fennel

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

REMS

GI tract spasticity, flatulence or bloating, anorexia
expectorant and cough suppressant
enhance lactation and promote menstruation

Action ⬆ ⬇

Fennel contains volatile oils which may promote GI motility and have antispasmodic effects, reduce upper respiratory tract secretions and increase mucociliatory activity. May have estrogenic effects.

Therapeutic effects:

Relief from GI discomfort.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO, Topical	unknown	unknown	unknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Allergy to carrot, celery, mugwort or other members of the Apiaceae family;
OB: Pregnancy and lactation.

Use Cautiously in:

Hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast, uterine, and ovarian, as well as other conditions, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids, due to possible estrogenic effects;
Fennel oil should not be consumed for more thantwo weeks). Alcohol-containing products should be used cautiously in patients with known intolerance or liver disease.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: photosensitivity

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

↓ciprofloxacin bioavailability by 50%; space administration times.
Alcohol-containing preparations may interact with disulfiram and metronidazole.
May interfere with effects of oral contraceptives, estrogens, andtamoxifen.

Natural-Natural Products:

None known.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): Tea: steep 1–2 g dried fruit or seed in 150 mL boiling water and strain. One cup tea QD-TID; Tincture: 5–7.5 g per day; Oil: 0.1–0.6 mL per day. Fennel oil should not be consumed for more than 2 wk.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Tea: ^OTC
Dried fruit/seed: ^OTC
Tincture: ^OTC
Oil: ^OTC

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess frequency and nature of cough and consistency and color of sputum. Unless contraindicated encourage fluid intake of 1500–2000 mL per day to decrease viscosity of secretions and facilitate expectoration.
Assess appetite, flatulence, and bowel elimination before and during therapy.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

May be administered without regard for food intake.
Do not take for longer than 2 wk.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Instruct patients that grow this herb not to confuse it with Hemlock, which may be fatal if ingested.
Inform patients that there is insufficient information to recommend use of this herbal supplement.
Advise patients not to use this herb for longer than 2 wk.
Caution patients to use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions.
Advise female patients to avoid use of fennel if pregnancy is planned or suspected.
Inform patients that the long term risks of this herb are not known.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

Improved appetite and decrease in intestinal discomfort.
Decrease in intensity and frequency of cough without suppression in cough reflex.
Regular menstrual flow.

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Classifications ⬇

Indications ⬆ ⬇