What Are The Side Effects Of Fennel Seeds?
Save yourself from allergies and other issues caused by overconsumption of this herb.

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You may have heard that chewing fennel seeds can improve your digestion. Eating fennel (a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region) seeds in moderation has a multitude of benefits. But what happens when you eat them in excess amounts? Are there any side effects of fennel seeds?
When you eat the recommended dose of fennel seeds, they are quite safe. But their overconsumption can cause phytophotodermatitis, premature thelarche, contact dermatitis, and /or an allergic reaction. Read on to find out the side effects of fennel seeds!
In This Article
Fennel Seeds Side Effects
- May Cause Phytophotodermatitis
- May Interact With Drugs
- May Cause Thelarche
- May Cause Contact Dermatitis
- May Cause Allergy
- May Stimulate The Uterus
- May Inhibit Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes
- Other Toxicities
1. May Cause Phytophotodermatitis
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Fennel seeds contain phototoxic compounds called psoralens. When the skin comes in contact with these compounds, and this is followed by exposure to sunlight, it results in the formation of blister-like patches and inflammation on your skin. This condition is called phytophotodermatitis (1). Other symptoms of phytophotodermatitis include pain and redness, and, in some extreme cases, chills, fever, and headache.
2. May Interact With Drugs
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If you are under medication for seizure disorders or epilepsy, fennel seeds are a big no. The seeds interact with the functioning of the drug and may aggravate the situation (2).
3. May Cause Premature Thelarche
Thelarche is a condition that marks the start of breast development in women at the beginning of puberty. Fennel can cause premature thelarche.
In a study, consumption of two to three teaspoons of fennel tea every day had led to breast development in a 12-month-old girl (3). The breast development regressed and became normal by the end of one year after stopping fennel consumption.
4. May Cause Contact Dermatitis
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Contact dermatitis is a skin condition, the symptoms of which include skin inflammation and an outburst of blisters. Fennel seed oil is known to cause contact dermatitis and other cross-reactions (4).
5. May Cause Allergy
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Fennel seeds can cause allergies. Mostly, people with pre-existing allergies are vulnerable to allergies caused by fennel (5). Abdominal cramps and wheezing are the other symptoms of allergic reactions.
6. May Stimulate The Uterus
One of the most talked-about fennel seeds’ side effects is that they stimulate the uterus (6). Fennel seeds should not be consumed by pregnant women as the seeds can stimulate uterine contractions and cause premature delivery.
7. May Inhibit Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes
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A constituent of fennel seeds is known to inhibit a drug-metabolizing enzyme called cytochrome P450 3A4 (7). This reduces the effectiveness of medications that are metabolized by these enzymes. Hence, not consuming fennel seeds while under such medication is the best option.
8. Other Toxicities
Fennel seed oil was found to be detrimental to DNA. Also, a constituent of fennel called estragole was found to cause tumors in animals (8). If you have any kind of hormone-sensitive disease like cancer, strict medical advice is mandatory before consuming fennel.
Spices such as fennel seeds are used for their aromatic properties and to aid digestion after meals. However, overconsumption can lead to a number of problems. The side effects of fennel seeds range from premature breast development to the onset of contact dermatitis. It may trigger phytophotodermatitis or stimulate uterine contractions. In some cases, fennel seeds may trigger allergic reactions or interfere with the functioning of certain medications, especially those for seizures and epilepsy. Avoid such complications by limiting your intake or abstaining from it altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ok to eat raw fennel?
Yes, it is ok to eat raw fennel. Fennel has a crunchy texture and a mildly sweet flavor, which make it a pleasant addition to any dish.
Do fennel seeds increase body heat?
No. The seeds have a cooling effect on the body. You can have a fennel seed drink in summer to feel cool and refreshed.
How can you tell if fennel has gone bad?
If fennel turns discolored and soft or develops brown marks on its white layers, it indicates spoilage. Also, if fennel smells off-putting, discard it.
How long does fennel last in the fridge?
It lasts 5 to 10 days if you are getting it directly from the garden. Trim the fronds to two or three inches above the bulb of fennel. Wrap loosely in a plastic bag and store in the fridge.
Are fennel seeds harmful for lactating women?
Though fennel is a purported galactagogue (a food that promotes or increases the flow of a mother’s milk), excess consumption can cause toxicity in newborns and diarrhea and liver issues in the mother (9).
Does fennel affect blood pressure?
There are currently no studies that suggest that fennel has a negative effect on blood pressure. However, research suggests that fennel is commonly used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) (10).
Does fennel seed affect thyroid?
Research shows that long-term exposure to fennel can cause damage to the thyroid gland. It can lead to a reduction in thyroid hormone serum levels which may cause hypothyroidism (11).
Do fennel seeds increase estrogen?
Research indicates that fennel seeds have very little impact on estradiol levels (a type of estrogen) (12).
Does fennel cause constipation?
No, there are currently no studies that suggest that fennel seeds may cause constipation. Fennel may help improve bowel movement and help relieve constipation (13).
Key Takeaways
- Fennel seeds contain the compound psoralen that may exacerbate sun damage, leading to skin irritation and inflammation.
- If consumed in high amounts, it can interfere with antiepilepsy or seizure-related drugs, rendering them ineffective.
- They may trigger premature labor in expectant women as certain compounds may signal uterine muscles to contract.
- Fennel seeds can cause premature thelarche in young girls.
Sources
- Phytophotodermatitis, Official Publication of The College of Family Physicians of Canada, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5729142/ - Antimicrobial and P450 inhibitory properties of common functional foods, Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24934554 - Premature thelarche related to fennel tea consumption?, Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24030028 - PLANT DERMATITIS: ASIAN PERSPECTIVE, Indian Journal of Dermatology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3276901/ - Hypersensitivity to fennel is frequent in peach allergic patients and LTP is a major fennel allergen, Clinical and Translational Allergy, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3354211/ - Dysmenorrhea , Integrative Therapy, ScienceDirect.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/sdfe/pdf/download/eid/3-s2.0-B9780323358682000578/first-page-pdf - Inhibition on human liver cytochrome P450 3A4 by constituents of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): identification and characterization of a mechanism-based inactivator, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17988092 - EVIDENCE ON THE CARCINOGENICITY OF ESTRAGOLE, California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/crnr/estragf.pdf - Fennel, Drugs and Lactation Database, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30000852 - Phytophotodermatitis, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3772689/ - KCNQ5 activation is a unifying molecular mechanism shared by genetically and culturally diverse botanical hypotensive folk medicines, PNAS.
https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1907511116 - A Study of Hormonal, Biochemical and Histological Effects of Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)on Thyroid Gland, Liver, Kidneys and Testes in Male Rats, ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339433896_A_Study_of_Hormonal_Biochemical_and_Histological_Effects_of_Fennel_Seeds_Foeniculum_vulgareon_Thyroid_Gland_Liver_Kidneys_and_Testes_in_Male_Rats - The effect of Fennel seed powder on estradiol levels, menopausal symptoms, and sexual desire in postmenopausal women, US National Library of Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33110044/ - Randomized clinical trial of a phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, and Cassia augustifolia for chronic constipation, US National Library of Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2874511/