Do garlic and fennel work well together?

blevinandwomba

So I know that some herbs do not do well combined- just because two herbs have great antiviral properties, for example, doesn't mean they would work better together. I'm eating raw garlic for some sinus issues, usually with cayenne. I decided to add some ground up fennel seed. I really like the flavor combination, I read that fennel is decongestant, and I thought it might help me with the indigestion garlic tends to give me. However, does anyone know if they would counteract each other in any way? I'd especially love to hear from @torey.

Torey

@blevinandwomba I don't think they counter each other in any way. The only thing I can find about using them both in combination is a slight increase in the risk of bleeding. Both garlic and fennel are listed as having constituents that might affect platelet aggregation.

Following is a quote from one of my texts on Herb-Drug-Nutrient Interactions: "Concomitant use of herbs that have constituents that might affect platelet aggregation could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding in some people."

I would think that this would be a concern if you had low clotting abilities or if you were on blood thinning medication.

I have never personally used these herbs in combination but as long as you are not in the high risk group for bleeding and monitor yourself, I would think that using them is OK. But stop immediately if there is any indication of bleeding. I would avoid the use of them together if you think an ulcer might be at the root of your indigestion.

Hope that helps.

Megan Venturella

They certainly taste good together!

KimWilson

So how do y'all eat raw garlic? Is there a recipe you like? I find it too strong to eat alone.

blevinandwomba

Thanks @torey!

@KimWilson I usually crush it, let it sit for a few minutes, and then either mix it with mayo or butter or put it in gazpacho.

These might be helpful.

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/842143/the-best-way-to-get-down-the-garlic

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/604692/help-how-do-you-eat-raw-garlic-without-gagging

Merin Porter

Thanks, @blevinandwomba! I've never tried juicing it. Interesting idea! :)

Grounded

Let me preface this by stating that I am no expert on herbology but, many people have used garlic and fennel together on pizzas going back to original Italian recipes and I suspect that there are reasons for this other than taste.

Lisa K

On the same line as @Grounded both garlic and fennel seeds are used in sausage.

Nicoleburba

I like crushed raw garlic on a slice of sour dough bread with butter. My family believes this is sooo delicious and healthy during the flue season

annbeck62

I like garlic but to tone done raw garlic, I crush it, let it sit and then mix with olive oil and throw into a salad. When I had a cold, I juiced garlic with carrots and it helped a lot and the carrots softened the garlic.

JodieDownUnder

@KimWilson I put garlic in smoothies every morning, along with tumeric and ginger, fresh!

Re fennel and garlic, I love braising them together with stock and onion as a side dish, yummo.

KimWilson

Thanks jodienancarrow