Effects and functions of fennel[picture]

Friends who don’t know fennel [picture] will not understand what effects and functions fennel [picture] has. Fennel [picture] is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. Many people only know it in terms of its shape, so it is difficult to understand what benefits fennel [picture] can really bring to people’s bodies. We need to have a deep understanding of fennel [picture] as a medicinal material.

【English name】 FRUCTUS FOENICULI

[Source] This product is the dried mature fruit of the Umbelliferae plant Foeniculum vulgare Mill.; its roots, leaves and whole herb can also be used as medicine. In autumn, when the fruits begin to ripen, the plants are harvested, dried, the fruits are beaten and impurities are removed. The whole plant and leaves can be harvested in summer and autumn, and the roots can be harvested in all seasons. Wash off the dirt and dry them in the sun.

[Properties] This product is a double-hanging fruit, cylindrical, some are slightly curved, 4 to 8 mm long and 1.5 to 2.5 mm in diameter. The surface is yellow-green or light yellow, with slightly pointed ends, a yellow-brown protruding column base remaining at the top, and sometimes a small fruit stalk at the base. The schizocarp is oblong, with five longitudinal ridges on the back and a flat and wide joint surface. The cross section is slightly pentagonal, and the four sides on the back are approximately equal in length. It has a unique aroma and tastes slightly sweet and spicy.

【Identification】 (1) Cross section of the fruit of this product: The exocarp is a row of flat cells covered with a cuticle. There are vascular bundles at the longitudinal ridges of the mesocarp, surrounded by numerous lignified reticular cells; there is a large oval brown oil tube between each longitudinal ridge on the back, and two oil tubes on the joint surface, for a total of six. The endocarp is a row of flat thin-walled cells of varying lengths. The seed coat cells are elongated and contain brown substances. The endosperm cells are polygonal and contain many aleurone grains, each of which contains tiny clusters of calcium oxalate crystals.

[Content determination] Determine according to the volatile oil determination method (Appendix Ⅹ D).

【Preparation】 Fennel : remove impurities.

【Nature and flavor】 Spicy, warm.

[entry into meridians] Enter the liver, kidney, spleen and stomach meridians.

【Functions and indications】 Dispel cold and relieve pain, regulate qi and harmonize the stomach. It is used for abdominal pain caused by cold hernia, testicular prolapse, dysmenorrhea, cold pain in the lower abdomen, abdominal distension and pain, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea, and testicular hydrocele. Salt and fennel warm the kidneys, dispel cold and relieve pain. Used for abdominal pain caused by cold hernia, testicular prolapse, and abdominal pain caused by cold menstruation.

【Usage and Dosage】 3 to 6 g.

【Storage】Keep in a cool and dry place.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Pharmacopoeia

Through the detailed introduction above, we have a good understanding of the efficacy and functions of the traditional Chinese medicine fennel [picture]. I hope this can be helpful to everyone.