Product Overview
Parts used: Dried ripe fruits
TCM category: Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
TCM nature: Warm
TCM taste(s): Pungent
Meridian affinity: Spleen Stomach Kidney Liver
Scientific name: Foeniculum vulgare
Use of fennel seeds (Xiao Hui Xiang) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitionner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Remove impurities and dry
Dosage: 3 - 9 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Expels Cold and relieves pain. Regulates Qi of the Stomach.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which fennel seeds may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Abdominal pain Dysmenorrhea Abdominal bloating Loss of appetite Vomiting Diarrhea Testicular pain
Contraindications*: This herb should not be used by those with Yin Deficiency with Heat signs or by those with Excess Heat.
Common TCM formulas in which fennel seeds are used*:
For Cold Stagnation in the Liver meridian associated with hernia combine fennel seeds with cinnamon bark (Rou Gui), dried ginger (Gan Jiang) and costus roots (Mu Xiang).
For Cold stomach combine fennel seeds with crow-dipper rhizomes (Ban Xia) and fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang).
For searing pain in the lower abdomen, hernias, pain or swelling of the testicles or testicular hernia combine fennel seeds with hawthorn berries (Shan Zha) and bitter orange seeds (Ju He).
For Cold with pain in the abdomen that radiates to the scrotum combine fennel seeds with lychee seeds (Li Zhi He).
Key TCM concepts behind fennel seeds (Xiao Hui Xiang)'s properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fennel seeds are plants that belong to the 'Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold' category. Herbs in this category are used for Internal Coldness with Qi and Yang Deficiency. In the Yin and Yang system of thought (see our explanation on Yin and Yang) Yang is Hot in nature. A deficiency of Yang will therefore lead to Internal Coldness since there will as a result be more Yin (Cold in nature) than Yang. In extreme cases this can lead to so-called 'Yang collapse' with convulsions or coma and these herbs are particularly indicated to treat such scenarios.
As suggested by its category fennel seeds are plants that are Warm in nature. This means that fennel seeds tend to help people who have too much "cold" in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much cold in their body are said to either have a Yin excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition fennel seeds can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Fennel seeds also taste Pungent. The so-called "five elements" theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Pungent ingredients like fennel seeds tend to promote the circulations of Qi and body fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what organs and meridians they target. As such fennel seeds are thought to target the Spleen, the Stomach, the Kidney and the Liver. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, blood coagulation and fluid metabolism in the body. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. The Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and body fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
Use of fennel seeds (Xiao Hui Xiang) as food
Fennel seeds are also eaten as food. It is used as an ingredient in dishes such as Fennel Seed Roasted Cauliflower.
