fennel

What is the most important information I should know about fennel?

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is fennel?

Fennel is an herb also known as Anethum Foeniculum, Anethum piperitum, Bari-Sanuf, Carosella, Fenouil, Finnochio, Foeniculi Antheroleum, Foeniculum, Hinojo, Huile de Fenouil, Phytoestrogen, Sanuf, Shatapuspha, Xiao Hui Xiang, and other names.

Fennel has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating colic (intestinal gas) in babies who are breast-fed. Fennel may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat this condition.

Other uses not proven with research have included indigestion, gas or bloating, bronchitis, cough, or cold symptoms.

Fennel is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Fennel may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using fennel?

• past or present cancer of the breast, ovary, or uterus; or
• a history of endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• allergies to plants such as celery, carrot, or mugwort.

How should I take fennel?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use fennel, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of fennel at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra fennel to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking fennel?

What are the possible side effects of fennel?

Although not all side effects are known, fennel is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time.

• severe skin redness, itching, swelling, or rash.

Common side effects may include:

• mild rash, itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect fennel?

Do not take fennel without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• ciprofloxacin (Cipro);
• tamoxifen; or
• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with fennel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Where can I get more information?

Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.