Fennel seed oil is an essential oil extracted from the seeds of the fennel plant, scientifically known as Foeniculum vulgare. Fennel is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region but is now grown in various parts of the world. The essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the crushed seeds. It has a sweet, spicy, and slightly licorice-like aroma. Here are some common uses and benefits of fennel seed oil:
Digestive Aid: Fennel seed oil is well-known for its digestive properties. It may help relieve digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. It can also stimulate appetite and aid in digestion.
Carminative Properties: Fennel seed oil has carminative properties, which may help reduce gas and flatulence in the digestive system.
Antispasmodic Properties: Fennel seed oil possesses antispasmodic properties that may help relax muscles, making it useful for relieving muscle spasms and cramps.
Respiratory Health: Inhalation of fennel seed oil vapor may help alleviate symptoms of respiratory issues such as congestion and coughs due to its potential expectorant properties.
Antimicrobial Properties: Fennel seed oil may have antimicrobial properties, making it useful for maintaining oral health and preventing bad breath.
Diuretic Properties: Fennel seed oil may have diuretic properties, promoting the elimination of toxins and excess water from the body.
Hormonal Balance: Fennel seed oil is believed to have estrogen-like properties and is used to support hormonal balance, particularly in women.
Pain Relief: Fennel seed oil has analgesic properties that may help alleviate muscle aches, headaches, and migraines when used in massages or diluted in a carrier oil.
Aromatherapy: Fennel seed oil is used in aromatherapy to create a calming and soothing atmosphere. Its sweet and spicy aroma may help reduce stress and anxiety.
Cooking and Culinary Use: Fennel seed oil is used in cooking to impart a unique flavor and aroma to dishes. It is a common spice in Mediterranean and Indian cuisines, used in soups, stews, salads, and more.
Always ensure that fennel seed oil is properly diluted before using it on the skin or for internal consumption. Dilute it with a suitable carrier oil like sweet almond oil or jojoba oil. If you have specific health concerns or medical conditions, consult a healthcare professional before using fennel seed essential oil.
APPEARANCE colorless to pale yellow clear liquid
SPECIFIC GRAVITY 0.95300 to 0.97300 @ 25.00 °C
POUNDS/GALLON 7.930 to 8.096
REFRACTIVE INDEX 1.51000 to 1.56200 @ 20.00 °C
OPTICAL ROTATION +21.00 to +24.00
MELTING POINT 5.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
BOILING POINT 227.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
FLASH POINT 145.00 °F. TCC
SHELF LIFE 24.00 month(s) or longer if stored properly
STORAGE store in cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers, protected from heat and light
ODOR TYPE anisic
ODOR Sweet, green, anethole-like with an herbai nuance
TASTE Sweet, anise / anethole-like with a green herbal background
COLOR colorless to pale yellow liquid
SOLUBILITY 1 vol 90 alcohol
DENSITY 0.953-0.973 (2525 c)
SLIGHTLY SOLUBLE in water
Digestive Aid: Fennel seed oil is well-known for its digestive properties. It may help relieve digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. It can also stimulate appetite and aid in digestion.
Carminative Properties: Fennel seed oil has carminative properties, which may help reduce gas and flatulence in the digestive system.
Antispasmodic Properties: Fennel seed oil possesses antispasmodic properties that may help relax muscles, making it useful for relieving muscle spasms and cramps.
Respiratory Health: Inhalation of fennel seed oil vapor may help alleviate symptoms of respiratory issues such as congestion and coughs due to its potential expectorant properties.
Antimicrobial Properties: Fennel seed oil may have antimicrobial properties, making it useful for maintaining oral health and preventing bad breath.
Diuretic Properties: Fennel seed oil may have diuretic properties, promoting the elimination of toxins and excess water from the body.
Hormonal Balance: Fennel seed oil is believed to have estrogen-like properties and is used to support hormonal balance, particularly in women.
Pain Relief: Fennel seed oil has analgesic properties that may help alleviate muscle aches, headaches, and migraines when used in massages or diluted in a carrier oil.
Aromatherapy: Fennel seed oil is used in aromatherapy to create a calming and soothing atmosphere. Its sweet and spicy aroma may help reduce stress and anxiety.
Cooking and Culinary Use: Fennel seed oil is used in cooking to impart a unique flavor and aroma to dishes. It is a common spice in Mediterranean and Indian cuisines, used in soups, stews, salads, and more.