Fennel Essence
Description
© Southwest School of Botanical Medicine
FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare)
Family: Umbelliferae (parsley)
Source: The Essential oil is obtained from the seeds.
Fragrance:: Strong, similar to liquorice/aniseed.
Volatility: Middle note.
General description and habitat:
Native of southern Europe, especially round the Mediterranean, but now found in many non-tropical parts of the world, including the USA, Japan, India. Grows mostly by the sea. Hardy perennial; blue-green feathery leaves; umbels of yellow flowers, followed by seeds.
Principal constituents:
Anethol, anisic aldehyde, camphene, d-fenchone, dipentene, estragol, fenone, phellandrene, pinene.
History
History and folk use:
Used since earliest times by the Chinese, Indians and Egyptians.
Dioscorides and Hippocrates both recommended it for increasing breastmilk. Used by the Romans for its digestive properties, often as an ingredient in a post-meal cake. The Greeks believed it helpful for slimming.
St. Hildegard of Bingen spoke highly of its medicinal properties. First mention of its essential oil was in 1500.
Properties & Uses
General properties: Detoxifying, digestive, eliminative, tonic.
Primary Uses:
| Bites & stings | Blood purification |
| Cystitis | Digestion |
| Eye inflammations |
Secondary Uses:
| Alcoholism, | Bronchitis, |
| Cellulite, | Digestive and Intestinal Problems, |
| Constipation, | Flatulence, |
| Influenza, | Food Poisoning, |
| Hangover, | Hiccups, |
| Kidney Infections/Stones, | Lactation (Low Milk), |
| Shortness Of Breath, | Stomach Pains, |
| Strained Muscle, | Water Retention. |
Contraindications
Low concentrations advised as can cause irritation.
Not to be used by epileptics, children under 6 years, or during first five months of pregnancy.
Not to be used at the same time as chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer.
Take care when treating female cancers.
Avoid use in the sun.
Fennel oil has approval status by the German Commission E.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
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