Fennel Oil Uses and Benefits

Used for centuries in a variety of applications, fennel is known for its distinct licorice flavor and aroma. Today, Fennel oil can be used for culinary purposes as well as internally to promote a healthy respiratory system,* healthy digestion,* and more. This unique oil holds many beneficial characteristics for the body, while providing the user with a sweet, distinctive scent.

Fennel

Where to Buy Fennel Oil
Ready to experience the benefits of Fennel oil for yourself? Visit our Fennel essential oil page and order your own bottle today. Every time you buy an essential oil from doTERRA, you can be assured that the product you receive has been well-tested and responsibly produced. With CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade®testing, doTERRA ensures that each bottle of essential oil is high quality and safe for personal use. Through doTERRA’s Co-Impact Sourcing® initiatives, you can also be sure that your bottle of oil was produced in a socially responsible, environmentally friendly way.

Fennel Oil Uses and Benefits

  1. One of the most common uses for fennel seeds, fennel flavoring, and Fennel essential oil is in the kitchen. Due to the potent, flavorful nature of Fennel oil, it can add a savory, strong flavor to a variety of unique dishes. If you want to harness the flavor of Fennel in your cooking, consider adding a toothpick’s amount to homemade sausage or soup for an authentic anise flavor.
     
  2. Did you know that you can use Fennel oil internally to help with digestion?* To experience these Fennel essential oil benefits, simply add a drop or two to water. You can also add 1–2 drops in a doTERRA Veggie Capsule. You can also combine Fennel oil with Fractionated Coconut oil for a soothing abdominal massage after a big meal, or on the day of a stressful event. 
     
  3. The naturally sweet flavor of Fennel essential oil can be useful when trying to avoid processed sugar and sweets. The chemical makeup of Fennel includes Trans anethole, a monoterpene that is 13 times sweeter than table sugar. To utilize these benefits of Fennel oil, take a drop of Fennel in water or green juice to help fight sweet tooth cravings.* 
     
  4. If you are feeling sluggish or bloated, take Fennel oil internally, as it may help to promote healthy metabolism, liver function, and circulation.* When taken internally, Fennel essential oil may also help support the health of the lungs and respiratory tract.* To take Fennel oil internally, add a few drops to water or another beverage, or add 1–2 drops in a doTERRA Veggie Capsule
     
  5. Looking for another way to use Fennel essential oil for cooking? Fennel goes great with dips and salads when you want to add a sharp, flavorful element to your dish. Add a toothpick’s amount to white bean dips and cucumber salads for digestive benefits and a savory flavor. Remember, when using essential oils for cooking, start small. Even a toothpick’s amount can add a lot of flavor to your dish, so start with the bare minimum, and add more essential oils as you go to ensure that the flavor of the oil doesn’t overpower the meal. 
     
  6. Need an extra push to get things done? Diffusing Fennel essential oil can help give you the sense of focus needed to be productive. To take advantage of the energizing aroma of Fennel oil, diffuse in your home or office to encourage a productive day. 
     
  7. Applied topically, Fennel oil can be calming and soothing to many areas of the body, including the skin. For a calming, soothing topical effect, directly apply Fennel oil to the skin. If you are worried about skin sensitivity, dilute the Fennel oil with Fractionated Coconut Oil, to avoid any skin irritation. 
     
  8. In ancient Rome, warriors were said to have eaten Fennel to prepare them for war, and make them strong. Like the Romans, you can easily apply the energizing and confidence-building benefits of Fennel oil in your everyday life. To promote feelings of courage and confidence, put one to two drops of Fennel essential oil in the palm and inhale. 
Plant Description
Fennel is an evergreen perennial native to the Mediterranean and is now typically grown in herb and vegetable gardens. Known for its licorice flavor and aroma, fennel produces flowers, fragrant leaves, and most importantly, fennel seeds—from which essential oil is extracted. Due to the potent aroma and distinct flavor of fennel, it has been used for years in the culinary world to add savor and spice to a variety of dishes.

Chemistry of Fennel Oil

Main Chemical Components: E-anethole, fenchol, a-pinene

Fennel essential oil is made up of monoterpenes and chemical components known for their energizing and uplifting aromatic properties. The chemical makeup of this oil contributes to the sweet, licorice aroma of Fennel. Trans anethole, the monoterpene phenylpropene which is the primary chemical constituent of Fennel oil, is distinctly sweet—13 times sweeter than table sugar.

Fennel is also comprised of chemical components called ketones, which contribute to the calming properties of Fennel oil, as well as the oil’s ability to promote healthy respiratory function and healthy digestion, when taken internally.*Oils that blend well with Fennel oil

The unique, sweet scent of Fennel oil blends well with spicy essential oils like Cinnamon. You can also bring out the bright, sweet notes of citrus essential oils like Lime by blending them with Fennel essential oil.


Cautions

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.