The essential oil of fennel is obtained through the steam distillation of crushed fennel seeds, an herb which bears the scientific name of Foeniculum Vulgare. Fennel seeds have been in use in culinary applications and as a mouth freshener since ancient times. They are also widely used for medicinal purposes. These medicinal properties come from the various components of the essential oil of fennel.
Fennel oil is one of the more popular of herbal oils available today. Used to treat a variety of medical complaints and disorders, fennel oil can be found in pills, lotions, creams, and in the form of pure fennel essential oil. This oil is extracted from the fennel plant that grows in clumps, has thin feathery leaves and tiny yellow flowers. The entire plant is used for medicinal purposes with two types of oils being extracted.
Fennel oil benefits are far ranging. Since one of its main properties is that of being a diuretic, digestive problems are very efficiently tackled with the use of fennel oil. Fennel oil has been used to treat colic and upset tummies in babies for ages now. It has also long been prescribed as an alternative herbal means to treat stomach disorders such as ulcers, diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux. Bloating, morning sickness, and nausea are improved with fennel oil. Fennel oil's expectorant properties also help with treatment of respiratory disorders. Excessive mucus in the lungs, chronic coughs and colds, and asthma can be lessened with this oil. As a laxative, fennel can assist in the flushing out of the kidneys, liver, spleen, and gallbladder. Kidney stones and urinary tract infections are reduced as a result. When used externally in the form of fennel oil aromatherapy, it can be used to improve fertility, and in increasing courage, strength and trust.
This essential oil has a sweet and licorice-like aroma. It is reputed to be used for anti-cellulite blends and purportedly helps with mood smoothing for tension and stress. It blends well with Lemon, Sandalwood, Patchouli, and Basil or if you like to blend essential oils and fragrance oils, Dark Rich Chocolate or Vanilla Bean. Can be a skin irritant; do not use if pregnant or in items intended for children.
Benefit & Uses: Fennel Oil does the work of a detoxifier and purifies the blood, and is therefore considered a depurative. Actually it helps blood empty itself of blood urea, uric acid and certain unwanted hormones, which are the primary toxins found in our bloodstream. Apart from this, it also balances sodium level in the blood and helps in the removal of other toxic substances which get into blood from external sources.
Fennel Oil increases the frequency of urination and the quantity of urine, thus helping not only remove excess water, sodium, uric acid, bile salts and other toxic elements from the body, but also lowering blood pressure, cleansing the kidneys and reducing fat.
Women who have problems with irregular, obstructed or painful menstruation can benefit from the emmenagogue property of fennel oil. Not only does it help to clear obstructed menses and make them regular, it also gives relief from the other symptoms associated with periods such as headaches, pain in the abdominal area, dizziness, and mood swings. It also helps to prevent untimely or premature menopause.
Just as stomachic means something is good for the stomach; splendid means something that is good for the spleen. The spleen plays a vital role in our body as it is involved in the production of lymphocytes and red blood cells. Fennel oil helps to maintain the spleen and keeps it toned. It also protects it from various infections.
Fennel oil reduces obesity, wrinkles on the skin, and can be used to treat insect bites and colic, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, hiccups, dyspepsia, rheumatism and excess cellulite.