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Dietary supplement

Foeniculum Vul. Fennel Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Wise Woman Herbals

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Foeniculum Vul. Fennel is a dietary supplement by Wise Woman Herbals with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and bloating, infant colic, menstrual cramps.Based on those ingredients, 742 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Fennel. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Foeniculum Vul. Fennel by Wise Woman Herbals

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (3 mL) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains one active ingredient: fennel. It's delivered as a liquid using organic alcohol and spring water as the base.

Fennel has been used traditionally for digestive comfort and to ease menstrual discomfort.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Fennel's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Fennel for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Dysmenorrhea — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

Fennel is possibly effective for dysmenorrhea (painful periods). For other uses listed — bronchitis, anxiety, and nocturnal bedwetting — the evidence we hold is insufficient to rate them.

That doesn't mean fennel doesn't help; it means the research isn't solid enough yet to say either way.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Fennel

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Fennel is generally well tolerated when you eat it as food, but this is a concentrated supplement, so caution applies. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal discomfort, sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity), and allergic reactions in sensitive people.

Seizures have been reported rarely. Some people have had allergic reactions to fennel — including wheezing and difficulty breathing — though fresh root caused reactions in one documented case while ground seeds did not.

During pregnancy, avoid medicinal or concentrated amounts because safety data is limited and fennel has hormone-like effects. While breastfeeding, food amounts are likely fine, but medicinal doses and fennel essential oil aren't well studied — talk with your pharmacist or doctor for personalized guidance.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Fennel

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Fennel.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 743 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this fennel product, double-check with your pharmacist if you use birth control pills or patches, hormone replacement therapy, blood thinners (like warfarin) or antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin), ciprofloxacin or other antibiotics metabolized by CYP3A4, or tamoxifen for cancer. All of these have documented Moderate interactions with fennel.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Fennel may help with painful periods, but it interacts with multiple medication types — especially birth control, blood thinners, and hormonal therapies. If you're on any prescription medication, check it with your pharmacist before starting.

It's generally well tolerated orally but watch for digestive upset or allergic reactions.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 24, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Foeniculum Vul. Fennel, straight from the product label.

Brand Wise Woman Herbals
Barcode (UPC) 748840009233
Net contents 2 Fluid Ounce(s); 60 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2023
DSLD ID 284828
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Foeniculum Vul. Fennel by Wise Woman Herbals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
30 Drop(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
60 Drop(s)
Servings per container
20
UPC/BARCODE
748840009233
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend3 mL--
Fennel0 NP--

Other ingredients: organic Alcohol, spring Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Shake well. Add 30-60 drops to water, 1-4 times per day.

Formulation

The presence of particulate matter in this product is normal.

Precautions

Caution: Keep out of the reach of children.

General Statements

Botanical formula

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight with the lid tightly sealed.

See for yourself

Foeniculum Vul. Fennel by Wise Woman Herbals label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Foeniculum Vul. Fennel by Wise Woman Herbals

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size30 Drop(s) Dosage formLiquid Servings per container20 Amounts shown are per serving.

Proprietary Blend

3 mL per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Organic Alcohol, Spring Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Foeniculum Vul. Fennel by Wise Woman Herbals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Foeniculum Vul. Fennel?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
742Drugs
742 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Fennel 742

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Foeniculum Vul. Fennel with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Fennel6 drug types · 742 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, fennel might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Animal research suggests that fennel oil has antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Theoretically, fennel might decrease the levels and clinical effects of ciprofloxacin.

Animal research shows that fennel reduces ciprofloxacin bioavailability by nearly 50%, possibly due to the metal cations such as calcium, iron, and magnesium contained in fennel. This study also found that fennel increased tissue distribution and slowed elimination of ciprofloxacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might decrease the effects of contraceptive drugs due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, fennel might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.

In vitro research suggests that fennel inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might interfere with hormone replacement therapy due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might decrease the antiestrogenic effect of tamoxifen.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity, which may interfere with the antiestrogenic activity of tamoxifen.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Foeniculum Vul. Fennel, from the product label.

Wise Woman Herbals

See all Wise Woman Herbals products
Name
Wise Woman Herbals
City
Creswell
State
OR
ZipCode
97426
Phone Number
541.895.5152
Web Address
wisewomanherbals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Foeniculum Vul. Fennel by Wise Woman Herbals: Common Questions

Does Foeniculum Vul. Fennel by Wise Woman Herbals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Foeniculum Vul. Fennel has a known interaction with 742 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Foeniculum Vul. Fennel contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does fennel actually help with period cramps?
Yes — fennel is possibly effective for dysmenorrhea (painful periods). For other conditions like anxiety or bronchitis, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works.
Is fennel safe if I'm allergic to other plants?
Fennel can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people, including gastrointestinal upset, photosensitivity, and in rare cases wheezing or difficulty breathing. If you have plant allergies, mention this product to your pharmacist before using it.
Can I take this while pregnant?
No — avoid medicinal or concentrated amounts during pregnancy because we don't have enough safety data and fennel has hormone-like effects. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's safe for you.
Is it okay while breastfeeding?
Food amounts of fennel are likely fine, but medicinal doses and fennel essential oil aren't well studied during breastfeeding. For personalized advice, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.
What's in this besides fennel?
The liquid contains organic alcohol and spring water as the delivery base — those are inactive ingredients that help preserve and carry the fennel.
Can fennel cause seizures?
Seizures are a rare serious adverse effect reported with fennel, though they're uncommon. Gastrointestinal discomfort and allergic reactions are much more typical. If you have a seizure disorder, mention this product to your pharmacist.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Foeniculum Vul. Fennel is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Foeniculum Vul. Fennel label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Foeniculum Vul. Fennel’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Foeniculum Vul. Fennel's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 17 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Fennel 17 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Zhu M, Wong PY, Li RC. Effect of oral administration of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on ciprofloxacin absorption and disposition in the rat. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999;51:1391-6.
  4. Gral N, Beani JC, Bonnot D, et al. [Plasma levels of psoralens after celery ingestion]. Ann Dermatol Venereol 1993;120:599-603.
  5. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol 1999;246:667-70. PubMed
  6. Rosti L, Nardini A, Bettinelli ME, Rosti D. Toxic effects of a herbal tea mixture in two newborns. Acta Paediatrica 1994;83:683. PubMed
  7. Cuzzolin L, Zaffani S, and Benoni G. Safety implications regarding use of phytomedicines. Eur.J Clin Pharmacol. 2006;62:37-42. PubMed
  8. Tognolini, M., Ballabeni, V., Bertoni, S., Bruni, R., Impicciatore, M., and Barocelli, E. Protective effect of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil and anethole in an experimental model of thrombosis. Pharmacol.Res 2007;56(3):254-260. PubMed
  9. Subehan, Usia, T., Iwata, H., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Mechanism-based inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 by Indonesian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol. 5-24-2006;105(3):449-455. PubMed
  10. Tognolini, M., Barocelli, E., Ballabeni, V., Bruni, R., Bianchi, A., Chiavarini, M., and Impicciatore, M. Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. Life Sci. 2-23-2006;78(13):1419-1432. PubMed
  11. Subehan, Zaidi, S. F., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Inhibition on human liver cytochrome P450 3A4 by constituents of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): identification and characterization of a mechanism-based inactivator. J Agric.Food Chem. 12-12-2007;55(25):101 PubMed
  12. LEVY, S. B. Bronchial asthma due to ingestion of fennel and fennel seed. Ann.Allergy 1948;6(4):415.
  13. Ottolenghi, A., De Chiara, A., Arrigoni, S., Terracciano, L., and De Amici, M. [Diagnosis of food allergy caused by fruit and vegetables in children with atopic dermatitis]. Pediatr Med Chir 1995;17(6):525-530.
  14. Trabace L, Tucci P, Ciuffreda L, et al. "Natural" relief of pregnancy-related symptoms and neonatal outcomes: above all do no harm. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;174:396-402. PubMed
  15. Denaxa D, Arkwright PD. Fennel as a cause of immediate hypersensitivity to toothpaste. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2020;125(1):99-100. PubMed
  16. Lee HW, Ang L, Lee MS, Alimoradi Z, Kim E. Fennel for reducing pain in primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients 2020;12(11):3438. PubMed
  17. Mathew T, John SK, Javali M, Vasireddy M, Nadig R, Sarma GRK. Substance use related cluster headache: A case series. Headache 2022;62(7):908-910. PubMed

See these in context on the Fennel monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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