Fennel Essential Oil (Foeniculum vulgare)

Overview

Fennel may also be referred to as Fennel, Sweet fennel, Bitter fennel, Fennel bitter, Wild fennel, Florence fennel, Finocchio,. It is typically processed in India, China, and Bulgaria using steam or hydro distillation as a method for extracting oil from the seeds.

Summary

Fennel oil comes from the seeds of the Foeniculum vulgare plant. It is a flowering plant species in the carrot family. It us a highly aromatic and flavorful herb used in cooking. It has an earthy, herby, spicy scent along with a similar-taste to aniseed or licorice. It has a diuretic and stimulating effect.

Fennel Essential Oil — By user:Fir0002 - Own work, GFDL 1.2, Link

Essential Facts

Aroma Description:
Earthy Exotic Green Pungent Strong Sweet
Common Name(s): Fennel, Sweet fennel, Bitter fennel, Fennel bitter, Wild fennel, Florence fennel, Finocchio,
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Synonyms(s) for Foeniculum vulgare: Anethum dulce, Anethum foeniculum, Anethum foeniculum var. piperitum, Anethum minus, Anethum panmori, Anethum panmorium, Anethum piperitum, Anethum rupestre, Foeniculum capillaceum, Foeniculum capillaceum f. dulce, Foeniculum capillaceum subsp. piperitum, Foeniculum capillaceum var. macrocarpum, Foeniculum commune, Foeniculum divaricatum, Foeniculum dulce, Foeniculum foeniculum, Foeniculum giganteum, Foeniculum luteum, Foeniculum officinale, Foeniculum officinale subsp. dulce, Foeniculum officinale subsp. pateri, Foeniculum officinale var. dulce, Foeniculum officinale var. sativum, Foeniculum panmorium, Foeniculum piperitum, Foeniculum piperitum, Foeniculum piperitum subsp. divaricatum, Foeniculum piperitum var. pluriradiatum, Foeniculum rigidum, Foeniculum vulgare, Foeniculum vulgare f. pateri, Foeniculum vulgare f. pauciradiatum, Foeniculum vulgare subsp. capillaceum, Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum, Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum, Foeniculum vulgare var. capillaceum, Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce, Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum, Ligusticum foeniculum, Ligusticum foeniculum, Meum foeniculum, Meum piperatum, Meum piperitum, Meum piperitum, Ozodia foeniculacea, Selinum foeniculum, Seseli dulce, Seseli foeniculum, Seseli piperitum, Tenoria romana
Botanical Family: Apiaceae
Botanical Genus: Foeniculum
Chemical Family: Ethers
Perfumery Note: Middle/Top
Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium
Countries of Production: India, China, and Bulgaria
Indigenous Country: Hungary, Tasmania, or Spain
Cultivation: Distiller is Certified Organic
Processing Methods: Steam or Hydro Distillation
Part Typically Used: Seeds
Shelf Life: 5 - 6 years

Ethically and sustainably sourced
Organic
Vegan
Not recommended or safe if pregnant or nursing
Not recommend or safe for children

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

Usage Tips:

Usage tips for Fennel:

Mix 2 drops of Sweet Fennel with 2 drops Carrot Seed in 2 tablespoons of your favorite Plant Therapy carrier oil; massage on the abdomen to help relieve menstrual discomfort.

During times of high stress, diffuse 2 drops of Sweet Fennel with 2 drops of Rosemary in your favorite aromatherapy diffuser, personal inhaler, or diffuser necklace to uplift and revitalize the mind.

Blends

Fennel Blends:

Anise Basil Bergamot Black Pepper Geranium Ginger Lavender Lemon Mandarin Marjoram Orange, Sweet Peppermint Pine Rosemary Sandalwood Tangerine

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Fennel:

Fennel oil can have a narcotic effect. Fennel may induce periods in menopausal women. Women with breast or uterine cancer should avoid fennel. People who are allergic to carrots, celery or mugwort may have an adverse reaction when using fennel. Fennel may induce nausea and vomiting, fluid in the lungs and may cause sensitivity to sunlight.

Safety Precautions for Fennel:

Fennel essential oil is has a high percentage of the ether trans-anethole, which is estrogenic and the ketone fenchone. This oil should be used only for the short term. Not with kids under five, pregnant or breastfeeding mommas. Use in a low dilution

Contraindications of Fennel:

Fennel (Sweet) is estrogenic and therefore should not be used in pregnancy, breastfeeding, endometriosis and estrogen-sensitive cancers.

History

History of Fennel:

Fennel was prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans who used it as medicine, food, and insect repellent.

Traditional Folklore

Traditional Folklore of Fennel:

A fennel tea was believed to give courage to the warriors prior to battle. According to Greek mythology, Prometheus used a giant stalk of fennel to carry fire from Mount Olympus to Earth.