fennel

Generic Name: fennel (FEH nell)

Brand Names:

What is fennel?

The use of fennel in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Fennel is also known as Foeniculum vulgare, large fennel, sweet fennel, wild fennel, fenkel, bitter fennel, carosella, Florence fennel, finocchio, and garden fennel.

Fennel has been used to treat cough, bronchitis, stomach discomfort, flatulence, and sinus congestion. Fennel has also been used to stimulate lactation.

Fennel has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of fennel may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Fennel may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.

What is the most important information I should know about fennel?

Do not take fennel without first talking to your doctor if you have epilepsy or another seizure disorder or if you take any medication to treat seizures. Fennel may increase the risk of seizures.

Fennel has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of fennel may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using fennel?

Do not take fennel without first talking to your doctor if you have epilepsy or another seizure disorder or if you take any medication to treat seizures. Fennel may increase the risk of seizures.

Before taking fennel, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to celery or other plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Fennel may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take fennel without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether fennel will harm an unborn baby. Fennel has been used to stimulate lactation. Talk to your doctor or other health care professional before taking fennel if you are breast-feeding a baby. There is no information available regarding the use of fennel by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take fennel?

The use of fennel in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take fennel, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Take the pill forms of fennel with a full glass of water.

To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of fennel with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.

Some forms of fennel can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of fennel at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of fennel.

Store fennel as directed on the package. In general, fennel should be protected from light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra fennel to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking fennel?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Fennel side effects

Although rare, allergic reactions to fennel may occur. Stop taking fennel and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Rash and increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight has also been reported with the use of fennel.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect fennel?

Do not take fennel without first talking to your doctor if you take a medication to treat seizures such as

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  phenytoin (Dilantin);

  
  


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  carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Epitol) or oxcarbazepine (Trileptal);

  
  


• 
  

  gabapentin (Neurontin);

  
  


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  valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex sodium (Depakote);

  
  


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  felbamate (Felbatol);

  
  


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  tiagabine (Gabitril);

  
  


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  levetiracetam (Keppra);

  
  


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  topiramate (Topamax);

  
  


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  lamotrigine (Lamictal);

  
  


• 
  

  zonisamide (Zonegran);

  
  


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  ethosuximide (Zarontin);

  
  


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  and others.

  
  

Fennel may increase the risk of seizures.

Interactions between fennel and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements may also occur. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking fennel if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.

More fennel resources

• Fennel Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Fennel - Add your own review/rating

• Fennel Natural MedFacts for Professionals (Wolters Kluwer)


• Fennel Natural MedFacts for Consumers (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare fennel with other medications

• Bronchitis
• Cough
• Gas
• Herbal Supplementation
• Nasal Congestion
• Sinus Symptoms

Where can I get more information?

• Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.