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Fennel Essential Oil

by Kevin Pederson

Fennel oil is used for aromatherapy treatments for strength and courage as well as for confidence to deal with adversity. It is also good for treating obesity and other digestive problems. Known for its anti-aging properties, fennel seed oil can be used for preventing wrinkles.

Fennel aromatherapy essential oil has a spicy, herby fragrance like aniseed.

History: Derived from the Latin word ‘foenum’, which actually means hay, fennel can grow up to a height of six feet, and is a perennial herb with golden flowers and feathery leaves. During the Medieval times, it was known as Fenkle, and was very popular with the Romans, Egyptians and the Chinese.

People believed that it could be used to improve eyesight and could treat colic and fleas.

Extraction: Sweet fennel oil is generally extracted from crushed seeds, and then steam distilled. This oil is used for aromatherapy. Bitter fennel oil is extracted from the seeds or from the herbs. And the essential oil derived from this is not used for aromatherapy. The essential oil of sweet fennel is strong and should be administered in small doses. It should not be used in cases of epilepsy and during pregnancy.

Therapeutic properties: Fennel has plenty of therapeutic properties, and some of these include: laxative, galactagogue, expectorant, emmenagogue, diuretic, depurative, carminative, antispasmodic, antiseptic and aperitif. The other properties of fennel oil are vermifuge, tonic, splenic, stomachic, and stimulant.

Benefits: These include –

Aromatherapy uses:

Administering fennel essential oil through aromatherapy can give you courage and strength when you need it most.
It can be used for detoxification.
It is a tonic for the spleen, kidneys and liver. It is also used to cure constipation, cellulite and flatulence related problems.
A cleansing oil, fennel can keep those wrinkles away.

Internal use:

When taken internally, fennel oil can treat fevers, and act as a diuretic.
It has antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties.
It relieves indigestion, colic, dyspepsia and gas. It also treats intestinal spasms.
It increases the flow of milk in lactating mothers.
It can treat menstrual problems.
The fresh juice from the fennel herb can cure catarrh and chronic coughs in adults and kids.
Fennel roots are beneficial for treating urinary disorders.
Fennel is used for culinary purposes too, and the oil is often used in mouthwashes to treat sore throats and gum diseases.
Fennel oil can be massaged onto the chest for treating bronchial congestion.
Fennel oil can treat skin disorders and conjunctivitis.