Spices & Condiments
Fennel seed
小茴香Nutritional Value
3 / 5
Organ Affinities
Tonifies
Therapeutic Properties
Quick Facts
AHM Properties
Fennel seed strengthens and warms Kidney Yang, drives out cold and relieves pain in the lower abdomen, and supports smooth Liver Qi flow. It has long been relied upon as a digestive spice for cold-type bloating, colic, and hernia discomfort. Its warming effect on the Spleen and Stomach makes it one of the go-to spices in AHM when cold is at the root of digestive upset, nausea, or vomiting.
Anethole, the primary volatile compound in fennel seed, inhibits COX-2 inflammatory enzymes and NF-kB signaling; fennel also has antispasmodic and analgesic properties with traditional AHM application for abdominal pain and cold-type digestive discomfort.
Contraindications
Avoid in heat patterns or Yin deficiency. Caution in pregnancy.
Clinically authored and reviewed by Dr. Katrina Chojnicki-Hill, DAOM, AP, Dipl. OM. Cross-referenced against American Dragon Herbs and classical AHM sources. For educational purposes only — consult a qualified AHM practitioner for personalised advice.