful as tea after meals or as part of after-dinner mints.

How it works

Anethole and fenchone relax intestinal smooth muscle and reduce gas formation; EMA HMPC recognises traditional use for mild gastrointestinal spasm and bloating.

How to take

Dosage

As infusion: 1.5–2.5 g of freshly crushed fruit in 150 ml hot water, 3 times daily (total 4.5–7.5 g/day). For not more than 2 weeks.

Timing

After meals

Safety

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children under 12. Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to Apiaceae (carrot family). Consult a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks.

Evidence

At a glance

EMA HMPC monograph registers Foeniculum vulgare bitter fruit as a Traditional Herbal Medicinal Product for the symptomatic treatment of mild spasmodic gastrointestinal complaints (bloating, flatulence), traditional-use registration based on long medical use. Modern trial base is small; useful as tea after meals.

Limitations

No chronic-onset timeline applies, fennel is used immediately for digestive complaints rather than as a chronic therapeutic. EMA registration is traditional-use, not full clinical authorisation.

Where to get it

Shop Fennel on Amazon

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