Fennel Bulb
vegetable
Conditions addressed
How to use
- Eat steamed, roasted, stir-fried, or raw in salads.
- Lightly cooking increases digestibility.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
Pregnancy
Use CautionFennel tea is widely used traditionally for digestion, but fennel has estrogenic and emmenagogue properties at concentrated/medicinal doses and is generally advised against in high amounts during pregnancy — occasional culinary/tea use is usually considered fine.
Breastfeeding
Likely SafeOne of the most traditionally used herbs to support milk supply and ease infant colic (via the nursing parent's tea); normal amounts are considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Children
Likely SafeWidely used in dilute tea form for infant colic and gas (a classic gripe-water ingredient); keep to mild, age-appropriate preparations.
As a member of the Apiaceae (carrot/celery) family, this herb is a known cross-reactivity group with birch pollen ("oral allergy syndrome") — use caution with a birch pollen or celery allergy.
Interactions & contraindications
Ciprofloxacin and other antibiotics
May reduce absorption — separate dosing by at least 2 hours.
Hormone-sensitive conditions
Mild phytoestrogenic activity.