Fennel is the mature fruit of the perennial herbaceous plant fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) from the Apiaceae family. It is cultivated throughout the country. The fruits are harvested in autumn when they mature and then dried in the sun. They can be used raw or processed with saltwater.

Chinese Star Anise is the fruit of the Chinese Star Anise plant (Illicium verum Hook. f.) from the Magnoliaceae family, distributed in provinces such as Fujian, Taiwan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, and Yunnan. It is harvested twice a year, with the main harvest period between August and November when the fruits mature. The yield is lower between February and March of the following year. After harvesting, the fruits are dried in the sun or roasted over mild fire, and some are scalded with boiling water before being air-dried.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Acrid, warm. act on liver, kidney, spleen and stomach channels.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Dispelling cold to alleviate pain, regulating qi and harmonizing the middle.

bubble_chart Indications

Used for cold abdominal colic abdominal pain, testicular swelling and distending pain, lower abdominal cold pain, dysmenorrhea. This product can warm the kidneys and liver, dissipating cold to relieve pain.

1. To treat cold abdominal colic abdominal pain, it is often used with Lindera, green tangerine peel, Lesser Galangal Rhizome, etc., such as Heavenly Platform Lindera Powder; and it can be heated and wrapped in cloth to warm the abdomen.
2. To treat liver qi stagnation, testicular swelling and distending pain, it can be used with Tangerine Seed, hawthorn fruit, etc.
3. To treat lower abdominal cold pain due to cold in the liver meridian, or dysmenorrhea due to deficiency-cold of the thoroughfare and conception vessels, it can be used with Chinese Angelica, Sichuan Lovage Rhizome, Cassia Bark, etc. Lesser Galangal Rhizome, Cyperus, Lindera, etc.
4. To treat abdominal distension and fullness pain, vomiting, and reduced appetite due to deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach, it can be used with White Atractylodes Rhizome, Dried Tangerine Peel, Fresh Ginger Rhizome, etc.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Xinxiu Bencao: "Mainly treats various atrophies, cholera, and snake bites."
2. Rihuazi Bencao: "Treats dry beriberi and kidney fatigue with hernia, stimulates appetite and aids digestion, treats bladder pain and genital pain."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct and take 3-6g. Apply an appropriate amount externally.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

This product contains volatile oil. The main components in the oil are fennel fruit ether, fennel ketone, etc. Fennel fruit oil can enhance gastrointestinal motility, promote gas expulsion during flatulence, alleviate pain, and can be used as a carminative.

bubble_chart Supplementary Medicinals

Chinese Star Anise is the mature fruit of the evergreen small tree Illicium verum Hook. f. of the Magnoliaceae family. Also known as anise seed or star anise, it has similar properties and effects to fennel but is milder in potency, primarily used as a food seasoning. The usage and dosage are the same as those for fennel.