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
Can fennel ease period cramps?
A 2020 review of 12 trials found less primary menstrual pain with fennel than placebo. Results varied greatly between placebo-controlled trials, and small positive studies may have been overrepresented. Comparisons with pain medicines found no clear difference, which does not establish that the treatments are interchangeable. 1
A promising pain-relief signal, limited by trial quality and inconsistent results. 1
What did one trial actually use?
In a small Iranian trial, 50 participants completed two menstrual cycles of treatment. The fennel group received 30 mg extract four times daily during the first three days of each period and reported greater pain relief than placebo. This was a specific preparation, not a trial of ordinary fennel tea. 2
Why is fennel used for bloating?
EMA recognizes traditional use for mild digestive spasms, bloating and gas. That assessment rests on long use and experimental plausibility; clinical trials remain limited. 3
Traditional use offers a rationale, but does not quantify a dependable benefit. 3
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Women's Hormones1 effect
Gut Health2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Longevity1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Hair & Skin2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Organ Function1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cognition2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
Immune Support1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
All studies
3 publications are linked to Fennel, newest first.