Shbbet Mriouh vs Illicium verum

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Shbbet Mriouh

Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum

Digestive

Digestive

Shbbet Mriouh

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Illicium verum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Moroccan fennel variety used extensively in North African cooking and traditional medicine for digestive complaints, lactation, and as a carminative.

East Asian spice; rich in anethole and shikimic acid (Tamiflu precursor); digestive and antiviral properties.

Active Compounds

trans-anethole, fenchone, limonene, alpha-pinene, flavonoids

anethole, shikimic acid, estragole, foeniculin, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Digestive flatulence, Colic, Lactation support, Respiratory conditions

digestive complaints, cough, antiviral, infant colic, menstrual disorders

Modern Uses

Carminative effects, Galactagogue properties, Antispasmodic activity, Expectorant action

digestive carminative, expectorant, antiviral source (shikimic acid), anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

Seed tea: 1-3 cups daily; seeds in food; diluted essential oil massage

1-3g pods as tea 2-3x/day; 300-500mg extract

Contraindications

Pregnancy large medicinal doses, Estrogen-sensitive conditions

pregnancy (large doses), estrogen-sensitive conditions, Japanese star anise (toxic species) confusion

Side Effects

Possible estrogenic effects, Mild GI effects

estrogenic effects, GI upset, neurotoxicity if Japanese star anise confused

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E