Fennel
Fennel, Fenchel, Fenouil, Hinojo, Foeniculum vulgare, Shatapushpa (शतपुष्प)
Fennel is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, valued since ancient times for its culinary and medicinal properties. The seeds are the most commonly used part, containing essential oils that give a sweet, aromatic flavor. In Ayurveda, fennel seeds are prized for their digestive, carminative, and mild cooling properties. They help reduce bloating, gas, and acidity, and support healthy appetite and digestion. Fennel seeds are slightly sweet, light, and soothing, making them especially beneficial for Vata and Pitta doshas. They are commonly chewed after meals, used in teas, spice blends, or incorporated in cooking to enhance flavor and aid digestion.
Fennel seeds soothe Vata, improve digestion, reduce bloating, and calm nervousness effectively.
Cooling and sweet, fennel seeds help reduce Pitta, support digestion, and relieve acidity gently.
Light and aromatic, fennel seeds reduce heaviness, stimulate digestion, and help balance Kapha.
Rasa
pungent (katu), sweet (madhura), sour (amla)
Guna
dry (ruksa), light (laghu)
Virya
cooling (shita)
Vipaka
sweet (madhura)
Dhatu
Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa
Digestive discomfort, bloating, gas, acidity, mild Vata and Pitta imbalance
Excessive use may cause mild blood sugar changes or allergy; avoid in severe cold conditions for sensitive Kapha individuals
Fennel seeds can be chewed after meals, ground into powder, or used in teas. For tea, steep 1–2 tsp seeds in hot water for 5–10 minutes and strain. Can also be added to spice blends or cooking for flavor and digestive support.
