Review by Nancy Collins, PhD, RDN, LD, NWCC, FAND
My promise: I only recommend products I have tried personally and would use for myself or my family members. All medicine is evidence-based. All corporate relationships are fully disclosed.
People with wounds need extra calories, which means eating well every day. Patients often tell me they do not eat much because of stomach pain. Stomach pain is a very broad symptom that can indicate many things, but if the main problem is irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, including bloating, gas, and intestinal spasms, fennel is something to consider. Clinical studies have shown that fennel, as part of the diet, helps regulate contractions of the small intestine and aids gas expulsion. Fennel also relaxes the gut, which can relieve spasms of the gastrointestinal tract.
My favorite way to consume fennel is by drinking Heather’s Fennel Tummy Tea™. I like Heather’s because it is the whole seed and has a high volatile oil content. Each canister contains 45 teabags. Each teabag is mesh with the seeds inside. You even can gently crush the seeds between your fingers to release more oils if you wish, but make sure you do not rip the mesh bag if you decide to do this. I boil 8 fluid ounces of water, pour the boiling water over the tea bag in my teapot, and then let it steep for about 5 minutes. You can drink this several times throughout the day. It is both organic and caffeine-free. If you are having tummy trouble, check it out at www.heatherstummycare.com. If your stomach problems persist, please see your doctor for a formal diagnosis.
Disclosure: I have nothing to disclosure about Heather’s Tummy Care products.