bianca's Herb Patch : Fennel

The fruit (seed) of this European herb is used for scenting soaps and perfumes, and is boiled in wine and drunk for serpent bites or as an antidote to poisonous herbs or mushrooms. A saturated solution of fennel oil in water is used as a stimulant and carminative. The leaves or seed are boiled in barley water and drunk by nursing mothers to increase their milk production and make it more wholesome and their breast more vuluptuous. The tea is an effective and safe diuretic. Fennel contains much sulphur, potassium, and organic sodium.