Fennel
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an aromatic plant of the carrot family from the Mediterranean. Its seeds are used as a spice and in herbal teas.
Also listed as Foeniculum vulgare, Fennel Seed, Fennel Seed Powder, Fennel Seed Extract
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
Which part of fennel are we talking about?
The sweet-fennel medicines assessed by EMA use the dried fruits of Foeniculum vulgare, often called seeds. Constituents include anethole and estragole. Extracts relaxed isolated smooth muscle in laboratory experiments, a possible explanation for traditional use against cramping rather than proof of relief in everyday use. 1
Key studies
The most recent publications linked to Fennel's ratings.
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Does fennel tea have the same evidence as extract capsules?
No. The cited capsule trial cannot establish an equivalent tea dose or effect. 2
Can fennel replace pain medication?
The review did not establish that fennel and pain medicines are interchangeable. 3
Is fennel tea suitable for babies?
EMA does not recommend these medicinal preparations below age four; EFSA’s draft also highlights infant exposure concerns. 4 5
Does the estragole warning mean one cup causes cancer?
No. The draft assessed a potential hazard and exposure risk, not the outcome of one cup. 5