Comparisons
Fennel or Aniseed?
Fennel and aniseed are two similar-tasting seeds from the same family, with similar uses in their EMA assessments. The differences lie mostly in age limits and the details of their uses.
| Aspect | FennelFoeniculum vulgare | AnisePimpinella anisum |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | T Traditional use | T Traditional use |
| Needs | Digestion, Women’s Health, Respiratory, Throat & Mouth | Digestion, Respiratory, Throat & Mouth |
| Form | Seed | Seed |
| How to use | Steep 1.5 g of crushed fennel seed in 250 ml of boiling water for 15 minutes. | Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1–3.5 g of whole or freshly crushed aniseed. |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Avoid |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | Avoid |
| Recommended minimum age | From age 4 | From age 12 |
| Drug interactions | No recorded interactions | No recorded interactions |
| Duration limit | Max 2 weeks | Max 2 weeks |
Which one, when?
Fennel
Traditionally used for bloating and wind, minor period cramps and cough with a cold. Can be used from age 4.
Full card →Anise
Traditionally used for bloating and wind and cough with a cold. Not recommended under 12.
Full card →Good to know
- Both are used for at most 2 weeks.
- The anethole in both passes into breast milk; the EMA recommends neither while breastfeeding.
- People allergic to the carrot family (caraway, celery, coriander, dill) should use neither.