18 Health Benefits of Saunf (Foeniculum vulgar mill)

18 Health Benefits of Saunf (Foeniculum vulgar mill)

Saunf (Fennel seeds) have many health benefits. Fennel seeds or saunf is famous seasoning agent used for flavours in many Asian food recipes such as Iran, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.

 Fennel seeds have a pleasant smell and add enjoyable and sweet flavour to dishes. Saunf seeds have anti-bacterial properties and medicinal properties. 

Fennel seeds are mentioned in the Lacnunga (Anglo-Saxon herbal manuscript) as one of the nine herbs that have powerful health benefits.

Fennel seeds are commonly named as saunf, madhurika, misreya and variyali. Foeniculum vulgar mill is scientific name of suanf.

The plant originated from Mediterranean countries and it was later brought to Europe, Asia and North America. The leaves of saunf look like feathers and have yellow colour flowers. The flowering of the saunf usually starts during the peak summer season. It is cultivated in India and Pakistan.

Health benefits of saunf

Saunf is one of important medical herb and as these seed have numerous health benefits. Fennel seeds are also known as culinary herbs which have many medicinal properties used in many health problem remedies. Assured health benefits of saunf include the following:

1. Fennel seeds for your skin

Fennels seeds help in preventing acne and other skin infections because of its antiseptic and antioxidant properties. Saunf helps in reducing aging signs its antioxidants properties prevents cell damage caused by the free radicals and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and fine lines. Fennel water (Saunf ka pani) works as toner and increase skin elasticity and softness. Fennel seeds hydrate skin and stimulate circulation of blood.

(Also read ubtan recipe for Glowing skin)

2. Hair benefits of fennel seeds

Fennel seeds are very good for hairs. It strengthens hair and prevents hair loss and graying of hair. Saunf or fennel seeds tea is used for hairs it stop hair fall and help in getting rid of itchy scalp and dandruff. Here is fennel seed recipe

Fennel seeds tea recipe

Take three tbsp of fennel seeds and make powder of it by grinding. boil this powder in one glass of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Use saunf tea on hairs and then wash hair with shampoo and conditioner.

3. Increase eyesight and eye health

Saunf can help in improving eyesight and prevents vision loss. Fennel seeds reduce ocular pressure or eye pressure. It is good remedy for preventing glaucoma (a vision-impairing disease which is caused by increased pressure in the eyes).

4. Saunf reduces blood pressure

Saunf is very good for treating high blood pressure. Fennel seeds support healthy blood circulation. These seeds also helps dilates blood vessels and reduce the likelihood of high blood pressure. Fennel seeds have high amounts of potassium that balances sodium in body which also helps in balancing blood pressure.

5. Fennels seeds prevent cancer

Fennel seeds have antioxidants which protect body from free radicals and prevent its oxidative damage to cells and DNA. The flavonoid antioxidant of saunf protects our body from cancer and many other types of diseases. These antioxidants destroy the free radicals.

6. Fennels seeds improve bone health

Fennel seeds have bundle of minerals like phosphorous, calcium and magnesium which are required for improving bone health and strength they also helps in development of bones there for avoid osteoporosis.

7. Saunf for digestive health

Fennels seeds promote digestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices and gastric juices. saunf is remedy for gas, bowel movements, constipation, flatulence and bloating.

(also read Benefits of ajwain)

8. Used for weight loss

Saunf have high amount of fiber helps in controlling appetite feels you fuller for long hours which prevent overeating. Therefore used for weight loss. it also breaks up fat deposits from body.

9. Reduces Arthritis Pain

Fennel seeds help in curing arthritis pain they reduce arthritis disease pain due to their anti inflammatory properties.

10. Saunf prevents respiratory disease

Fennel seeds help in reducing respiratory diseases they reduce mucous and phlegm. saunf provides relief from cough, cold, asthma bronchitis and nasal congestion.

11. Benefits of fennel seeds for women

Saunf is advantageous for women reduce menstrual cramps and its pain it’s helpful for lactating mothers as they increased production of milk just drink saunf ka pani(fennel water).you can make it by boiling two tbsp of fennel seeds powder in water.

12. Saunf for Gastro Esophageal Reflux disorder (GERD)

Chewing fennel seed reduce hyperacidity and it is good way to prevent Gastro Esophageal Reflux disorder these seeds helps in increasing pH in stomach.

13. Fennel seeds protect liver

The volatile oils present in these seeds can protect the liver.

14. Good for hearth

Saunf seeds have anti-hypertensive properties which makes it good for heart heath.

Fennels seeds are source of fibers and have antioxidant deity fiber which helps in reducing LDL levels and bad cholesterol. saunf is a low fat food and helps in increasing HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol. These seeds reduce chances of heart strokes and hearth attack.

15. Increase memory good for brain 

Saunf helps in improving brain health and increasing memory. Fennel herb is a brilliant source of potassium therefore improves blood circulation to brain nerves and brain cells, which makes brain very active. Saunf also prevents brain disease like dementia, memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.

16. Saunf for blood cell production

Saunf treats anemia. These seeds are source of iron and copper and iron which promotes and increase red blood cells production.

17. Used in cooking

saunf is used in cooking for adding flavours and aroma to cuisine. These seeds are used in making biscuits, cakes and bread etc. In various countries, fennel seeds are eaten after serving Because of its mouth freshener properties and used in some toothpaste.

18. Saunf as mouth freshener

Chewing these seeds after dinner is habit in India and Pakistan. It improves digestive system and works as mouth freshener by removing spicy or left in mouth.

Side effects of saunf

There are no common side effects of saunf if used in proper amount. But if you have sensitive skin then you may have allergy from it. Use of fennel seeds during pregnancy is also not good and should be avoided. If you are using any medicine then avoid saunf because it may react with drugs. 

Nutrition value and Medical properties of Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds (saunf) are used as flavour and spice because of its medical properties. Saunf consist of 90% of volatile oil which is source of chavicol, flavonoids, fenchone, anethole, palmitic acid, linolenic acid, sterols and oleic acid.

Fennel seeds are source of many nutrients, vitamins, anti-oxidants, minerals and dietary fiber. . Fennel seeds have many essential oils which consist of  anisic aldehyde, anethole, pinene and chavicol, of strong antioxidant and therapeutic properties.

Dietary fiber of saunf which are insoluble fiber encourages digestive health. Fennel seeds have low in saturated fat and cholesterol. These are a good source of vitamin C, Vitamin A, and B group vitamins like B5, B6, B2, B1, and B3. They also have high minerals like phosphorus, calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and Zinc.