Fennel
FENNEL Foeniculum vulgare Seeds NOT FOR USE DURING PREGNANCY Spain
Focniculum vulgare, known as Sweet Fennel offers the essential oil from steam distillation of its many small seeds. There is also a wonderful CO2 extraction that is delightfully flavorful. “Fenkle” was the name for Fennel in medieval times. Fennel is a great butterfly plant as well as a culinary herb. One of the beauties of Fennel is that it grows as a bi-annual, so it blossoms often and the bulb is edible too! I always plant this herb for those reasons and more. I import the essential oil from Spain and the CO2 from Egypt to use in aromatherapeutic formulations. Fennel has been regarded as a curative since ancient times. Athletes have been known to use this for increased stamina and fortitude since medieval days. Fennel is ruled by the planet Mercury, which is especially known for communication. With the harmonizing traits and the support to the respiratory system Fennel eases tension allowing clear communication of thoughts. This regulation of the chi energy in the chest corresponds with the solar plexus, allowing relaxation, supporting efforts from our will to succeed.
This herb detoxifies the kidney, spleen and reduces water retention as it minimizes cellulite. The essential oil is a valuable tonic. With improving digestion it helps to act as a diuretic and lymphatic toner, moving out toxins by ridding fats and fluids. As an aromatic carminative it helps to vitalize and strengthen body systems. Fennel is much like licorice in its flavor and it also has some similar attributes. When one has some tummy disturbances, the flavor is most always appealing. Usually we crave what our body needs, especially if we are in tune with this intuitiveness. Fennel will improve digestion and it also eases nausea.
It is not recommended for use during pregnancy, yet afterwards it will increase the supply of sweet breast milk during lactation and is a valuable component to alleviate problems if engorgment occurs. Fennel is especially good for the baby’s digestion through Mama’s milk. This herb performs many valuable functions particularly with women. Using Fennel will help balance hormones throughout the various changes that women go through during their life span. Virgin, Mother and Crone all relate to this aromatic botanical. Fennel was known for fertility in magical protective charms, aiding vitality and coneption. During menopause this essential oil assists with the natural production of estrogen. I am not a doctor so I may not recommend taking any essential oil internally as medicine. I can tell you though that with certain essential oils I do use in various ways. Also, it is our own free will to use our knowledge and experience the healing benefits of nature as we desire. My goal is to speak of the botanicals that I know and have seen experiences of literally thousands of people from the past three decades. I know women who use fennel, drink herb tea and incorporate aromatherapy along with nutrition with their mindset who are thriving in their menopausal years.
