Fennel Sweet

Botanical ID

Foeniculum Vulgare

Plant part used

Fruit or seeds

Place of origin

Hungary

Description

A biennial or perennial herb up to 2 meters high with feathery leaves and golden yellow flowers.

Characteristics

Sweet aniseed-like fragrance

Method of extraction

Steam distillation.

General

A popular plant with the ancient Chinese who used it to cure snake bite. Also believed to encourage longevity, courage and strength. The Greeks believed it to be a slimming herb, the Romans for digestive properties. It has been regarded as an appetite suppressant in traditional therapies.

Blends well with

Basil, Clary Sage, Cypress, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary, Rose and Sandalwood.

Indications

Mind & Spirit – Said to give strength and courage in adversity.

Body – a warming and drying oil – invigorates the stomach, spleen and intestines. It is a good digestive remedy, relieves nausea, flatulence, indigestion, colic and hiccups. A diuretic, it is recommended for detoxifying the body and in the treatment of cellulitis. Also used for gout and bladder infections and reducing the unpleasant symptoms caused by fluctuating hormonal levels in menopause.

Skin & Hair – Minimizes wrinkles (estrogenic properties). Take care with sensitive skin.

Contraindications

Avoid if suffering with epilepsy or pregnant or breast feeding and if under treatment for oestrogen-dependent cancer.