New research says fennel can do more than flavour our meals – it’s now said to be able improve women’s state-of-mind and wellbeing during their menstrual cycles.
The aniseed-tasting herb is said to relieve pre-menstrual syndrome, after a test group of 36 women in Iran who took drops made from fennel seeds reported feeling less depressed, got along with family and friends better and found it easier to do their jobs.
“After eight weeks, the severity of symptoms had reduced so much that they could do their jobs and have a normal relationships with their friends and family. Depression was also reduced,” said the study’s Dr Hassan Pazoki of Urmia University.
Pre-menstrual syndrome affects most Australian women, with Better Health reporting that 75 per cent of women experience mild symptoms, while 20 to 30 per cent are affected severely. PMS occurs during the lead up to a period and can affect women emotionally and physically.
Fennel is said help rebalance the female sex hormones that are thought to be responsible for PMS.
Despite the results, Professor John Studd from the London PMS and Menopause Clinic has labelled the findings “inconclusive”, claiming the impact was likely to be psychological.
