Fennel Seed

Botanical Overview

Fennel is a tall, feathery perennial herb native to the Mediterranean basin, where it has grown wild along roadsides and coastlines since antiquity. Every part of the plant is edible — the bulb, fronds, and seeds — but it is the small, oval seeds, technically the dried fruits of the plant, that have been most prized in herbal medicine across cultures and centuries. Ancient Egyptians used fennel as both food and medicine. Greek athletes consumed it believing it conveyed strength and longevity. In ancient Rome, fennel was so revered it was woven into victory garlands. Across India, roasted fennel seeds are offered at the end of a meal as a natural digestive and breath freshener — a tradition still observed today in virtually every Indian restaurant in the world. In Ayurveda, fennel is considered one of the three "sweet spices" alongside cardamom and coriander, valued for its ability to kindle digestive fire without overheating the body. Its gentle, sweet warmth and impressive wellness profile make it one of the most versatile seeds in the herbal tea pantry.

Flavor Profile

• Sweet, warm, and gently anise-like with a mild licorice note
• Softer and sweeter than anise seed — less intense, more rounded
• Clean and refreshing with a light, herbaceous finish
• Naturally sweet — reduces the need for added sweetener in a blend
• Pairs beautifully with ginger, licorice root, anise, peppermint, and chamomile

Traditionally Used For

• Relieving gas, bloating, and digestive cramping — one of the finest carminative herbs
• Soothing colic in infants — long used in traditional gripe water preparations
• Supporting healthy digestion and stimulating digestive enzymes
• Supporting milk production in nursing mothers
• Easing menstrual cramps and PMS discomfort
• Antimicrobial and antifungal properties
• Supporting eye health through its flavonoid and Vitamin C content
• May help regulate healthy blood pressure levels

Brewing Notes

• Water temperature: 200–212°F / 93–100°C
• Steep time: 5–10 minutes for a full, sweet, rounded flavor
• Use 1 teaspoon of lightly crushed seeds per 8 oz of water
• Lightly crushing the seeds before steeping releases more of the essential oils and flavor
• Excellent as a standalone digestive tea after meals, or blended with ginger and peppermint
• Naturally sweet — try it without sweetener before adding honey