Botanical Family: Umbellifereae
Extraction: Steam distillation
Plant Part: Crushed seeds
Origin: Grows in Mediterranean countries
Character: Tonic
Fennel Sweet
A biennial or perennial herb up to 2 metres high with feathery leaves and golden yellow flowers
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, aperitif, carminative, diuretic, depurative, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactagogue, laxative, splenic, stomachic, circulatory stimulant, tonic, urinary tract antisetpic.
Digestive System: Colic, colitis, constipation, flatulence, hangovers, hiccups, indigestion, poor appetite, nausea, obesity.
Genito-Urinary System: Amenorrhoea, cellulitis, insufficient milk, menstrual, kidney stones, menopause, menstrual irregularity, oedema, urine retention, urinary tract infections.
Muscular/Skeletal System: Arthritis, gout, rheumatism.
Respiratory System: Asthma, bronchitis.
Skin: Bruises, dull oily, mature complexions, pyorrhoea.
Fennel blends well with Basil, Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Juniper, Rosemary, Rose, Lemon, Peppermint and Sandalwood.
Sweet aniseed-like fragrance.
Pregnancy, epilepsy, children under six years of age, prolonged use, skin irritant (bath). Although the oil is galactogogue, due to trans-anethole's oestrogen like action, it is considered that we should avoid use of fennel during breast feeding until more conculsive safety data is available. This will also apply in the incidence of oestrogen dependent cancers and endometriosis (Salvatore Battaglia 1995).
