Fennel is a tall herb native to the Mediterranean area. It tast sweet licorice. The leaves, bulb ans stalk are edible, its seeds are used as both spice in cooking  and to make  herbal medicines.  Fennel has been used to treat digestive ailment for centuries. It has been shown to relieve intestinal spasms and cramping in the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract, which help relieve uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms.

Commission E, a pane in germany that evaluates the safty and effectiveness of herbs, endorses it for treatment in digestive including indigestion, gas pains, irritable bowel syndrome, and ifant colic. Some studies have shown the effectiveness to be comparable to that of Mylanta and Gaviscon, and simethicone containing medications such as Maalox

The antisp a smodic effect may help relax other muscles in the body, including the uterus. On study showed that it acts as a phytoestrogen in the body, simulating the effects of estrogen in the system. It has been used to stimulate menstruation and milkproduction in nursing mothers, and one study suggests that the herb has a mild estroginic effect. This is why it has been used to treat conditions associated with hormone imbalances in women, including premenstrual syndrome(PMS), menopause, low milk production, and low libido.

It is used in many herbal formulas used to balance hormones in menopausal and premenstrual women. It is also included in some formulas that claim to promote natural breast enhancement.

It has also been used as a decongestant, and can loosen phlegm in the bronchial passages. Patients suffering from bronchitis, or unproductive coughs, may ease their symptoms by drinking hot fenneltea. the tea is made by crushing 1 to 2 teaspoons of mashed seeds into a cup of hot water.

The plant also has a reputation as a good appetite suppressant and promoter fo weight-loss. Some studies have shown that it does have some diuretic effect, and may help reduce water retention.