Fennel

The fruit (sometimes called seeds) of foeniculum vulgare provide the well-known licorice-flavored spice we call fennel. In ancient Greek and Roman times, soldiers chewed fennel fruit to allay hunger on long marches. For this quality it has a reputation even today as a slimming agent.

The fennel fruit is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant and stimulant. Fennel tea has been used to treat gas, colic, cramps, and to expel mucus. To make the tea, cover one teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds with a cup of boiling water. Steep for twenty minutes.