Fennel seed has evidence for menstrual cramp pain (dysmenorrhea) — a 2012 meta-analysis of 4 RCTs found fennel extract reduced menstrual pain by 40-50%, comparable to mefenamic acid (NSAID). Active compound trans-anethole has estrogenic and antispasmodic properties. Also traditional galactagogue (breast milk) and carminative (gas relief). Dose: 30mg fennel extract 4x/day for dysmenorrhea. Safe with long culinary history. --- *Reviewed by the Dose AI Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board* *Last updated: 2026-04-06*
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.