FEATHERY FENNEL

I have always liked the feathery leaves of fennel. I’ve painted it a few times, and was never really satisfied with the results. But drawing it this way gives me a look I really like.

Feathery Fennel

I think this image would be great to add to a quilt. I wonder if there are people who make quilts that are based on herbs or healing plants.

This drawing is less refined than my other drawings. I like how wobbly the lines are, and how the blue under-drawing shows through.

Here’s more info you can use:

Fennel, scientifically known as Foeniculum vulgare, is a perennial herb. It has feathery, green leaves and tall stems topped with clusters of yellow flowers, with a bulbous root.

I bet you didn’t know it’s part of the carrot family! (Apiaceae) It has a distinctive licorice or anise flavor, which is most pronounced in the bulb and seeds when raw.

Fennel, both plant and seeds, is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. It’s known for aiding digestion, relieving period cramps, and promoting heart health, in addition to being a good source of antioxidants.

• All parts of the plant are edible: bulb, stalks, leaves, and seeds.
• In cooking, it is often sliced thinly and eaten raw or roasted. It’s also used in teas, as a flavoring agent, and in traditional medicine.
• Fennel is a good source of fiber, potassium, and other nutrients. Some traditional uses include aiding digestion, supporting breast milk production, and alleviating symptoms of menopause.
• Fennel is relatively easy to grow in a garden, preferring full sun and well-drained soil.

Health properties of fennel:

1. Digestion and Gut Health:
Fennel seeds, in particular, are traditionally used to relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion by relaxing the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
May help with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD):
Fennel seed extract can protect and strengthen the gut lining, potentially beneficial for IBD.
Promotes gut health: Fiber in fennel can help regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and relieve bloating.

2. Period Cramps and Other Hormonal Benefits:
Eases discomfort from period cramps by reducing hormone levels associated with pain.
May increase breast milk supply – traditionally used as a galactagogue, a food that is thought to boost breast milk production.
CAUTION: May interact with tamoxifen: There’s some evidence that fennel might interfere with the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer.

3. Heart Health and Antioxidant Properties:
Fennel is rich in fiber and potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Antioxidant: Fennel contains antioxidants like quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and vitamin C, which can help protect against cell damage from free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Fennel’s antioxidant properties may help reduce inflammation in the body.

4. Other Potential Benefits:
Fennel contains vitamin C and beta-carotene, which play a role in collagen production and tissue repair, benefiting skin health.
Fennel, alone or with other herbs, has been shown to improve colic symptoms in babies.
May help with diabetes management: Some research suggests fennel could help regulate blood sugar levels.
Fennel has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which may help fight minor illnesses like colds.

5. Important Considerations:
CAUTION: Fennel may interact with certain medications, including tamoxifen.
Hormone-sensitive conditions: Individuals with conditions like breast cancer or endometriosis should avoid fennel, as it might act like estrogen.

-=-=-=-=-=-

More stories lyonlyon.substack.com
Check out more of my designs here:
instagram.com/angela.treat.lyon/