Fennel
This perennial herb first came to my attention when I read about its ability to increase milk for nursing mothers. Upon further research, it was found that fennel has been used since earliest written history to increase milk quantity and fat content for both humans and livestock. Peasants would drive their herd some distance to feed on fennel in order to increase milk. In a study on goats, fennel oil used in feed benefited milk production and butter fat (Mills 2000 Veterinary Herbal Medicine p548).
Last year we only had a small planting of fennel to feed the milkers, so as yet our own results are inconclusive, although there was a small increase. This year with further planting, the effect on milking will be more conclusive as we experiment with different does. However, we have noted a significant increase on the milk testing this year.
We have fed fresh leaf and dried seed which the girls love. This year we will experiment with a number of does after they peak in lactation and record the results. Hope to report this in the future.
If you would like to try fennel, the botanical name is foeniculum vulgare which comes from the Latin word for ‘little hay’.
Fennel will grow in a wide variety of soil types, even very acid and alkaline conditions. Propagation is by seed that readily germinates, growing 1 – 2 metres tall with a ferny appearance. Harvest leaves with stems fresh for immediate use. Fennel ready forms seed heads that can be fed fresh or dried for future use. When cutting seed heads, cut as close to the base as possible to start the whole process of leaf and flowers again.
Some other useful properties of fennel are: carminative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, appetiser, digestive tonic. Fennel is the Greek symbol of success and was used by athletes for strength and stamina before the Olympics of ancient times.
It increases gastric secretions and regulates intestinal flora. Feed to cattle and sheep as a conditioner. Use on bedding to deter fleas and lice. Known to counter the effects of tick poisoning in stock.
Fennel is known as a safe herb even in large quantities, but be wary of fennel oil as too much will cause vomiting and nausea with other toxic effects. Fennel is a mild uterine stimulant which is great for cycling does, but don’t over feed during pregnancy as a precaution.
We use this herb as a standby for a doe that is off her feed or agitated. This herb has a great calming effect on agitated does, and has worked well on ours.
Try growing this ‘plant and forget’ herb for yourself.
Last year we only had a small planting of fennel to feed the milkers, so as yet our own results are inconclusive, although there was a small increase. This year with further planting, the effect on milking will be more conclusive as we experiment with different does. However, we have noted a significant increase on the milk testing this year.
We have fed fresh leaf and dried seed which the girls love. This year we will experiment with a number of does after they peak in lactation and record the results. Hope to report this in the future.
If you would like to try fennel, the botanical name is foeniculum vulgare which comes from the Latin word for ‘little hay’.
Fennel will grow in a wide variety of soil types, even very acid and alkaline conditions. Propagation is by seed that readily germinates, growing 1 – 2 metres tall with a ferny appearance. Harvest leaves with stems fresh for immediate use. Fennel ready forms seed heads that can be fed fresh or dried for future use. When cutting seed heads, cut as close to the base as possible to start the whole process of leaf and flowers again.
Some other useful properties of fennel are: carminative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, appetiser, digestive tonic. Fennel is the Greek symbol of success and was used by athletes for strength and stamina before the Olympics of ancient times.
It increases gastric secretions and regulates intestinal flora. Feed to cattle and sheep as a conditioner. Use on bedding to deter fleas and lice. Known to counter the effects of tick poisoning in stock.
Fennel is known as a safe herb even in large quantities, but be wary of fennel oil as too much will cause vomiting and nausea with other toxic effects. Fennel is a mild uterine stimulant which is great for cycling does, but don’t over feed during pregnancy as a precaution.
We use this herb as a standby for a doe that is off her feed or agitated. This herb has a great calming effect on agitated does, and has worked well on ours.
Try growing this ‘plant and forget’ herb for yourself.
