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 breast-fed babies. Fennel may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat this condition.

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

It is not certain whether fennel is effective in treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved medicinal use of this product. Fennel should not be used instead of medication prescribed by your doctor.

Fennel is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal products, and some supplements on the market have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

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

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You might also want to consult a practitioner who knows about herbal/health supplements.

If you decide to use fennel, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than what 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 forms together raises the risk of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with fennel does not get better, or if it worsens while using this product.

Keep fennel in a sealed container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

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.

You should not use this product if you are allergic to fennel or if you have:

• a history of 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.

It is not known whether fennel will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

Fennel can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking fennel.

Fennel may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking fennel.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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

Stop using fennel and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

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

Common side effects of fennel 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.

Skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra fennel to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Fennel can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

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.