FENNEL - essential oil
Legend has it that knowledge was delivered to man by the gods at Olympus in a fennel stalk filled with coal
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Ever since ancient times, fennel has enjoyed a rich history. The ancient Greeks knew fennel by the name "marathon" and one myth holds that knowledge was delivered to man by the gods at Olympus in a fennel stalk filled with coal. Fennel was revered by the Greeks and the Romans for its medicinal and culinary properties. Fennel has been grown throughout Europe, especially areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, and the Near East since ancient times. Today, the United States, France, India and Russia are among the leading cultivators of fennel, which happens to also be part of the carrot family.
Health benefits
• Anti-septic: wound protective, wound healing, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal
• Anti-spasmodic: nerves, muscles, gut / intestines, respiratory, colic, vomiting
• Carminative: prevents and clears gas formation, IBS, diarrhoea, constipation
• Depurative and diuretic: detoxifies and purifies the blood (urea, uric acid, hormones)
• Emmenagogue: clears obstructed menses, period pain, early menopause, moodiness
• Expectorant: entire respiratory system, decreases mucous
• Laxative: clears the bowels and assists constipation – very safe for regular use
• Stimulant: brain, nerves, endocrine, exocrine, excretory (especially sweat/urine)
• Digestive aid: increases digestive juices and bile production, ulcers, infections, dyspepsia symptoms (stomach pain)
• Tonifies all systems: especially the spleen, increases nutrient absorption
• Intestinal worms (and spores)
• Sodium level balancer
• Skin: wrinkles, insect bites, cellulite
• Rheumatism
• Obesity
• Galactagogue: increases lactation (milk flow)
Warnings: Increases oestrogen levels. Has a narcotic effect with very large internal doses.