Fennel essential oil has a sweet aniseed-like aroma (top/middle note) and is colourless to pale yellow. Main characteristic of Fennel oil is that it is anti-toxic. Aromatherapists find that the most valuable application of the oil is in counterbalancing alcoholic poisoning, and it has played an important part in the treatment and rehabilitation of alcoholics. The oil has also been found to possess pain reducing and anti-microbial actions. Fennel oil’s main bio-chemical compounds are fenchone, a bitter tasting element, and anethole, a sweet anise-like scent and flavour. Other elements include myrcene, cineole, eugenol, methyl chavicol, thymol, limonene, phellandrene, alpha terpene, pinene and geraniol. This oil blends well with basil, geranium, lavender, lemon, rose, rosemary and sandalwood.
Cautions: Dilute at 2% if used on the skin. High doses may be carcinogenic due to its methyl chavicol content. Avoid during pregnancy.
