Fennel

FENNEL

Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare

Folk Names: Samar, Sheeh, Sweet Fennel

Fennel is a Perennial herb from the Apiaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean and Southern Europe, it grows to the height of 2-6 feet.

Fennel was hung above doorways and on rafters in order to ward off  evil in the Middle Ages. The seeds were placed inside keyholes to prevent ghosts from entering the house. In 470 b.c. the Greeks defeated the Persians at Marathon. They fought on a field of fennel and this led to the belief that fennel inspired courage and strength. Greek and Roman soldiers chewed fennel seeds before entering battle.