What negative effects do fennel seeds have? And does it really affect how some medications work? We will find out the answer in this article.
What are the risks of fennel seeds? Fennel seeds can be used as a type of spice and can be used to make a natural drink to treat a number of issues, the most significant of which is colic.
Fennel seed damage
The following is a list of the harms that fennel seeds can cause, some of which some of us may not be aware of:
- It causes allergic reactions in some people, and its symptoms include: difficulty breathing , skin rash, itching and swelling of the skin.
- It affects the hormones in the body, as it mimics the effect of estrogen, so people who suffer from estrogen-sensitive cancers should avoid fennel, and pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid eating it.
- It causes some side effects, such as: nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to the sun, chills, chest pain, a feeling of tightness in the chest or throat, and seizures that may occur in some cases.
Fennel seed drug interactions
After discussing the harm caused by fennel seeds, it should be noted that some medications, including:
1. The pill
Fennel seeds have some of the same effects as oestrogen, while some birth control pills may contain oestrogen. Therefore, taking fennel seeds along with birth control pills may decrease their effectiveness. Other contraceptive methods should be used instead.
2. Ciprofloxacin
It is advised to eat fennel seeds at least an hour after taking ciprofloxacin because ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that eating fennel seeds may affect by reducing its absorption in the body and decreasing ciprofloxacin's effectiveness.
3. Estrogen pills
Fennel seeds may have a similar effect to oestrogen in the body, albeit one that is weaker, so combining them with estrogen-based medications may lessen their effectiveness.
4. Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is used to treat certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, and because some types of cancer are affected by estrogen levels in the body, fennel seeds may also have a significant effect. Fennel seeds also interfere with tamoxifen's absorption and diminish its effectiveness.
The correct way to use fennel
Fennel is a type of herb that is safe to use, but you must know how to use it properly, which can be summed up as follows:
- Use fennel as directed by your doctor and do not take it for longer than prescribed.
- Do not use different forms of fennel at the same time, such as: tablets, seeds, tea, and oil, as this increases the risk of taking an overdose.
- Go to the doctor if your condition that you are treating with fennel does not improve or if it becomes worse after using it.
- Store the fennel in an airtight container and in a dark place with a moderate temperature.
- Do not take more than the recommended amount of fennel, as the correct daily dose is 5-7 grams. This dose can be taken in the form of capsules or in the form of drinking fennel tea, but it is better to consult a doctor about the appropriate dose.
Fennel benefits
Fennel has wonderful health benefits, most notably the following:
- Thanks to its vitamins and minerals, it helps maintain the structure of bones and strengthens them.
- It lowers blood pressure due to the nitrates in it.
- Supports heart health.
- It fights cancer because it aids in the body's removal of toxins and some compounds that contribute to the disease, and because it is loaded with antioxidants that fend off damage from free radicals.