Fennel Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare

Also known as 'French' or 'Roman', Sweet Fennel is a biennial or perennial herb growing up to 6 feet high with feathery leaves and brilliant crowns of gold flowers. Of unknown original origin, it was planted on the island of Malta by monks or crusaders a few thousand years ago. Currently, Sweet Fennel is principally grown in France, Italy and Greece.

This essential oil is predominantly clear with a slight blue tint. It is steam-distilled from the seeds of organically-grown Egyptian Sweet Fennel.This oil has a honeysuckle-like floral top note followed by a deeply sweet, anise-like middle note and an earthy, slightly woody and spiced undertone.

It blends well with Geranium, Lavender, Rose and Sandalwood.

It is an herb with a long history in traditional medicine, thought to bring longevity, courage and strength. Fennel's 'magical' use includes the warding off of evil spirits and the countering of poisons.

As with other members of the Umbelliferae family, Sweet Fennel has long been used as both a carminative (to reduce intestinal gas) and an expectorant (to loosen and expel respiratory congestion).

Aperitif, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Depurative, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Galactagogue, Laxative, Orexigenic, Stimulant (circulatory), Slenic, Stomachic, Vermifuge. (See Definitions.)

Skin:

• Adds brightness and life to dull skin
• Aids in the healing of bruises

Hormonal:

• May promote estrogen production and is contraindicated for estrogen-mediated breast cancer for this reason
• Stimulates and increases lactation.

Circulation:

• Acts as a stimulant to break up and flush out toxins, cleansing the tissues.

Digestion:

• Calms indigestion discomfort and intestinal gas

Topical:

• It is best applied topically diluted in carrier oil

Internal:

• May be helpful in assisting digestion - the seeds are offered in Indian tradition.
• A drop taken in a glass of water will calm the over-full' or bloated feeling after a heavy meal.

Sweet Fennel oil is a non-irritant, yet is a narcotic when ingested in larger doses and therefore it is recommended to use in very low concentrations. For therapeutic use, we recommend consulting a physician.

Note that 'Bitter' Fennel oil (Foeniculum vulgare amara) is much more harsh and pungent and therefore should not be mistaken for Sweet Fennel.

Persons who suffer from epilepsy, breast cancer or other tumors, epilepsy, hypothyroidism or who are pregnant should not use Fennel essential oil.