Overview
Fennel is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for kidney disorders. Its name shatapushpa means ‘one hundred flowers’. Its other name Madhurika- means ‘the sweet one’. This is another member of the Umbelliferae family that aromatically warms digestion. Like its flower head it spreads and moves outwards, thus preventing congestion and stagnation in the centre.
How Fennel Helps with Kidney Disorders
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Fennel has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing kidney disorders:
- Potency (Virya): Heating (a little)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Sweet
- Taste (Rasa): Sweet, pungent, bitter
- Qualities (Guna): Light, dry
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet, pungent, bitter
- Quality (Guna)
- Light, dry
- Potency (Virya)
- A little (Heating)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet
- Dosha Effect
- Vata, Pitta & Kapha balanced
- Key Constituents
- Essential oils Anethole, estragole, fenchone Flavonoids Organic acids SterolsշVLWRVWHURO (Mills & Bone 2000)
- Also Known As
- Sanskrit: शतपुष्पा, शतपुष्प
Hindi: सोया, सोवा, सुवा - Dhatu
- Plasma, blood, muscles, nerve
- Srotas
- Digestive, respiratory, nervous, urinary, reproductive, lactation
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
That which digests Ama (undigested toxins) and also kindles the digestive fire is called Dipana (appetizer/carminative), such as Mishreya (Foeniculum vulgare/fennel).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)
Along with Mishi (fennel), Krishna (black pepper), Kuthera, salts mixed with sour substances, Prasarini, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), the Bala group, and Dashamula (ten roots).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 2: Sveda Vidhi (Sudation Therapy)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 2: Sveda Vidhi (Sudation Therapy)
Safety & Precautions
Contraindications: None known. Fennel is a very; safe herb
Safety: None known. Fennel is a very safe herb. the body at twice the normal rate when taken with fennel (Low Dog 2002, Harkness & Bratman 2003).
Other Herbs for Kidney Disorders
See all herbs for kidney disorders on the Kidney Disorders page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.