Fennel is a member of the Apiaceae family, in the genus Foeniculum. It is an aromatic, hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. Fennel was used for medicine and a flavoring agent in ancient China, Egypt, Greece and India. The Romans used fennel during fasts to overcome hunger.

Fennel was also used to combat diseases in ancient times. Pliny, an ancient Greek historian, believed that fennel improved eyesight; consequently, fennel tea and eyewash was used to soote strained eyes, improve eyesight, and treat cataracts.