Fennel, also called sweet fennel, is an evergreen perennial vegetable
and herb in the carrot family. In late summer, the yellow flower stalks
yield fragrant, edible seeds that are used for flavoring or are sprouted
and eaten in salads.
An infusion of the seed is commonly used to ease colic in infants. In
fact, the seed is among the ingredients in the traditional tea known as
gripe water that European babies and their mothers have enjoyed for
centuries.