Botanical Name: Foeniculum Vulgare

Plant Part: Seeds

Description: Fennel is an herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. It grows in most parts of the world however is considered native to the shores of the Mediterranean. It has both culinary and medicinal uses, as well as being one of the primary ingredients to absinthe. The essential oil is sweet, almost spicy, and is said to slightly resemble anise in aroma.

Common uses: Therapeutic properties of Fennel Essential Oil include use as a aperitif, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactagogue, laxative, stimulant, stomachic, splenic, tonic and vermifuge.

Cautions: Sweet fennel oil is powerful and shouldn't be used in large doses as it contains high amounts of trans-anethole. It should not be used in pregnancy and cases of epilepsy. Always check with a medical professional before using essential oils for therapy.