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ShareIn summer a drink of fennel with lemon and water and maybe a little honey for sweetening can really cool you down. No Indian meal is complete without fennel (saunf/variyali). The reason it is such an intrinsic part of our diet is because of its amazing health properties, besides of course its refreshing flavour.
- Fennel leaves are a good source of beta carotene and vitamin C.
-Fennel is a good source of potassium and fiber.
- It is low in calories.
- Fennel is known as an anti-worming agent.
- It freshens breath.
It is known to suppress appetite, improve the digestive system and increase the flow of urine. Fennel is also commonly used to treat amenhorrea, angina, asthma, anxiety, depression, heartburn, water retention, lower blood pressure, boost libido, respiratory congestion, coughs and has been indicated for high blood pressure and to boost sexual desire.
It is also used for cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy treatments to help rebuild the digestive system. It is a tested remedy for gas, acid stomach, gout, cramps, colic and spasms. Fennel seed ground and made into tea is believed to be good for snake bites, insect bites or food poisoning. It is excellent for obesity. Fennel is gargled for sore throats.
Drawbacks:
Oil in the fennel seeds can irritate the skin.
How to use:
Toss fennel in salads. It can also be used to make a
refreshing tea that is said to alleviate bloating, flatulence and other intestinal problems.
Make a refreshing fennel drink
Ingredients:
- Crushed raw fennel seeds -- 2 tsp
- Water -- 1 ½ glasses
- Half a lemon
- Organic honey (optional) -- 1 tsp
- Crushed ice (optional)
Method: Boil the water with the fennel seeds till some water evaporates. Strain it. Add the rest of the ingredients. Serve chilled.
