Hey Holistic Americans! ✨ What if I told you that the same herb used in ancient Rome to sharpen warriors' vision before battle could help you combat screen fatigue, eye strain, and age-related vision decline today? Meet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), a feathery, fragrant Mediterranean herb that's been supporting eye health since Cleopatra's time. While most people know it as a culinary spice, fennel has serious medicinal properties that herbalists have treasured for thousands of years. Let's explore why this ancient ally deserves a place in your modern wellness routine. What Is Fennel? * Fennel is a flowering plant in the carrot family, native to the Mediterranean region. It features: * Feathery, fern-like leaves (similar to dill) * Yellow flowers that bloom in umbrella-shaped clusters * Aromatic seeds packed with medicinal compounds * A sweet, licorice-like flavor used in cooking worldwide But fennel is far more than a kitchen herb. For millennia, it's been revered in traditional medicine systems, from Ancient Greece and Rome to Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine—as a powerful remedy for digestive health, detoxification, and especially eye health. The Ancient Origins of Fennel A Warrior's Vision Herb Ancient Rome: Roman warriors consumed fennel before battle, believing it sharpened their vision and gave them a tactical advantage. They weren't just being superstitious,they may have been onto something scientifically valid. Ancient Egypt: While Cleopatra lined her eyes with kohl for beauty and protection, Egyptian healers used fennel in remedies for eye ailments and clarity. Ancient Greece: The Greek name for fennel, marathon, comes from the Battle of Marathon (490 BC), where fennel grew abundantly on the battlefield. Greek physicians like Hippocrates prescribed it for vision problems. Ayurvedic Medicine: In India, fennel (saunf) is one of the key herbs for both digestive and visual clarity. It's believed to cool excess heat in the body that can manifest as eye inflammation.

These turn out super fudgy with crinkly tops—no cottage cheese taste! Ingredients (for an 8x8 pan, about 9-12 brownies): • 1 cup full-fat or 4% cottage cheese (blends creamier and boosts protein) • 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter) • 1/2 cup sugar or sweetener (like maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar or sugar-free alternative) • 1/3-1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for richer flavor) Optional add-ins: Chocolate chips for extra gooeyness, chopped nuts like almonds. Instructions: • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper. • Blend cottage cheese until smooth (no curds left). • Mix in almond butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until combined. • Fold in chocolate chips if using. • Spread into pan and bake 20-25 minutes (center should be slightly gooey). • Cool completely (chill for best fudginess), then slice.