General Properties
- antiseptic
- antispasmodic
- detoxifier
- diuretic
- insecticidal
- stimulant
- stomachic
Origin: Austria. Steam distilled from the seeds. Top to middle note.
Description
Fennel essential oil 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 essential oil 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 is also a urinary tract antiseptic. It has been used to treat cellulite, as it helps to release toxic waste and fluid from the body. Using fennel essential oil 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.
For working with gout and arthritis, fennel essential oil works to help prevent the build-up of toxins in the body, which occurs before the onset of inflammation in 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 one of the plants hormones, anethol, which helps to stimulate the adrenal glands production of estrogen. It has a balancing effect on a woman’s hormones. It may also help to regulate menstrual cycles especially where periods are scant with painful cramping.
This oil blends well with Basil essential oil, Geranium essential oil, Lavender essential oil, Lemon essential oil, Rose essential oil, Rosemary essential oil and Sandalwood essential oil.
Fennel can be found in the following blends: