Aroma Pets

FENNEL, SWEET - Foeniculum Vulgare Var. Dulce

HISTORY and CHARACTER

Fennel is a hardy perennial or biennial herb with soft , green, ferny leaves and umbrels of yellow flowers. Native to the shores of the Mediterranean it is now widely cultivated . Aromatherapy uses Sweet or garden fennel, not bitter or common fennel, which has a high level of the potentially harmful ketone, fenchone.

Traditionally, fennel has been used as a culinary herb worldwide. The Ancient Greeks used it as a diuretic to help lose weight and to promote strength. In Europe, fennel was hung over cottage doors as protection against witchcraft. It was known as an antidote for all sorts of poisons.

Strangely enough, however, snakes were said to rub against it to improve their eyesight. Perhaps due to its anti-toxic properties, fennel was said to provide courage, strength and longevity.

It is a warm, dry oil that has great affinity with the female reproductive system and the energy of nurture and care. Since it is helpful in finding ways of expressing a caring nature constructively, it is good for those who think too much, worry about the welfare of others, or have an obsessive need to nurture (sometimes manifesting as phantom pregnancy). It also helps release gas and bloating in the digestive system, and generally relieves dampness, which can lead to fatty lumps and edema.

PRINCIPAL USES -PHYSICAL
Arthritis, rheumatism, Constipation, Fatty lumps, Fluid retention, Intestinal gas, Phantom pregnancy, Poisonous bites, Problems with lactation, Spasmodic colic, To regulate hormonal cycles, Urinary infections.

BEHAVIORAL
Anxiety related obsessive behaviour, Over-or under-active nurture impulses, Those who worry about others or seek constant reassurance

I MOST OFTEN USE FENNEL FOR:
Emotionally insecure animals who are over concerned with others, especially if there is a history of digestive upsets, flatulence, hormonal imbalance or fluid retention., Obsessive anxiety, Tumors and soft lumps, especially mammary.

EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERISTICS
Steam distilled from the crushed seeds. The oil is a colourless to pale yellow.

FRAGRANCE
A sweet anise like fragrance, sharp green with a warm earthy undertone.

ACTIONS
Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, carminative, cholagogic, circulatory, stimulant, decongestant, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogic, hormone-like, lactogenic, laxative, litholytic, estrogen like, respiratory tonic (rapid breathing);

SAFETY
Generally considered to be non-sensitizing, but moderately irritating to the skin. Use only in high dilutions. Do not use during pregnancy.

MAXIMUM DILUTION
1 drop in 5ml/1 tsp.

Reference: The Aromatic Dog: Nayana Morag