Fennel

The Original Diet Herb for Lent

Fennel is a member of the parsley family, and a plant that is related to anise, caraway, and dill.  It is an ancient herb that is native to the Mediterranean area.  Considered to be an excellent way to reduce the appetite, this plant was eaten (secretly, of course) on religious Fast Days to stave off hunger pangs.

Valued for both its medicinal and culinary properties, fennel was planted by the Roman colonists in the places where they settled, and it now grows wild in most areas of temperate Europe.  Fennel's name is from the Latin foenum, meaning "hay." 

Although fennel is a perennial, it is often grown as an annual in the herb garden.  It has a main taproot that is white and fleshy, with smaller horizontal roots attached.  It also has soft, feathery foliage and bright green stalks that can grow from 3 to 5 feet high. These stalks are topped by broad, umbrella-like clusters of tiny yellow flowers that bloom from midsummer to early fall.  The seeds become aromatic and turn brown as they ripen.  Both the seeds and the leaves have a strong licorice flavor and fragrance.

Pliny (the infamous Greek historian) thought that the herb could cure twenty-two different medical problems, and fennel was often described in old Anglo-Saxon records as an excellent diet herb. Culpeper, the famous herbalist, said that parts of the plant, "are much used in drink or broth to make people lean that are too fat."  An ancient Greek name for the herb was "marathon," from maraino, meaning to grow thin. 

Fennel is now mostly known as an herb that aids digestion.  Many people chew on the seeds or make a tea of them for indigestion.  Most parts of the plant are considered edible, and it is thought to be generally safe to use.  If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, however, you should consult with your doctor before using this plant. Here is a recipe for the herb tea.

Fennel, Caraway, and Anise Tea
1 t. fennel seeds
1 t. caraway seeds
1 t. anise seeds

Mix the seeds together and mash them with the back of a spoon to better release the flavors.  Put the seeds in a cup and pour boiling water over them.  Let them steep for at least ten minutes.  You might want to pour the mixture through a tea strainer to remove the hulls.  Flavor the tea with honey and enjoy.

Valentine Herbs

Valentine’s Day is coming, and it might be time to get out some of your favorite herbs to prepare for the celebration.  For a long time, different herbs had been used to attract a mate, to keep lovers from straying, and to send messages to the beloved.  Here are a few herbs that were once considered helpful in finding (and keeping) that special someone.

First of all, coriander was mentioned in the Arabian Nights as a way to attract a lover.  A certain care was needed with this plant however.  If you mixed coriander with fennel, it could also be used to summon the devil.  Trillium was supposed bring you a warrior, which may or may not be a safe choice.  In any event, if you were to sew yarrow into a linen bag and put it under your pillow, it would allow you to see the face of a future love in your dreams.  That way, you would know who to look for—or avoid, as the case may be.

Some herbs were recommended to make a person more attractive.  For example, an infusion of horseradish in milk was reputed to do wonders for the complexion—at least, according to Hungarian sources.   Apparently, beebalm was once used by members of the Winnebago tribes of native Americans for smooth skin.  Lavender was used by the Greeks and Romans for scenting the bath.  Unhappily, the herb fell into disuse during the Dark Ages when cleanliness came to be considered decadent, but fortunately, bathing has made a come-back since.

Caraway was supposed to keep lovers and doves from wandering off, so it was an ingredient that was traditionally added to love charms and bird feed.  Rosemary was for remembrance and fidelity, and that is always important in a good relationship. If you wanted to send your beloved a secret message, you could give them a small posy of flowers and herbs.  In Victorian times, a special language was invented to “speak” to someone silently through the choice of plant material that was included in the bouquet.

Here are some common herbs and their meanings.

Basil symbolizes both love and hate.  Context is important here, so more information would be necessary.
Chamomile means to have patience.  Be still and keep your nose clean.
Lemon Balm says “I have sympathy with your situation,” or “you should have sympathy with mine.”
Mint means wisdom.  Hopefully, this is an observation and not an admonition.
Pennyroyal says run for it.  All is discovered, escape while you can.
Rue is the herb of grace, though some say it is rather harsh.
Sage denotes high esteem, and it is a lovely thing to see in any posy—or soup.
Marjoram is the herb of happiness. 

May you see much marjoram in your bouquet.