Fructus Foeniculi (fennel seed)

[Guest guest]

Fr (Fructus - fruit of) Foeniculi (fennel seed, aka Xiao Hui Xiang is

classified an an herb for Warming the Interior. This can be a good herb to

use when there is Internal Cold.

 

Its taste is spicy (pungent or acrid), its thermal energy is Warm, and it

specifically targets the Spleen, Stomach, Liver, and Kidneys.

 

This can be an excellent herb for the digestion when digestive problems are

coming from a Root of Internal Cold. Fennel seeds can be chewed after a

meal (as is done in India) or made into a tea.

 

Xiao Hui Xiang can help a number of digestive system problems. When acid

reflux is coming from a too Cold and too weak Stomach, fennel seeds can stop

the problem. This is because in addition to its warming property, Xiao Hui

Xiang has some Qi circulating properties. TCM views problems like reflux,

vomiting, and burping as coming from Rebellious Stomach Qi. Instead of the

Stomach Qi descending (as it is supposed to do), it ascends. There can be

more than one cause of Rebellious Stomach Qi. Fennel seeds are indicated in

cases where there is a Root of Cold.

 

Wicke in vol. 2, p. 113 reports that Ziao Hui Xiang also " circulates Qi and

relieves pain. " It " circulates Qi in the Liver meridian and Lower Burner "

(Small and Large Intestines and Bladder and Kidney). It " relieves spasms of

the intestines and promotes normal peristalsis. "

 

Fennel seeds are contraindicated in cases of Yin Deficiency with Heat.

 

Xiao Hui Xiang also is indicated in cases of of Cold-hernia pain and other

abdominal pain caused by Cold. In some cases decoctions (teas) of fennel

seeds can enable some hernias to retract. This is a problem you need to

consult with a MD or DO for monitoring on because sometimes surgery or other

methods are needed in the case of hernias. TCM does not have all the

answers all of the time.

 

Cold-induced digestive system problems sometime cause nightmares. Very

often the symbolism in these dreams will be those of rotting flesh and other

putrid matter. In these cases a decoction of fennel seeds and thyme often

will relieve the bad dreams and the underlying digestive system problems

which are causing the nightmares.

 

Fennel seeds frequently are used in both TCM and Western herbalism to lessen

allegies. In addition, Xiao Hui Xiang can strenghten the Liver (because of

that property of circulating Qi in the Liver meridian) and be used for help

in detoxing the Liver.

 

You don't have to go to a health food store to find fennel seeds. They're

available in the spice section of most major supermarkets as is thyme.

 

Just remember the contraindication of Yin Deficiency with Heat. When

digestive system problems are coming from a Root of Yin Deficiency, fennel

seeds with their property of warming can worsen problems.

 

Victoria

 

______________________

Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com