Why is Fennel considered the traditional symbol of bravery and courage in herbal folklore?

Fennel was a popular crop in ancient Greece where it was known as marathon and considered a symbol of bravery. The Battle of Marathon that followed the Persian invasion of Greece was named in honor of the feathery plant that covered the battlefield in which it was fought in 490 BC. The Athenian soldier, Pheidippides, was rewarded with a marathon sprig for carrying news of the invasion to Sparta, which is why statues created in honor of this legendary hero portray him grasping fennel in his hand.

The long distance running event was instituted in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon (the namesake of the race).

Fennel is commonly known to defeat inflammation and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Mother Earth Zest® a Sacred Rose® Organic Herbal Tea blend of ginger, spearmint, fennel and sage aids digestion and neutralizes and acidic stomach. www.sacredrosetea.com

Fennel

Many cultures around the world both past and present ascribe to the healing powers of herbals. The Greeks have utilized the powerful attributes of herbs both in culinary and therapeutic applications since antiquity. Famous Greek physician and surgeon Galen (129 AD - 216 AD) promoted the practice of medicine and encouraged the use of observations and experiments utilizing herbs found in native Greece to bring the person back into wellbeing. Understanding the basic use of herbs in Greece offers a person an appreciation of a holistic approach to keeping the body and mind healthy.
Fennel
Fennel was commonly used by the ancient Greeks to help soothe coughs and as a natural expectorant. Known in the Greek language as marathon, fennel brewed into a tea was also used as a weight loss aid, as a digestive aid and as a muscle and joint pain reliever.
Mother Earth Zest® - Sacred Rose® Organic Herbal Tea a refreshing blend of organic ginger, organic spearmint, organic fennel and organic sage assists in bringing a sense of fullness and grounding to our lives. This blend aids digestion and neutralizes an acidic stomach. www.sacredrosetea.com