by Irini Kotroni

Created on: April 24, 2010   Last Updated: April 26, 2010

The most important fact about fennel essential oil is that there are two types; sweet fennel and bitter fennel. Do not confuse them; bitter fennel is toxic and should not be applied to the skin, unlike the sweet fennel which is the essential oil used in aromatherapy.  The oil is usually obtained by steam distillation from the crushed seeds of the herb. 

ORIGINS AND ‘SUPERSTITION’ USES

Fennel takes it name from the Latin word for hay and was used mixed in with animal fodder.  The Latin name being Foeniculum vulgare and is a member of the Umbelliferae family which includes aniseed, caraway and coriander.  It may also be known as ‘fenkel’ and ‘Roman fennel’.  There is a lot of superstition surrounding the use of fennel in days of old.

1        The ancient Egyptians, Romans and Chinese believed it helped to keep spirits at bay and helped to promote long life. 

2        Other races believed it offered protection from the ‘evil eye’ and witchcraft

3        Snakes were thought to rub against it to improve their eyesight. 

4        It could improve human eyesight

5        Could be used as an antidote for all types of venom eg snakes, poisonous plants and fungi

6        Roman soldiers used it on long marches if they did not have time stop and cook meals

7        Used on ‘fast’ days by devout Christians  

CURRENT MOST POPULAR USE

Excellent for detoxification.  It is a natural diuretic.  It cleanses the body helping to get rid of water retention, non-medical oedema, constipation, flatulence and cellulite. It can help hangovers.

THE USE OF FENNEL ESSENTIAL OIL TO BENEFIT THE BODY SYSTEMS

Primarily, it benefits all the body systems.

1   Skin – Therapeutic property: tonic, antiseptic, rubefacient - helps congestion, tones and tighten the skin; relieves itchiness of bites and stings

2   Skeletal – Therapeutic property: anti- inflammatory – help rheumatic aches and pains, prevents build-up of toxic waste in the body

3   Circulatory – Therapeutic property: depurative as previously mentioned can help cellulite as it removes toxins and impurities, improves circulation

4  

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>