Fennel essential oil may be one which is less commonly heard of than some of the ‘bigger’ names in aromatherapy, but that is not to say that it doesn’t have a wide range of health benefits. In this article, we are going to be exploring some of the uses of fennel oil to see how it might be beneficial in your life.
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What Is Fennel Essential Oil?
Fennel is widely used in cookery and has a flavour similar to that of aniseed. The essential oil is usually extracted from the seed of the fennel plant by crushing them and using a steam distillation method.
Originally, the fennel plant was grown throughout the Mediterranean region but is now commonly grown across Asia, including in China and India.
Uses And Benefits Of Fennel Essential Oil
One of the most common uses of fennel oil is related to digestion, but there are many other ways in which this essential oil can be of benefit when it comes to our health.
Help Relief Menstrual Pain
Many women all over the world suffer from discomfort during and around their menstrual cycle but it is thought that fennel oil may be an excellent natural solution for this.
There have been numerous studies surrounding the use of fennel oil and it has been noted that it may have the ability to control contractions within the uterus, leading to a more comfortable menstrual cycle. What’s more, it is thought that fennel oil has the power to create a more regulated menstrual cycle which is great news for women who find that their periods are irregular and spontaneous.
Digestive Health
We have touched on the fact that fennel essential oil is an ideal companion for those who suffer from digestive problems and there are many reasons for this.
The first being that in a similar way to how the oil can moderate uterine contractions, it may also have the same effects on the muscles within the digestive system, therefore relieving the cramps associated with various digestive issues. In addition to this, it is thought that fennel oil has the ability to provide an anti-inflammatory effect on the soft tissues found in our digestive tracts which can bring relief from conditions such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome.)
Induces Calm
There are many reasons why we may be looking to find true relaxation, especially with how hectic most of our lives can be when trying to juggle work with family and social commitments. However, there may be hope in the form of fennel essential oil since it is believed to have some excellent relaxation qualities.
In scientific studies, it was shown that using fennel oil might have the same effect as taking a medically prescribed anti-depressant tablet. It is thought that the oil has the capability of changing the chemical levels within the brain and therefore relieving symptoms of conditions such as depression and anxiety through its calming effect.
Improve Breathing
With the common cold so often blocking our noses and throats, it can be difficult to find a solution that really works, however there may be hope through the use of fennel essential oil. Owing to the strong aroma and flavour of this particular oil, it has the power to clear the airways and the nasal passages effectively and quickly, therefore bringing relief from the congestion of a cold.
Improve Your Energy Levels
One of the most common uses of this type of essential oil is as a tonic for the body. It is thought that fennel oil is able to effectively increase energy levels and in turn improve focus and concentration.
In addition to this, the stimulating effects of the oil are able to improve various systems within the body such as regulating metabolism, improving circulation and maintaining a healthy nervous system, all of which contribute to better levels of energy.
May Help With Weight Loss
There are many supplements available on the market today which claim to aid in weight loss, however many of these are targeted at reducing the levels of fluid within the body and therefore do not provide long term weight loss. However, a more natural approach to reaching a healthy weight may be found through the use of fennel essential oil. It is thought that the oil is able to reduce feelings of hunger, which in turn can lead to much easier weight loss. On top of this, the oil will stimulate the brain inducing a feeling of being full and satisfied.
Safe Use Of Fennel Essential Oil
When it comes to using any essential oil, one of the most important things is to ensure that you use it safely and follow any guidelines related to this. When you being using fennel oil, there are come precautions that you should take into consideration.
- Fennel essential oil is not appropriate for patients suffering from epilepsy.
- People with any type of cancer are not advised to use fennel oil.
- Due to the oils ability to affect contractions of the uterus, it is not advisable to use this oil during pregnancy.
- There is some suggestion that fennel essential oil may lower your blood sugar level, therefore if you have diabetes and are taking medication for this, it is not recommended to use this oil.
- Fennel oil should not be kept in direct sunlight, this may cause the oil to become oxidised which may result in unwanted effects when used topically.
- If you are currently undergoing reproductive treatment, it is not advisable to use fennel oil as this may have a negative effect on your treatment.
Conclusion
Fennel essential oil is a highly fragrant oil reminiscent of aniseed which has been used for thousands of years for a variety of health reasons. Some of the benefits that you can expect from using this oil are improved menstrual cycles and better levels on energy, to name a few.
As with any essential oil, safe and proper use is paramount to gaining the best advantage from this type of oil.