Fennel has been used as a medicinal plant since the Greek times, in fact it was their belief that the plant had the ability to pass knowledge from gods to man. It was traditionally used in Europe for digestive disorders.
Funnel juice blends well with a wide range of ingredients like pears, apples, carrots and cucumber. Its aniseed like flavor adds a very distinctive flavor to the juice. In juicing, the root bulb of the plant is used most of the time however its stems and fronds can also be used. If you find the aroma and flavor to be a bit over powering, then start with just half a bulb added to other fruits or vegetables to take advantage of all its benefits.
Funnel Juice Fusion
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sized green apples (or equivalent)
- 2 sticks celery with leaves
- 1 bulb funnel, can include stems
Instructions:
Chop all ingredients to a size that will easily fit your juicer. Run them through the juicer and enjoy the juice as soon after juicing as possible over ice.
Add-ons
- Lemon
- kale
Funnel Nutritional Information
This seemingly average herb is loaded with some very potent nutrients. It is an exceptional source of vitamin C, folate, manganese, and potassium. Additionally it is a good source of iron, niacin, calcium and magnesium. It also contains phytoestrogens making it useful in the relief of menopause symptoms and the oil anethole which provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Health Benefits of Fennel
Funnel contains aspartic acid which gives it carminative properties. It is commonly used as an anti-flatulent and is safe enough even for infants. In fact it is used to treat colic babies. The iron and histidine, an amino acid, help in the formation of blood components. Chewing on fennel seeds after a meal stimulates the secretion of digestive juices that aid digestion and eliminate bad breath. Powdered fennel seeds act as a laxative. The potassium in fennel is a good vasodilator, meaning it relaxes the blood vessels and aids in reducing blood pressure. Additionally potassium is an electrolyte which facilitates electrical conduction in the body.
The cineole and anetol present in fennel behave like expectorants aiding in respiratory disorders like bronchitis and congestion. Fennel helps to break apart phlegm making breathing easier. Fennel is also a diuretic which aids in removal of toxins from the body.