Fennel seed oil

Technical Data Sheets :

Botanical Name: Foeniculum Vulgare

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distillation

Parts Used: Fennel Seed Oil is got from crushed seeds. Sometimes the whole herb is used.

Note Classification: Middle

Aroma: Conflicting aroma emanates from Fennel Seed oil. It is sweet smelling at the same time slightly spicy too. Licorice odour is also felt.

Largest Producing Countries: India is the leading producer of Fennel Seed oil. It is closely followed by Mexico, China, Iran, Bulgaria, Syria, Morocco, Egypt, Afghanistan and Canada

Traditional Use: In ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt the use of fennel has been recorded. It was used as a medicine to cure physical problems as well as emotional imbalances. Greek had given a divine status to this plant. In England of the 10th Century there is a mention of fennel seeds in a book called Nine Herbs Charm. Chinese, Egyptians, Romans believed that it would increase longevity and ward off spirits as well. It was used to strengthen eyesight, ward off insects and even used for snake bites.

Properties:

Fennel seed oil contains anethole which is the chief component that gives it all its medicinal properties. It is antiseptic, antiparasitic, analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral and antispasmodic. It works well against toxins. It has estrogen like properties. It is duretic and increases metabolism. It is a good stimulant and laxative. With these properties a whole lot of diseases can be cured. Fluid retention, diabetes, urinary tract infection, all digestive problems, menstrual problems, breaking down of urinary and kidney stones are some of the benefits of fennel seed oil. Like the ancient Romans and Chinese it is still administered to improve eye sight, especially in the treatment of glaucoma. It is historically believed that it can increase milk production in lactating mother and this belief is still kept intact in many countries.

It is used to tone up liver and spleen. The list of medical benefits is endless list. It is equally popular in cooking. There are many dishes made with fennel seed oil and the taste and aroma of the dish changes completely. It is used in the base cream of lotions and creams. It heals wounds fast. A mediocre complexion can be lighted up with fennel seed oil. It takes off the excess oil in an oily skin and can also ward off the wrinkles for a few more years, in old men and women.

Blends Well With: Fennel seed oil blends well with sandalwood, rose, lavender and geranium oil.

Of Interest: Fennel seed was known as “herb of sight” in ancient Rome as it was used to correct cloudy eyes. It belongs to the parsley family.

Safety Data: Fennel seed oil is safe for consumption in small doses. The GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) certification has been given by FDA. However children, pregnant women, people with epileptic history should not take this very often. Epileptic patients should avoid it. Sweet fennel oil can create a narcotic effect if used in large doses. Bitter fennel oil, which is not a common product, should not be applied to the skin.