Fennel Seeds for Gas, Bloating, Cramps, IBS and Better Digestion


Fennel for fartsFennel seeds are a natural trapped gas remedy with many benefits for better digestive function and intestinal health.

Eating these potent little seeds regularly can be especially helpful for treating gastrointestinal problems, like abdominal bloating, intestinal cramps, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome and excessive flatulence.

Here’s how the seeds of the fennel plant improve digestion and ease intestinal upset. Also ahead, the best ways to use this herbal treatment for stomach pain, belly bloat and embarrassing gas.

What are Fennel Seeds?

The fennel plant, scientific name Foeniculum vulgare, is a native perennial originating in the Mediterranean but now found worldwide. While the bulb and leaves can be eaten, the nutrient rich seeds provide the most benefits.

Dried fennel seeds have an aromatic anise flavor and are often used in cooking. They also have significant medicinal qualities that makes them a potent natural remedy for many conditions.

How Fennel Seeds Stop Bloating and Bad Gas

In India, seeds of the fennel plant are very popular as an aid to digestion and have been used for this purpose for hundreds of years. A small amount of the seeds are routinely chewed after a meal, both to freshen the breath and to stimulate digestive function.

Scientific studies on the seeds show their rich volatile oil content is primarily responsible for their positive effects, such as their ability to clear intestinal gas so effectively. 

Their volatile oils, like anethole, fenchone and estragole, have antispasmodic, calmative and anti-inflammatory properties. Eating them can relax contracted intestinal muscles, ease abdominal cramps, release belly bloat and allow trapped gasses to dissipate.

Drinking a great tasting fennel tea, or eating the dried seeds, is a simple way to address many digestive upsets and gastrointestinal issues.

IBS Treatment

Eating the seeds, or drinking fennel seed tea, has also proven effective for many people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

IBS symptoms include severe stomach gas pains, alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, and ongoing bloating, intestinal cramps and excessive flatulence.

Research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that IBS patients who took the seeds three times a day had a “marked improvement with less abdominal cramps, less dependence on a laxative… and less visits to physicians”.

Natural Cure for Acid Reflux and Indigestion

Chewing on a teaspoon of the seeds straight after a meal, or sipping on a strong tea while you eat, can be an effective way to prevent heartburn and acid stomach.

The volatile oils in the seeds have calmative properties that help to reduce indigestion and acid reflux, though see your GP if you experience GERD symptoms regularly.

Dried whole Finocchio seeds

Preventing Diarrhea

A common cause of diarrhea is a build up of gases in the colon. This pressure on the walls of the lower intestine releases absorbed liquids, or prevents it from being absorbed in the first place.

Chewing on fennel seeds after a meal can help reduce excessive gas that leads to diarrhea. Some authorities also suggest drinking the tea as a natural treatment for loose stools.

Constipation Remedy

Constipation as an inability to have a regular bowel movement, less than three a week by definition, though any less than one a day is generally considered unhealthy.

When you are constipated you feel tired, drained and low on energy, as proper elimination is disrupted and your liver has to deal with accumulating toxins.

Eating fennel seeds can be a natural cure for constipation. Their volatile oils have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect on your entire gastrointestinal tract, improving the passage of digesting food and encouraging elimination.

Alongside their calmative and antispasmodic properties, herbal healing textbooks list fennel as having cathartic, purgative and laxative effects for remedying constipation naturally.

By eating the seeds, or drinking the tea, you can stimulate the mucus membranes of your digestive tract. This increases intestinal motility and encourages the peristalsis action which sends you to the toilet.

How to Use Fennel Seeds for a Gassy Tummy

While certain gassy foods increase flatulence volume, most often really smelly gas is a result of the food you eat getting trapped or delayed in the colon and fermenting or putrefying there.

Chewing on fennel seeds can help prevent this by improving digestive function and gastrointestinal motility. Any trapped gasses are more easily released too, so there’s less chance of noxious compounds building up to breaking point.

With the exception of activated charcoal (which does require more complex timing), fennel seeds, either eaten after your meal or made into a tea, are one of the best homemade stomach gas remedies available.

Making Fennel Digestive Tea

Fennel tea is quite refreshing and an effective way to prevent belly bloat, abdominal pain and stomach cramps. Its volatile oils help to release intestinal contractions and move along trapped gas.

When you drink the warm tea it travels quickly through your gastrointestinal tract to where it’s needed the most so relief can be even quicker than eating the seeds.

Here’s how to make homemade fennel seed tea:Foeniculum vulgare for flatulence

  1. Start by crushing a tablespoon of organic seeds with a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon in a bowl. A seed grinder can also be used.
  2. Add them to a cup and pour very hot but not quite boiling water over them (turn the kettle off just before it boils).
  3. Cover the cup with a small plate and leave it to sit for 5 minutes for a regular strength tea or up to 15 minutes for a stronger one.
  4. Strain it if you like (I rarely bother) and sip for quick relief from trapped stomach gas, intestinal pain and tummy bloating.

There are also high strength tea bags available which are convenient for work or traveling. Loose organic seeds are better value though and generally higher potency.

Natural Cure for Gassiness and Digestive Problems

Fennel seeds work for a bloated stomach, bad gas, intestinal pain and other gastrointestinal issues, like IBS and acid reflux.

This potent herb has many other beneficial properties and positive effects as well. You can read about them in detail in this popular article on the many benefits of fennel seed tea.

Have you had success with using fennel seeds for intestinal gas and other digestive issues? I’d be interested to hear your experiences with this simple homemade remedy.

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 103 comments
Alexandra

Thanks so much for this comprehensive write up on fennel. I suffer from IBS, and have found it very beneficial to eat fennel seeds as well as have the tea. In desperate moments I have lived on fennel powder and washed it down with warm water (a real short cut).

Reply
    James Dillan

    Thanks for your positive comments Alexandra.

    I definitely think a warm fennel tea is much nicer that fennel powder washed down with water. I wrote another detailed article on fennel tea here https://flatulencecures.com/what-is-fennel-tea-good-for/

    All the best,

    James

    Reply
Elizabeth

I make a Fennel tincture that I mix with warm water to make a gas-busting tea or cordial. :) It works so well!

Reply
Emily

Hello, I must say I was skeptical because nothing Ive tried worked for trapped gas and bloating. I was completely miserable all of last night. Mine is IBS and it just happens sometimes and I usually don’t know what causes it. It usually last a few days when it occurs and really affects my life. I read this article doing research. I don’t know how Ive missed it in the past because when this flares up, I comb the internet looking for any help. Well, I read this a couple of hours ago and went straight to the store and bought some fennel seeds. I chewed a small pinch in the parking lot and by the time I had gotten home a few minutes ago, I can already tell a difference. I don’t “love” the taste but I don’t care! haha! It almost feels like a miracle! It isn’t completely gone, but significantly better! Thank you so much!

Reply
    James Dillan

    Hi Emily,

    I’m glad to hear that fennel seeds worked for your IBS symptoms. A good strong fennel tea like the one recommended here should work just as well and perhaps faster https://flatulencecures.com/what-is-fennel-tea-good-for I personally enjoy the taste of it.

    Hope this helps,

    Jim

    Reply
Leone

I use fennel seeds when making my curries and just started to take a quarter of a teas after my evening meal swallowed down with a few gulps of water. It’s amazing how it eases any bloating and like you say helps to expel trapped gas! I’m sure fennel is used to ease babies colic troubles as remember buying some in the 70’s for my son. My doctor prescribed peppermint capsules which also helped but I now prefer the fennel.

Reply
    James Dillan

    Hi Leone and thanks for your comments.

    Fennel seeds are indeed really effective for trapped gas and many people are surprised how well it works.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
anthony

please i have been suffering from IBS with no solution even after taking medications. I pass stool up to 10 times in a day with mucus in the stool. Sometimes i defecate mucus only which makes my anus painful. Please will fennel seed tea cure it?u

Reply
Kelly

Hi, just thought I’d pass this along. Years ago I suffered from constant gas. I went from gastroenterologist to gastroenterologist with no luck. I tried everything from flagyl to zanax (they thinking it was stress related or in my head). I also had a colonoscopy and another test where they put a tube down your throat looking for celiac disease. It wasn’t until I did my own research that I stumbled upon candida in the gut — a book called The Yeast Connection written by Dr. Robin Cook, I believe. Everything fit. His answer was oral nystatin. I went to an allergy doctor explained everything. She prescribed a months worth of oral nystatin. By the end of the month — my gas was completely gone. In case you can’t get a doctor to prescribe that for you, his other recommendation is odor free garlic supplements in high dosages. Just thought I’d pass this along…(no pun intetnded)!

Reply
    James Dillan

    Hi Kelly and thanks for your advice.

    Candida is indeed a hidden problem for many people and can play havoc with your digestive health. Thank you for sharing what worked for you.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Joan

HELLO:

AS THE QUEEN OF UNCONTROLED GAS I WOULD DO ANY THING TO CONTROL MY BODY.

I CHEWED THE FENNEL, IT TASTE LIKE ROPE, HEMP, BUT I WILL CONTINUE.

IF I MAKE TEA I WOULD LIKE TO TRY FENNEL TEA AND A REAL TEABAG, WHY NOT,

IN A VERY LARGE CUP. THEN YOU HAVE A REAL TEA. KEEP THE WIND DOWN FOLKS.

BREEZY

Reply
Laura

Thank you for your article. If you brew the tea is it just as effective if you drink it chilled later throughout the day?

Reply
    James Dillan

    Hi Laura,

    I would think it should be though it would depend on whether the important volatile oils evaporate or not. Covering or refrigerating would reduce the chances of this.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Erin

Okay…so I am a mom of three and had abdominal surgery two years ago which left me with severe bloating and gas issues! I eat extremely healthy and live a very healthy lifestyle but nothing has helped. I seriously couldn’t take the bloating and gas pain anymore and by chance stumbled across your article just this morning. I ran out to the store after suffering all day with the worst pains and grab some fennel seeds. I started chewing them in the store as I walked out, literally. By time I got home 15 minutes later the bloating had started to reseed in the gas pains getting better already! Here I sit two hours later with the most deflated Tammy I have had in years and no pain! I am completely in awe! For two years I have suffered with this embarrassing problem, and then I see your article. I cannot believe it! I can’t wait to share this with The world! Thank you!!!!

Reply
    James Dillan

    Hi Erin,

    It’s really great to read comments like yours and know that something I’ve written has helped. I wish many more people knew about the power of natural remedies and how they are often much more effective than pharmaceuticals.

    I appreciate you sharing the article and think you’ll find your overall health will improve even more now without the gastrointestinal distress which would have been affecting proper digestion.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Kiera

I went out to eat at a delicious Italian restaurant this evening and ate one too many garlic knots (probably 7 or 8 to be honest), as well as a very large and creamy/buttery pasta dish and 3 cups of wine. I usually eat pretty clean and healthy so this was rough on my stomach. I woke up in the middle of the night feeling bloated and extremely queasy. Low and behold, I was out of Tums. I googled what to do to get rid of the pain and decided to try fennel seeds. I felt relief after 3 minutes of chewing the fennel seeds. I went from feeling like I was going to get sick to feeling 100% better. Thank you so much!

Reply
    James Dillan

    Thanks for your helpful comments Kiera.

    It’s good to know fennel seeds can help with such a difficult digestion problem.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Sonia Rodriguez

I have been reading your articles and they have been very helpful. I been diagnosed with a fatty liver, I am 60lbs over weight. The doctor said that the only cure for it is to lose weight. As hard as that is… I deal with some pain from the fatty liver I can’t over eat. I have no gallbladder. What can I use that is natural to help my liver. I am going to try the Fennel before I try the charco caps for my bad gas issues.
Thank you so much.
Sonia

Reply
    James Dillan

    Hi Sonia. Sorry to hear the health problems you’ve been having.

    Milk thistle powder, parsley and beet juice are three of my favorite liver tonics to look into. Fennel and the other bad gas remedies on this site can definitely help with digestive issues which can also help with weight loss and ease the burden on the liver.

    All the best in your healing,

    Jim

    Reply
Robin

I don’t like chewing the fennel seeds – will it work if I put a handful in yogurt? Or do they have to be activated by chewing or dissolving in a tea?

Reply
    James Dillan

    Hi Robin.

    For best effects fennel seeds should be crushed up or put in very hot water to release the volatile oils.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Bee G

I have hypoglycemia. Can I use fennel seeds or will it lower the hypoglycemia? This is in reference to excessive gas.

Reply
    James Dillan

    Hi Bee,

    Check with your doctor but a cup of the tea a day taken well away from medicines would be highly unlikely to cause problems as it’s effect on blood sugar is mild at best.

    Hope this helps,

    James

    Reply
Mae

Hi James,

I was diagnosed with erosive gastritis & barretts, it is safe to use fennel seed? What is your opinion in taking carom seed as well?

Reply
    James Dillan

    Hi Mae,

    Fennel seeds are often recommended for both these conditions, though it could be a good idea to start out with a weak tea, test your tolerance and build up the strength as needed https://flatulencecures.com/what-is-fennel-tea-good-for

    Carom seeds have a similar effect and combining the two would likely be even more beneficial.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Jake

Hey great article. I was just wanted to clarify, you are saying that the candied fennel seeds will not have the same effects on flatulence ? Just because I already have some and they are quite tastey lol. So if I can get away with just using these I will, if not I will probably go and find some plain ones. Thank you. Have a good day!

Reply
    James Dillan

    Hi Jake,

    Perhaps they would help, but as a flatulence treatment I’d avoid anything with added sugar which only feeds the bacteria that cause the problem. In a way candied fennel seeds are half helping and half contributing to the problem.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Jen

Tried my husband with the seeds but he can’t stand chewing or drinking the tea, he is picky ;-) can I cook with them or does this take away the effectiveness?

Reply
Erwin

Hello I’m Erwin I was diagnosed with Hypermic Gastroduodenitis and esophagatis.Is it safe to drink fennel tea on my condition and im currently in medication using omerprazole. Pls advise thank you

Reply
    James Dillan

    Hi Erwin,

    Check with your doctor but fennel tea is considered a mild herb with few interactions. Even so it’s always best to drink herbal teas away from medications.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Ezm

Is fennel indicated for diverticulitis? Possible risk of seed particles lodging in there?

Reply
Monica

I was looking for a local source of fennel seeds but all I could find (Whole Foods, Pharmaca, and CVS) was NATURE’S WAY FENNEL SEED, 100 CAPSULES. Is this type of formula (in capsule form) as effective as the raw seeds?

Reply
    Jim

    Hi Monica,

    I personally think the seeds are better than capsules as the active ingredient is the volatile oils that may be reduced during processing.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Sheri

I’ve been drinking fennel tea for just 3 days. The calming effect on my lower digestive tract was almost immediate.

Reply
    Jim

    Hi Sheri,

    I really glad to hear fennel tea is working so well for you. I definietly think it’s much better than drugs for digestive problems.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Jean

Hi,
Is it safe to swallow the fennel seeds after chewing? Will I still get the benefit if I chew the seeds for a while then spit out the seeds? I don’t feel comfortable swallowing those seeds. Great website, thanks!

Reply
    Jim

    Hi Jean,

    It’s fine to swallow the seeds and there would likely be a bit extra benefit. The important element though is the volatile oils which a good chew should release. if you’re not having them in a tea then it’s good to have a glass of water after chewing fennel seeds to help move them to where they are needed.

    Hope this helps,

    Jim

    Reply
Rodney

What about fennel seed in a capsule form? Is it safe to take one capsule three times a day after meals?

Reply
    Jim

    Hi Rodney,

    It would be safe but I don’t think as effective as fennel tea or chewing fennel seeds to release the volatile oils.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Nadeem Shakir

I had been suffered a massive abdominal problem which was been due to acid accumulated in the stomach by diagnosed. Previously doctor prescribed lansoprazol, Buscopan and mebeverine pills. If you believe me none of those medicines worked to reduce my problem other than various side effects occurred due to such chemical made drugs.

Actually, my stomach was continuously producing acid after eating anything else. Due to this problem my stomach lines were be infected which is normally think ulcerative Colitis. Then I had to face cramps, abdominal pain, flatulence and burping. Some time loose loo

By my own thought. I started to take Fennel seeds. I am quite well now. How is this magic. I was also wondering that I remained sick since couple of years. How am I feeling better? Yes absolutely 100% recovered. Some time I feel this is GOD blessing for us if we use herbal compare to much better than allopathic medicine.

Fennel seeds are an effective for Chronic IBS. Bloating, wind traps. It is also so good to get rid of Gas and smell. It is helping for many digestive problems to eliminate completely.

If you are lactose intolerance then you can also use fennel seeds

Its also help to reduce the acid. I was been cured for abdominal cramps, massive bloating and acid using with Fennel seeds. Trust me please all of you reading are honest and I am sharing my personal experience and own observations. I had never any side effect due to using the fennel seeds

How to use? It is simple then can be 50% more effective than normal. I use to take after breakfast, lunch and dinner a little chunk of ½ tea spoon and chewing under my teeth. Happy Shappy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Regard

Nadeem

Reply
    Jim

    Hi Nadeem and thank you for your helpful comments.

    It sounds like fennel seeds have been a real lifesaver for you. I’m really glad to hear they worked so well.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
safder khan

I am suffering from indigestion, bloating, flatulance and abdominal pain from last 3 years and am not getting well after done so many treatments. What shud i do now to get rid of this problem.

Reply
Gail

Can fennel seeds be used for GERD?

Reply
    Jim

    Hi Gail,

    Fennel seed tea can be a very good treatment for GERD and acid reflux for most people.

    Hope this helps,

    Jim

    Reply
KUKI

Hi

I was suffering from Gerd and acidity from past 1 year and within this time frame I change at least 10 doctors but none of them is helpful. Then 1 day I chewed fennel seeds after my lunch i felt better and my gastric and acid reflux was also relaxed so from that day I started chewing fennel seeds daily after each meal and sometimes fennel tea as well just because of this magical seed now I am well and happy
:)………… GUYZ START EATING AND DRINK FENNEL SEEDS YOU WILL SAY BYE TO YOUR MEDICATION FOR THE GASTRIC PROBLEMS….

Reply
    Jim

    Hi Kuki and thanks for the good advice.

    I agree chewing fennel seeds or fennel seed tea can be very good for GERD.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Trudi

WOW WOW WOW! Thank you for the article.
It really works like a miracle !
I suffer from IBS as well as a permanent partial obstruction of my small intestines, a perfect recipe for trapped gas and terrible bloating. This is such a natural remedy, cheap and tasty as well.
I tried it for about 5 days now and can feel a big improvement.

Reply
    Jim

    Hi Trudi,

    Glad fennel seeds worked so well for you for trapped gas and bloating.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Dan

Wow. I had foul smelling gas about an hour before we were due to have guests. I chewed about a teaspoon of seeds and after 15 minutes I could feel the bloating reducing amd after half an hour the bloating was gone and no more smelly gas!

Reply
Tracey

i have just started trying fennel seeds with the hope of relief from bloating and abdominal cramps. I have been hospitalized 5 times with bloating and terrible cramps. I have no constipation or diaharea just bloating and pain. I cannot release the gas that builds up which is responsible for the pain. Has anyone had any sucess in getting rid of trapped wind with Fennel seeds. I have had exhaustive medical tests and diagnosed with IBS. Apparentely my colon goes into spasms which is responsible for the pain. No medication has ever worked.

Reply
    James

    Hi Tracy,

    Sorry to hear of suffering with bloating and abdominal cramps.

    Strong fennel tea like the one suggested in the article does work well for many people but you do seem to have a very serious problem with intestinal gas. Have you tried taking enteric coated peppermint oil with a big glass of water 20 minutes before a meal or drink that usually gives you bloating https://flatulencecures.com/how-to-make-farts-smell-better This is usually much more effective than taking them after you’ve eaten. Activated charcoal is also very good and should be taken in the same way an hour before eating https://flatulencecures.com/how-to-use-activated-carbon-flatulence

    It’s a bit of a hassle having to remember to take them but when bloating is this bad preventing it would be worth it.

    Reply
Jean Ahrens

Hello! I purchased the fennel seed powder and thought I read somewhere to add it to warm water a couple of times a day. I can’t find the dosage anywhere. How much do I use and how many times a day. also, what is the dosage if I were to put it on my daily shake?

Reply
    James

    Hi Jean,

    I haven’t used the fennel seed powder personally and would be interested to hear if you think it works in a smoothie without hot water to release the oils. Perhaps being powdered it is fine. I’d imagine you’d need less of it in this form. Perhaps start with a third of a teaspoon and then a half if this is well tolerated.

    Hope this helps,

    James

    Reply
ElizabethLupton

Have read your informative remarks from people who have tried fennel seeds, I am about to start trying these as I have only had the copious flatulence and awful odour recently. I had a twisted bowel operation in October and had no problem so this is a really annoying thing to happen. Will let you know how it turns out, I am really hopeful!!!!

Reply
    James

    Hi Elizabeth,

    Hopefully fennel seeds can help. It does sound like the bowel situation is causing delays in elimination, hence the awful odor.

    Activated charcoal taken a hour before meals with a big glass of water can be very good for this as it absorbs the hydrogen sulphide gas responsibe for the terrible smell https://flatulencecures.com/how-to-use-activated-carbon-flatulence

    Hope this helps,

    James

    Reply
Embarrassed to Say

Thank you for this article!!!!!!!! I think it’s a miracle and will keep a bottle of organic fennel seeds in my bag! I had lunch at the Cheese Shop and had a bowl of their black bean soup…it hit me like a train and I had really bad embarrassing gas …the kind so bad that you have to let it out and hope no one comes to talk to you at the same time ! I googled and stumbled across this article and immediately ran to my seasonings cabinet and started chewing fennel seeds! Then I remembered! The local Indian restaurant has these in a bowl at the cashier counter like “after dinner mints”. Now I know why! Indian food can be quite filling and bloat your stomach! It actually worked within 10 min of chewing and swallowing. I was so thrilled I texted my closest friends and family! They were all pleased that I shared this info despite how embarrassing the topic might be. Thank you, thank you & thank you!

Reply
    James

    Hi there,

    It’s true that people don’t often like to talk about these embarrassing problems. But it can happen to anyone and it’s great that you shared how well fennel seeds worked for gas.

    All the best,

    James

    Reply
deena

Thank you for the info. I am on methadone and literally can’t have a bowl movement without drinking nasty magnesium and I just have tried everything. Will fennel seed help with this and if so how do I take it?

Reply
    James

    Hi Deena,

    Fennel tea may help intestinal muscles and preventing blockages.

    All the best,

    James

    Reply
shaun

hello james. i’ve been suffering from constipation for more than 2 years now. i’ve tried everything and consulted all the doctor possible. i just wanted to know if fennel seeds can help me to relive constipation.

Reply
    James

    Hi Shaun,

    Fennel seeds can help by relaxing the smooth muscles of the intestines and allowing blockages to release.

    Hope this helps,

    James

    Reply
Andrew

I am loving it, because I seem to have been having trouble without let up. My stomach has hammered me now since 2012. Most say diabetes caused the problem. Then the opinion of course changed to, gastroparesis. Finally because they (Mayo) termed it idiopathic. Which is another way to say, they have no idea. The fennel did give me some relief, this all developed after heart surgery. The Rothschild family responsible for the pharmaceutical industry is slowly crumbling. People are waking up, thanks to God and people like you and Joel Wallach. Their chemicals never cured anyone. Just made them rich! The only thing any good was antibiotics and pain management medicine. Natural cures are the only real cures. These doctors are not making anyone better. They give you 1 medicine for a single problem, then the medicine they gave you, makes a. Residual income out of you!

Reply
Bhuvana

Hi, i am hypothyroid patient can i use fennel tea oftenly?

Reply
    James

    Hi Bhuvana,

    Fennel tea is generally considered thyroid boosting but I would consult a healthcare professional on this for your individual situation.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
brigitte coston

I just ate some fennel seeds.very plesant tasting.. i will let you know how the seeds are helping.I thank God for the all the different ways to get rid of the smell of flatulence..

Reply
    James

    Hi Brigitte and thanks for your comments.

    I think fennel seeds taste good as well and should definitely help with intestinal gas issues.

    All the best,

    James

    Reply
Victoria

Hi, I too have recently been having problems with gas in the evenings. I just bought some fennel seeds and took them tonight after dinner. So far so good! I have been reading some more on them since I took them and came across an article that said you should buy the green kind, not the yellow kind. The ones I got were in the spice section of target, and they appear to be the yellow kind. However, they do still taste like licorice. Are the benefits lesser if they are not the green type of seed? What are the differences, as far as the flatulence benefits, between the two?
Thank you,
Vicki

Reply
    James

    Hi Victoria,

    They should both work, though larger greener seeds may be slightly better and taste a bit sweeter. It generally comes down to volatile oil content so freshness is important. Heathers select fennel seeds based on high volatile oil content so these would be ideal for next time.

    Hope this helps,

    James

    Reply
Shreya

Hi,

I eat about 100 gms fennel seeds per week.
Is it okay to consume this much? Or any disadvantages are there ?

Thankyou
Shreya

Reply
mirza

thank you for the reply, I will make an appointment with my doctor.

Regards
Mirza

Reply
mirza

I have been using fennel seeds for few years, they have helped me with my indigestion and having regular bowel movement daily. I have also notice down size (reduced inches) all-over aroung hips, thighs and waist. I use dry light roasted(at home without any oil) I am very happy with the result and love the taste and smell of the seedsand have no problem chewing fair amount in a day (few table spoons). now my question is I am trying to conceive and I want to know if I should stop these seeds completely until I become pregnant and have the baby or what would you suggest is safe way for me if I don’t want to stop them completely. appreciate any comments or suggestions.
kind regards,

Reply
    James

    Hi Mirza,

    I think it would be best to discuss this with a health care professional. There is advice to not use large amounts of fennel seeds during pregnancy though, as is common with herbal treatments, there’s no specific reasons given why.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
Rachel

Has anyone given it to babies. I have a 7 week old baby with terrible colic and trapped wind. He also has reflux which he has been prescribed ranitadine. Thanks in advance. I’ve just had a cup of twinnings fennel tea, with the hope it helps him.

Reply
    James

    Hi Rachel,

    Yes, weak and cooled fennel tea is a commonly used cure for colic in babies and usually very effective.

    Hope this helps,

    Jim

    Reply
Subhto

Hi James,
I am in the same league with others in this fight against intestinal gas which has been with me for over a decade with regular episodes of hightened pushing and throbbing sensation in chest and abdomen region. In pursuit of an alternate therapy I will give it a try and shall share my experiences (tried other herbs/home made medicines to no result).
What I would like to know is that will fennel seeds be potent enough as compared to raw seeds if they are dry fried (without oil) for few minutes to make them crispy and then chewed.
Thank you in anticipation
Subhro
India

Reply
    James

    Hi Subhto,

    As the volatile oils in fennel seeds are what helps them prevent intestinal gas I would think you wouldn’t want to fry them too much and only on a low heat. You might try comparing both fried and fresh fennel seeds and seeing which is better as relieving intestinal gas for you.

    Hope this helps,

    Jim

    Reply
Glenn2ns

How does the effect of fennel seed therapy interact with folks who suffer celiac disease? Wife and daughter both suffer from celiac.
On another note – someone suggested cooking beans with fennel to reduce the gas causing problem. My question is how much fennel for a cup of beans that are pre-soaked overnight and then cooked the next day/.

Reply
    James

    Hi there,

    Fennel seeds are gluten free and would not be a problem for celiacs. Actually, many celiac resources recommend fennel seeds.

    I’ve written about beans here https://flatulencecures.com/baked-beans-fart and generally a teaspoon of fennel seeds in pre soaked beans should greatly reduce though not completely eliminate gas from beans.

    Hope this helps,

    Jim

    Reply
Rohit

you are a bloody genius. I have been suffering from growling and abdominal pain for the last 2 to 3 months and was starting to get sick and worried about it. I just took a handful of them and chewed them for 20 mins and swallowed them. I see ISTANT RELIEF, i have been taking medication for last 4 weeks and nothing worked better than fennel seeds. Thank you soo much.

Reply
    James

    Hi Rohit and thanks for your comments.

    Fennel seeds really are effective for abdominal pain and quite quick acting as well. I’m sure if drug companies could patent them they’d be the new (and very expensive) wonderdrug.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
James

Thanks for the link! Much appreciated.

Reply
BJ

My son is 16 years old and for the past three years he’s been suffering from Ulcerative Colitis. Lately he’s been also suffering from some nasty flatulence that gags everyone near him. Currently he is in drug induced remission and I was wondering if organic fennel tea would be safe for him to take.
Best,
BJ

Reply
    James

    Hi there,

    With serious conditions always check with the treating doctor first but fennel seeds are often recommended for Ulcerative Colitis.

    Hope this helps,

    Jim

    Reply
Louisa

Great advice here. Surprised, however, to see that you advise breastfeeding mothers against fennel. In fact fennel is well known to increase milk supply and is recommened to nursing mothers with inadequate milk supply. It’s a great herb!

Reply
    James

    Hi Louisa,

    I agree but when noting possible side effects I usually go straight from the medical texts to cover the article.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
    sarah

    Exacly, Louisa, I had the same comment! It saved me many an unhappy moment when there was not enough milk coming down, making a hungry baby happy fast!! It works amazingly well for increasing milk supply very quickly.

    Reply
Ellie

Hello
I used to take charcoal tablets to try and help my gas & bloating, but had to stop as it interfered with The Pill. Now I am very cautious with what I take, and this may be a silly question, but I wonder if this would be safe to take while on The Pill?
Thanks

Reply
    James

    Hi Ellie,

    As long as you take it well away from all medications like the pill it should be fine. Try having charcoal at least a few hours away from all medications, supplements and preferably food with a big glass of water. There’s more on how to use activated charcoal here https://flatulencecures.com/how-to-use-activated-carbon-flatulence

    Hope this helps,

    Jim

    Reply
Shelly

How much and how often can I safely chew fennel seeds each day?

Reply
Shelly

I have had chronic and acute indigestion for almost a year. I’ve had a stabbing (undiagnosed) pain in my side for the same length of time. I was beginning to think I was going to have it for the rest of my life. It wasn’t until I chewed fennel seeds that I got relief. I’m looking forward to resuming a few activities that I couldn’t do because of the indigestion.

Reply
    James

    Hi Shelly,

    I’m glad chewing fennel seeds worked so well for your indigestion. They really are a great herbal treatment for digestive problems and many people find them much more effective than prescription drugs.

    All the best,

    Jim

    Reply
lukki7

Great site and great information. I will need to do more research on fennel seeds as I do have fibroids but if I can get away with drinking this periodically when I have gas then this is amazing news!

Reply
    James

    Hi there,

    Unless your doctor advises otherwise occasional fennel tea should be fine. It is considered so safe it is given to babies for colic. This article has the occasional side effects of fennel https://flatulencecures.com/what-is-fennel-tea-good-for

    Hope this helps,

    Jim

    Reply
    Lestine

    I have used these seeds they are really
    Very good.I like buying a bunch when they
    are fresh like onions.Very good in a nice
    salad.I am so glad I tried the seeds.
    Thanks so much.

    Reply
Allan Moore

Hi, Thank you for such an informative article on remedies for flatulence. I suffer really badly from it , mostly it seems when I’m in bed, I’m not sure if it’s because I’m lying down. Anyway, last night I made a cup of fennel tea, it worked wonders, even that does not really express the my feelings properly. I was over the moon this morning, when I realized how well it had worked, thank you so much. I just hope tonight I do not go back to my having my problem but rest assured I will be having a nice cup of fennel tea. Would it be OK if I had two cups a day, ( my wife suffers the same problem but with her it’s worse during the day), and I thought I’d have a cup with her during the day and also one in the evening. With your experience is just one cup needed for each 24 hours, if so, is it best to have it in the morning or the evening.

Reply
    James

    Hi Allan and thanks for your comments.

    I’m glad fennel tea is working so well for you and I see no problem with having a couple of cups a day. The effect works on the digestive system so it probably won’t last all day but it’s so safe that cooled fennel tea is even given to infants for colic.

    Hope this helps,

    James

    Reply
    felistus

    Thanks for all the advice I get from your team its really helpful ,i had been having problems with my digestion fr long time ad i trayed funnel seeds ad am fantastic ,thnks onces more .

    Reply
Anish

Respect Sir,

Yes , you are right….as aforesaid ,funnel seeds help in acidity or acid reflux……….I am from India and I regularly take a pinch of dried funnel seeds after breakfast, lunch and dinner …………It gives a lot of relief ………

Thank you for sharing this information in detail.

Reply
Zaak

THANK YOU!

I woke today with serious bloating and LOTS of odorless farts. This is very unusual for me. This was the worst I’ve EVER experienced! After finding your site via Google, I got fennel out of my spice cabinet (at least 5 years old). started chewing seeds 4 or 5 at a time, maybe 30 total and RELIEF!!! Within 30 minutes I started feeling better. after an hour felt mostly normal! I wish I had learned this 30 years ago.

Thank for putting this site together.
Zaak
PS still reading more, you’ve done a good job here!

Reply
    James

    Hi Zaak and thanks for your positive comments.

    Fennel seeds are indeed one of the best flatulence cures around and well worth having on hand. I’m impressed that even 5 year old fennel seeds worked this well.

    All the best,

    James

    Reply

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