Herb of the Day: Fennel

Herb of the Day: Fennel

Posted by TriLight Health on Jul 2nd 2026

Fennel is an old favorite used for culinary purposes and by herbalists. Typically, herbalists use the seed. The leaves and flowers are occasionally used by herbalists. The entire plant is used in culinary preparations. One of the most distinctive features of fennel is its flavor, often compared to licorice. Fresh green fennel fronds make a delicious tea that can be enjoyed as a digestive boost after a meal. Fennel is high in magnesium and has a number of additional nutrients and is often added as a vitamin and mineral boost.

Field of fennel with the words- Herb of the day: Fennel

Traditional Herbal Uses of Fennel:

Foeniculum vulgare

  • Colic
  • Cough
  • Eye Wash
  • Digestion & Related Ailments
  • Galactagogue (aka an herb that may help boost breast milk supply)
  • Halitosis
  • Stomach Ache
  • More

Fennel seed can be difficult to incorporate into blends because of its strong flavor. It is typically used in small amounts and often blended with herbs like peppermint to help balance out the taste. The bulb, leaves, and seed all have distinctive tastes, making it a unique plant to work with. 

What vitamins are in fennel?

This plant is surprisingly rich in several nutrients. The information below pertains specifically to fennel seed, as it is primarily used by herbalists.

Fennel contains: 

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamins B1, B2, and B3
  • Vitamin C
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Maganese
  • Selenium
  • Zinc

TriLight Health and Fennel

We use fennel in Tummy PlusColic ReliefMegaMamSinus Minus, and Contract Ease.

Colic Relief is one of our most traditional formulas. It is the classic blend of catnip and fennel, sometimes known as "gripe water," commonly used with babies. 

Contract Ease contains herbs that have historically been used to support the female reproductive system. It is a unique blend used after childbirth and may help with post-delivery contractions. 

MegaMam is another classic blend of herbs; it's a go-to for lactation consultants and midwives to support breastmilk production. It does not contain fenugreek, so you (and your baby) won't start to smell like maple syrup using this blend! 

Sinus Minus has been one of our best-sellers for over 35 years. Sinus Minus blends Fennel with herbs like Mullein, Goldenseal, and Echinacea to help support the sinuses. It's especially popular during allergy and cold-and-flu seasons. 

Tummy Plus is a "step-up" from Colic Relief. It also contains Catnip and Fennel, along with classic digestive herbs like Peppermint and Ginger. This is a Traditional Cherokee Heritage Medicine Formula and is also one of our best-sellers.

As you can see, we love fennel. Check out all our fast-acting, great-tasting fennel formulas here


FAQs

Q- How do I use Colic Relief for infants?

A- 1 to 2 drops the first hour (to check for rash or reaction), 2 to 3 drops the second hour, then build up to full usage (1 drop per 1 lb. body weight). Please dilute Colic Relief in breastmilk/formua, water, juice, or over food. This formula is very sweet. Breastfeeding mothers may also take this blend, and their baby will get some through their milk. Many mothers find they never need to use a full dosage and continue using just a few drops.

Please do not give anything to your infant without healthcare provider approval. If colic persists, consult your health care professional.

Q- What is the difference between Colic Relief and Tummy Plus?

A- 

Q- What are Galactagogue herbs?

A- Galactagogues are herbs with properties to stimulate breastmilk production. These are loved by midwives, lactation consultants, and La Leche League Leaders and have been used in herbalism for centuries. As with all things, there are a handful of women whose bodies do not seem to respond to these herbs, but this is uncommon. 

Q- How do I use the Contract Ease herbs for afterbirth contractions?

A- With healthcare provider approval, 1 teaspoon (per 150 lbs body weight) every 2-4 hours. Do not use daily for more than 1 week. Most women find the smaller bottle of Contract Ease a bit too small to get them through, and recommend either two small bottles or a larger one.

Q- What are some other herbs for allergies you offer?

A- We combine Sinus Minus with ALRG and ViraMune in our Allergy Support Wellness Kit. These herbs work synergistically to support allergy relief. ALRG is designed as a tonic that may be taken for up to a month to see the best results. ViraMune provides immune system support, and Sinus Minus helps with sinus support and relief. 

TriLight Health employees are not licensed practitioners and cannot prescribe which products you should use. Our comments are educational. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, please see our pregnancy safe section. As with all our formulas, especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, please consult your health care practitioner before using products with any other medications. *Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.