Sweet Fennel Essential Oil (Foeniculum vulgare dulce)
1. General Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Foeniculum vulgare dulce (Sweet Fennel) Seed Oil |
| CAS Number | 8006-84-6 |
| SKU Code | – |
| Origin | Hungary |
| Extraction Method | Steam Distilled |
| Plant Parts Used | Seeds |
| Common Names | Sweet Fennel, Fenkel, Saunf, Finocchio, Florence Fennel |
| Quality | 100% Pure and Organic Essential Oil |
2. Physical Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Aroma | Distinctive anise/licorice-like fragrance, with herbal-camphor, lemony and spicy notes |
| Fragrance Note | Middle to Top |
| Storage | Store tightly sealed in a cool, dark place. If crystallization occurs, gently warm in water and shake to re-homogenize. |
3. Chemical Composition
| Component | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| E-Anethole | 79.68% |
| Limonene | 4.64% |
| Alpha-pinene | 4.10% |
| Methyl chavicol (Estragole) | 3.04% |
| Fenchone (trace) | 0.05% |
4. Sweet vs Bitter Fennel
| Type | Composition | Safe for Use? |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Fennel Oil (Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce) | Very low Fenchone (~0.05%) | ✔ Used in aromatherapy and skincare |
| Bitter Fennel Oil (Foeniculum vulgare var. vulgare) | High Fenchone (36–39.5%) | ❌ Not sold for public use / not recommended for skin |
5. Main Uses
| Category | Applications |
|---|---|
| Body & Wellness | ✔ Appetite stimulant (+++) ✔ Digestive support (+++) ✔ Lactation support, post-birth (+++) ✔ Menopausal & mature skin care (++) ✔ Bruises & oedemas (++) ✔ Detox massage & recovery (++) ✔ Cellulite massage (++) |
| Emotional & Aromatic | ✔ Relaxation, stress, and anxiety relief ✔ PMS & menstrual cramps ✔ Support during peri- and menopause |
| Home & Cooking | ✔ Culinary (1 drop adds strong anise flavour) ✔ Natural perfumery (++) ✔ Insect repellent (moths, cockroaches, aphids) ✔ Atmospheric diffusion for appetite & calm |
6. Application & Dilution
| Method | Dilution/Usage |
|---|---|
| Body Massage | 1–6 drops in 10 ml carrier oil (0.5 – 2%) |
| Face Care | 1–3 drops in 10 ml base/carrier (0.5 – 1%) for mature/“heated” skin |
| Diffusion | Small amounts, short durations, best blended with other oils |
| Direct Steam/Inhalation | ❌ Not recommended (may have sedative/narcotic effects in high doses) |
| Cooking | 1 drop into oils/butters/sauces for flavour |
| Homecare | On cloths, wood, sprays to repel insects |
7. Key Therapeutic Properties
| Property | Strength |
|---|---|
| Antispasmodic | +++ |
| Galactagogue (milk support post-birth) | +++ |
| Appetite & Digestive stimulant | +++ |
| Anti-inflammatory | +++ |
| General tonic & stimulant | +++ |
| Analgesic/anaesthetic | ++ |
| Detoxifying/Purifying | ✔ Laxative & Vermifuge |
| Antimicrobial | ✔ Antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial |
| Insect Repellent | ✔ Effective in blends/sprays |
8. Blending Suggestions
| Target Use | Best Oils to Blend With |
|---|---|
| Digestion | Basil |
| Cellulite/Detox | Rose Geranium, Lemon |
| Relaxation | Nutmeg, Cypress |
9. Safety & Precautions
| Warning | Details |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy | ❌ Contraindicated for entire pregnancy |
| Hormone-Sensitive Conditions | ❌ Avoid with hormone-dependent cancers (breast, uterus, ovaries, etc.) due to oestrogen-like activity |
| Breastfeeding | ✔ Short-term, well-diluted, post-birth only (consult medical staff first) |
| Thyroid Disorders | ❌ Contraindicated in hypothyroidism (reduces thyroid activity) |
| Epilepsy | ❌ Avoid |
| Skin Use | Max 2% dilution, best used at night (can irritate/photosensitize) |
| Inhalation | Direct steam NOT recommended |
| General Advice | Do not use undiluted. Always consult professionals when unsure. |