Fennel Sweet

Botanical Name

Foeniculum vulgare

Plant Family

Apiaceae

Country of Origin

France, Italy, Greece

Common Method of Extraction

Steam Distilled

Plant Part Typically Used

Seeds

Color

Clear with a Faint Yellow Tinge

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Top/Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma

Medium-Strong

Aromatic Description

Sweet Fennel Essential Oil smells similar to anise/licorice with earthy sweet peppery notes.

Possible Substitute Oils

Koilia, ravensara (methyl chavicol CT), Clary Sage, basil (linalool CT)

Blends Well With

Balsam fir, basil, bay laurel, bergamot, black pepper, camphor, cardamom, carrot seed, cinnamon, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, lemon verbena, marjoram, myrrh, niaouli, orange, patchouli, pine, rose, rosemary, sandalwood,  tangerine, ylang ylang

GRAS status

YES

Sweet Fennel Essential Oil Uses

• Digestive Disorders
• Dyspepsia
• Gastrointestinal Spasm
• Flatulence
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Abdominal Spasm
• Menstrual Problems
• Menstrual Cramps
• Premenstrual Syndrome
• Fertility
• Endometriosis
• Menopausal Symptoms
• Cellulite
• Fluid Retention
• Heavy Legs
• Bronchitis
• Respiratory Conditions
• Parasitic Infections

Source: Valerie Ann Worwood, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, 25th Anniversary Edition (Novato, CA: New World Library, 2016, 588.]

Major Constituents of Sweet Fennel Essential Oil

• (E)-Anethole
• (+)-Limonene
• Fenchone
• Estragole
• a-Pinene

See Essential Oil Safety for more complete list of typical constituents.

Source: B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1988-1991 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1995), 199. K.H. Kubeczka, Essential Oils Analysis by Capillary Gas Chromatography and Carbon-13 NMR Spectoroscopy, Second Edition. (Chichester: Wiley, 2002). Sources cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 277.

Sweet Fennel Essential Oil Safety Information

Tisserand and Young indicate that Fennel Oil may interact with medication, and that it may inhibit blood clotting. They precaution to avoid use of the oil topically if it has oxidized as skin sensitization is more likely. Their contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, endometriosis, estrogen-dependent cancers, and children under 5. Their dermal maximum is 2.5%. Reading Tisserand and Young’s full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 277.]

Recommended Dilution Range

2.5%-Neat, 1.5%-20%, 50% for some conditions. However, refer also to the safety information above by Tisserand and Young.

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.