General Properties

• antiseptic
• antispasmodic
• detoxifier
• diuretic
• insecticidal
• stimulant
• stomachic

Description

Fennel is steam distilled from the seeds of the herb to produce an oil that is clear in color. Some of its countries of origin include Japan, Europe, the Mediterranean and India. Its main chemical constituents are anethol, fenchone, estragol and camphene.

Fennel has long been known as an aid to digestion, as it has a reputation for helping to decrease the appetite (Roman soldiers took fennel seeds with them on long marches to chew when there was no time to cook). It is also helpful for quick relief of nausea, flatulence, and hiccoughs (best taken as a tea for these ailments). As a diuretic, fennel can aid in releasing stored quantities of water, and it is also a urinary tract antiseptic. It has been used in the war that is ongoing with cellulite, as it helps these toxic wastes and fluids to be released from the body. Using fennel in a massage oil, in conjunction with a fennel tea made from the herb could work with an overall plan to help reduce cellulite. Fennel has also been used to help counterbalance alcoholic poisonings and help in the treatment and rehabilitation of alcoholics. In working with gout and arthritis, it works to help prevent the build-up of toxins in the body, which occurs before the onset of inflammation of the joints. For thousands of years, fennel has been known for its effects on the female reproductive system. We now know this is due to a plant hormone, anethol which helps stimulate the adrenal gland's production of estrogen. It has a balancing effect on a woman's hormones. It can help regulate menstrual cycles especially where periods are scant with painful cramping.

This oil blends well with Basil, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Rose, Rosemary and Sandalwood.

Specific Cautions

References

Information about this essential oil came from the following sources:

1. Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Fragrant Pharmacy. (Toronto: Bantam Books, 1990)
2. Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy: An A-Z. (United Kingdom: Saffron Walden, 1988)
3. Tisserand, Robert and Tony Balacs. Essential Oil Safety. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1995)

Note and Disclaimer

The information and opinions provided here are for general educational purposes only and do not replace medical advice. It is your responsibility to consult a suitably qualified medical practitioner to ensure that you will not have any medical problems from any of our products.

Product Specifications