Hi there, I'm interested in Bronze Fennel since I won't grow milkweed and fennel is safe and edible, let me know what we can trade, thanks. Love butterflies. Bea

Fennel Foeniculum vulgare, Florence fennel, sweet fennel, bulb fennel, finocchio F. vulgare azoricum and bronze fennel F. vulgare 'Purpureum' are all edible fennels including all parts of it. The sweet fennel has a large bulb which is often sliced thin and eaten as a vegetable. For a tea, you can use the seeds and/or the stalk and fronds. You should be able to find fennel plants at any nursery that carries a good stock of herbs.

Thanks again, Annaneaves! You may have saved my horses' lives! I've searched for 2 days & found nothing - but that's how I found this awesome gardenweb forum. I was going to go ahead & get the hay for my horses (since my hay man thought it'd be ok), when I saw you answered my post. Now I know dog fennel is highly toxic to the liver & can even be fatal to humans who eat meat or milk from a cow who's consumed it! You're an angel - Bless you! Therese :) Here is a link that might be useful: killerplants.com

As a complementary and alternative medicine remedy, fennel can be used to treat a variety of ailments. It has a special spicy smell of fennel oil, which can stimulate the nerves and blood vessels of the stomach, and has the effect of strengthening the stomach and regulating qi. A study published in the "International Journal of Molecular Medicine" in 2012 showed that eating fennel can prevent bone mineral loss and osteoporosis. This is because fennel can reduce the number of osteoclasts, which has a protective effect on bones. A 2006 study published in the "Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition" showed that fennel can increase metabolic rate and control overeating; dissolve fat deposited in the blood; and reduce water retention as a natural diuretic , thereby avoiding weight gain. A study published in the "Indian Journal of Medicine" in 2012 showed that at the beginning of menstruation, taking capsules containing 30 mg of fennel extract 4 times a day for 3 consecutive days can relieve menstrual pain. Fennel is an excellent source of B vitamins, which help keep skin healthy and promote collagen synthesis to keep skin delicate and firm. The anti-inflammatory phytonutrient found in fennel is called anethole, a chemical that fights cancer by preventing the growth of breast cancer cells. Indians also often chew the seeds after meals to get rid of bad breath. The Romans also used its digestive properties, adding it to desserts or as a seasoning. Also because of its deodorizing function, it is often cooked with fish or fishy meat to eliminate its stench. Fennel can also stimulate gastrointestinal nerves and blood vessels, promote the secretion of digestive juice, increase gastrointestinal peristalsis, eliminate accumulated gas, and have the effect of strengthening the stomach and promoting qi. It is suitable for people with spleen and stomach deficiency. In addition, anisole in fennel has antibacterial effect, and has a good inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli and Shigella, which can prevent various infectious diarrhea and promote the healing of inflammation and ulcers.