Essential Oil Spotlight: Fennel

Fennel essential oil is steam-distilled from the seeds of the Foeniculum vulgare plant in the parsley family.

The ancient Egyptians and Romans awarded garlands of fennel to victorious warriors because the plant was believed to give courage, strength, and longevity. It has been used for thousands of years to treat snake bites, hunger, earaches, reproductive problems, lung infections, and worms.

The French use fennel to treat cystitis, sluggish digestion, and gout, to increase lactation, and for menopause problems.

It is commonly used for blood clots, bruises, kidney stones, and skin revitalization. Fennel may also be used for colic and indigestion, to stimulate the cardiovascular system, and for nausea, obesity, and hormone issues.

Fennel can be diffused or inhaled and can also be dropped under the tongue or used in cooking.

To learn more about fennel essential oil, see the book Modern Essentials: A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils.

Source: Modern Essentials: A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils, 7th Edition, pp. 113–14.