🌿 Fennel

{"conditions_treated": ["Infant colic and gas (traditional gripe water ingredient \u2014 anethole is carminative)", "Adult digestive issues (bloating, gas, IBS, indigestion, heartburn)", "Breastfeeding issues (galactagogue \u2014 increases milk production)", "Menstrual cramps and irregular cycles (phytoestrogenic; emmenagogue)", "Menopausal symptoms (phytoestrogenic activity)", "Respiratory congestion (expectorant \u2014 loosens phlegm)", "Conjunctivitis and eye irritation (fennel tea eyewash \u2014 traditional)", "Bad breath (chewed seeds; antimicrobial)"], "preparation_methods": ["Fennel seed tea: 1-2 tsp crushed seeds steeped 10 min; for digestive issues, colic, breastfeeding support", "Eye compress: Cooled fennel tea applied to closed eyes for conjunctivitis and eye strain", "Tincture: 1:5 in 45% alcohol; 2-4ml 3x daily for digestive issues", "Chewing seeds: Chew 1 tsp after meals for digestion and breath freshening (common in Indian restaurants)", "Fennel honey: Seeds infused in honey for cough \u2014 especially for children", "Essential oil: Diluted for abdominal massage (colic, menstrual cramps)"], "active_compounds": ["Anethole", "Fenchone", "Estragole", "Flavonoids", "Coumarins"], "toxicity_warnings": "Generally very safe in culinary amounts. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy (estragole and phytoestrogenic effects). May interact with hormone therapies and birth control pills. Estragole is a potential carcinogen in very high isolated doses \u2014 not a concern with normal use. Pure essential oil should not be ingested. Not for long-term high-dose medicinal use."}