Uses for Fennel Seeds

Culinary

• Every part of the fennel plant is used in food. According to The Epicentre's Encyclopedia of Spices, fennel is traditionally the best herb to use when cooking fish. The seeds are used in cakes and breads, as well as some salad dressings, sweeter sausages and alcoholic beverages such as aquavit and gin. The herb is used in many French and Italian dishes, mayonnaise and some curry powders. According to Help With Cooking, the seeds are considered a spice while the leaves, stalks and roots are herbs.

Cosmetics

• Fennel is used in cosmetics to help soothe, cleanse and tone the skin as well as prevent wrinkles. According to Dermaxime, fennel also helps detox the skin. For cosmetic use, fennel is classed as an essential oil, which is made from crushed seeds. It is also used in lotions, scrubs and oils as an aromatic agent.

Medical

• Fennel has a wide range of uses in holistic medicine. Seeds can be chewed or brewed into a tea to aid digestion after every meal, according to Health and Yoga. Fennel also helps with female hormonal issues such as PMS, menopause and low libido. The herb helps infants with colic, and fennel tea helps with a cough by loosening the phlegm in breathing passages. Fennel helps reduce the appetite and is a good diuretic, according to Bulk Herb Benefits. When chewed, the seeds are a natural breath mint.