Evidence supporting the use of: Fennel
For the body system: Breasts

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) has been used traditionally to support breast health, particularly in relation to lactation. In many cultures, fennel seeds have been consumed by nursing mothers to promote milk production, a practice rooted in ancient Greco-Roman, Indian (Ayurvedic), and Middle Eastern herbal medicine. The main compounds believed to influence lactation are phytoestrogens such as anethole, which can mimic estrogenic activity in the body. While there are a small number of animal studies and limited clinical trials suggesting that fennel may have a modest galactagogue (milk-promoting) effect, the scientific evidence remains inconclusive and generally of low quality. A 2016 systematic review found that while fennel is widely used for this purpose, most studies had methodological limitations and small sample sizes, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about efficacy or safety. Major medical organizations do not currently endorse fennel as a proven galactagogue. However, its longstanding use in traditional medicine systems for supporting lactation and breast health is well documented, justifying its inclusion as a traditional remedy for the breasts body system.

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