Satyori — Fennel (Shatapushpa) Herb Quick Card
Herb Quick Card
Fennel
Shatapushpa · Foeniculum vulgare
Traditional Uses
The Charaka Samhita classifies shatapushpa among dipaniya (appetite-stimulating), shoolaprashamana (colic-relieving), and mutravirajaniya (urinary-clearing) groups. Charaka recommends fennel for agnimandya (weak digestion), adhmana (flatulence), shula (abdominal colic), and as a key herb in stanya janana (lactation-promoting) formulations. The seeds steeped in hot water were a standard prescription for nursing mothers, a practice that continues across India today.
Preparations
Shatapushpa Churna (fennel powder): 1-3 grams with warm water or honey after meals. Fennel Tea: 1 teaspoon crushed seeds steeped in 1 cup hot water for 10 minutes. CCF Tea: equal parts cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds, steeped or lightly boiled.
Dosage
Seeds: 3-6 grams per day. Churna (powder): 1-3 grams, two to three times daily after meals.
Dosha Guidance
For Pitta types, fennel is one of the most important herbs in the entire materia medica. Its cooling virya, sweet vipaka, and ability to stimulate digestion without adding heat make it uniquely suited to Pitta's needs. Pitta individuals should use fennel liberally and daily -- in cooking, as tea, chewed after meals, or as a simple infusion.
Synergistic Combinations
The classic CCF (Cumin-Coriander-Fennel) combination is the most universal digestive formula in Ayurveda. Pairs with Shatavari for enhanced lactation support.
Contraindications
Fennel is extremely safe and has minimal contraindications at normal doses. Due to its phytoestrogenic compounds, women with estrogen-sensitive conditions (certain breast cancers, endometriosis, uterine fibroids) should use concentrated fennel extracts or essential oil only under practitioner guidance; culinary amounts are generally considered safe. Very high doses of fennel essential oil (containing estragole) have shown hepatotoxic potential in animal studies and should be avoided.
Tissues & Channels
Dhatus: Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Shukra (reproductive), Majja (nerve/marrow)
Srotas: Annavaha (digestive), Mutravaha (urinary), Stanyavaha (lactation), Pranavaha (respiratory)
Where to Buy
Look for whole fennel seeds that are plump, uniformly pale green to greenish-yellow, and release a strong, sweet anise-like fragrance when crushed. Indian fennel (particularly Lucknow or Gujarat varieties) tends to be smaller and more intensely aromatic than Mediterranean varieties.
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Herbal Profile
Fennel is one of 50 herbs — but which ones are right for your body? Your Herbal Profile reveals your top 10 herbs, herbs to avoid, best preparations, seasonal calendar, and a daily protocol matched to your dosha.