Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Fennel known as Mishreya in Ayurveda consists of the dried ripe fruits of Foeniculum vulgare. It possesses Sweet Pungent and Bitter tastes with Light and Dry qualities. Uniquely it acts as a digestive stimulant and carminative known as Anulomana while maintaining a Cold potency and Sweet post digestive effect allowing it to pacify Vata and Pitta doshas without increasing heat. It is clinically indicated for digestive disorders like colic flatulence dyspepsia and dysentery as well as respiratory conditions like cough. It also functions as a general tonic and promotes vision. Common formulations include Mishreyarka and the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 3 to 6 grams of the powder,,.
Fennel, scientifically known as Foeniculum vulgare, is a common aromatic herb used culinary and medicinally. In Ayurveda, it is known as Mishreya or Madhurika. Unlike many other digestive spices which are heating, Fennel is unique because it promotes digestion while possessing a "Cold" (Shita) potency. It is highly valued for its ability to balance Vata and Pitta doshas, improve vision, and act as a carminative.
Fennel is an erect, glabrous, aromatic herb that grows 1–2 meters high. It is cultivated extensively throughout India. The useful part is the fruit (often referred to as the seed), which is greenish-brown to yellowish-brown with prominent ridges. In Ayurveda, it is classified as Balya (tonic/strength-promoting) and Cakṣuṣya (beneficial for the eyes). It is a primary ingredient in digestive powders and is often consumed after meals to freshen breath and aid digestion.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Fennel possesses the following qualities:
Fennel (Mishreya) is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Fennel is generally considered very safe and is widely used as a culinary spice and in pediatric formulations (like "Gripe Water" derivatives) to treat colic in infants.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Foeniculum vulgare
World Health Organization (WHO)
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API)
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India
https://www.ayush.gov.in
National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) – Foeniculum vulgare
https://nmpb.nic.in
Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
https://ipc.gov.in
PubMed – Foeniculum vulgare Research Articles
U.S. National Library of Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Foeniculum+vulgare
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Foeniculum vulgare)
https://powo.science.kew.org
Charaka Samhita – Sutra Sthana (Deepaniya & Pachaniya Dravyas context)
(Available via Government e-text portals)
https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/echaraka
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, it is commonly chewed after meals as a mouth freshener (Mukhwas) and digestive aid.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is most beneficial when taken after food to aid digestion, or processed into water (Fennel water) for thirst and burning sensations.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. The powder is often taken with warm water. It can also be boiled in milk or water.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
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Have issue with the content?
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Fennel known as Mishreya in Ayurveda consists of the dried ripe fruits of Foeniculum vulgare. It possesses Sweet Pungent and Bitter tastes with Light and Dry qualities. Uniquely it acts as a digestive stimulant and carminative known as Anulomana while maintaining a Cold potency and Sweet post digestive effect allowing it to pacify Vata and Pitta doshas without increasing heat. It is clinically indicated for digestive disorders like colic flatulence dyspepsia and dysentery as well as respiratory conditions like cough. It also functions as a general tonic and promotes vision. Common formulations include Mishreyarka and the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 3 to 6 grams of the powder,,.
Fennel, scientifically known as Foeniculum vulgare, is a common aromatic herb used culinary and medicinally. In Ayurveda, it is known as Mishreya or Madhurika. Unlike many other digestive spices which are heating, Fennel is unique because it promotes digestion while possessing a "Cold" (Shita) potency. It is highly valued for its ability to balance Vata and Pitta doshas, improve vision, and act as a carminative.
Fennel is an erect, glabrous, aromatic herb that grows 1–2 meters high. It is cultivated extensively throughout India. The useful part is the fruit (often referred to as the seed), which is greenish-brown to yellowish-brown with prominent ridges. In Ayurveda, it is classified as Balya (tonic/strength-promoting) and Cakṣuṣya (beneficial for the eyes). It is a primary ingredient in digestive powders and is often consumed after meals to freshen breath and aid digestion.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Fennel possesses the following qualities:
Fennel (Mishreya) is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Fennel is generally considered very safe and is widely used as a culinary spice and in pediatric formulations (like "Gripe Water" derivatives) to treat colic in infants.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Foeniculum vulgare
World Health Organization (WHO)
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API)
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India
https://www.ayush.gov.in
National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) – Foeniculum vulgare
https://nmpb.nic.in
Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
https://ipc.gov.in
PubMed – Foeniculum vulgare Research Articles
U.S. National Library of Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Foeniculum+vulgare
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Foeniculum vulgare)
https://powo.science.kew.org
Charaka Samhita – Sutra Sthana (Deepaniya & Pachaniya Dravyas context)
(Available via Government e-text portals)
https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/echaraka
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, it is commonly chewed after meals as a mouth freshener (Mukhwas) and digestive aid.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is most beneficial when taken after food to aid digestion, or processed into water (Fennel water) for thirst and burning sensations.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. The powder is often taken with warm water. It can also be boiled in milk or water.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem