Fennel - The Slimmers Herb

For those who are trying to slim away, there’s some herbal help at hand.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) has long been regarded as the slimmer’s herb. The reason being that fennel has diuretic properties that help remove excess fat and water from the system. It also helps to lessen the pangs of hunger.

To aid weight loss, you can make a slimming tea from fennel seeds. Crush the seeds lightly to break the hard outer casing, put them in a pot and then add cold water. Use one teaspoon of fennel seeds to one cup of water. Bring the water to the boil and as soon as its boiled take the pot off, let it cool to the desired heat, strain and drink. A slice of orange can be added for extra flavour.

If you don’t have seeds (which can easily be obtained at a health shop) you can make an infusion with the leaves. Put a sprig of fresh fennel (about 2 teaspoons) in a cup and pour over boiling water. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes, strain, cool and drink.

Like all slimming aids, it is most effective when combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet that’s low in fats and sugar but high in fresh, natural food. If possible minimise your consumption of tea, coffee, cigarettes and alcohol as well.

But fennel is not just a slimmer’s herb. It’s an excellent digestive herb because it stimulates the digestive system, helping it to work properly. This includes clearing toxins from the system, soothing and settling the gut, easing cramps and colic, and relieving flatulence.

Apart from having a soothing effect on our digestive system, fennel is believed to balance the overall energetic effect of food on our bodies. There is the belief that if we eat while experiencing strong emotions like anger, depression, grief, irritability, and anxiety, we are eating these emotions along with our food and this affects the digestion.

Fennel is also safe for children. It can be used as an infusion or syrup for colic and painful teething in babies. It is also known to increase breast milk production.

Other uses include being used as a mouthwash for gum disorders, a gargle for sore throats, an eye wash for tired eyes and a poultice to reduce swelling.

To learn more about your metabolism visit http://www.masterherbremedies.com/metabolism/index2.html