Thursday, May 10, 2012

Aromatherapy Thursday - Fennel

This beautiful plant marker was found on ETSY shop HouseOfWhisperingFir at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HouseofWhisperingFir?ref=seller_info
Today's featured essential oil and plant is Fennel.  While Fennel is great for pizza it has many other very useful properties.  Did you know Fennel will actually freshen your breath better than peppermint?  In fact in the Victorian period people would chew fennel seeds just for that freshy reason.  It has also been noted to treat constipation and relieve flatulence. 
You can purchase Whole Organic Fennel from ETSY shop Kat's Herbs & Knitting at http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatsHerbsKnitting?ref=seller_info
Fennel is a common plant that can be grown in most areas of the US and other countries as a perennial.  Fennel has been nicknamed the wild carrot for its carrot shaped root.  It is best know for it culinary uses but does have many great properties if included as seasoning in the diet or as a tea.  Alone (without the pizza) Fennel's flavor is very similar to anise and is very palatable.  The essential oil is made by distillation of the plant's leaves and stems.
You can purchase heirloom seeds to plant your own fennel from Etsy shop NimbleNiteCap at http://www.etsy.com/shop/nimblenitecap?ref=seller_info
Topically, fennel is often included in skin care products for its ability to freshen and brighten skin and it can also help relieve puffy eyes.

The essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to balance moods and has properties that will aid in reducing stress and tension.  It is also used to revitalize the mind and may even help with moods during the menstrual cycle.   Fennel oil and that actual plant smell very similar to licorice and the fragrance will often blend nicely with other earthy scents like basil, lavender, lemon, cedarwood, patchouli and sandalwood.

'Aromatherapy Thursday - Fennel' by ButterflyInTheAttic

This treasury can also be found in today's blog post Aromatherpay Thursday - Fennel at:

Organic Florence Fennel...
$3.50
Mandrake Garden Natural...
$7.95
Fennel Grapefruit Beesw...
$4.00
Aloe and Fennel soap
$6.95
Clove & Fennel Nursing...
$5.25
Fennel (Foeniculum vulg...
$2.00
Savior Salve- Sweet Fen...
$15.00
Chai Lip Balm Tube -- H...
$4.00
Herbal Tea Blend HOOKAH...
$9.00
Twig Pencils - Natural ...
$11.95
Organic Fennel Seeds
$2.00
Fragrant & Powerful Fen...
$8.00
Dead Sea Mud Complexion...
$5.50
NATURAL SWEET FENNEL Es...
$6.00
Fennel Chamomile Facial...
$10.00
Fennel Seed Powder, 1 o...
$1.50

'Aromatherapy Thursday - Fennel - Part 2' by ButterflyInTheAttic

This treasury can also be found in today's blog post Aromatherpay Thursday - Fennel at:

Organic Fennel Florence...
$2.00
Fennel Lip Balm
$3.50
Absinthe Soy Wax Single...
$3.49
Candle Lemon Fennel Ess...
$12.50
Orange Fennel Chef Soap
$8.00
Fennel Essential Oil
$6.50
Lip Balm- Sweet Fennel
$5.00
NEW Dulce Sweet Fennel ...
$13.00
All Natural Lavender Li...
$9.50
All Natural Lavender Li...
$6.75
1/4 Pound Whole Fennel ...
$3.00
Absinthe Shea Cocoa But...
$8.99
Swallowing Knives: Sore...
$10.00
Absinthe scented 8 oz. ...
$16.00
Spearmint Lime All Natu...
$4.95
The Due Date
$10.00

Outside of normal culinary uses, Fennel is a very powerful herb and essential oil that should be used with caution.  It should not be used by pregnant women and small children.  You should always consult your physician prior to using any alternative medicine, homeopathic treatments, or essential oils especially if you have conditions such as epilepsy.  Always conduct an allergy test prior to using products containing essential oils and never use Fennel oil "neat" or directly applied to the skin, this may cause damage to the skin.  When smelling essential oils never directly put the bottle or container to your nose, instead hold it several inches away and using your hand waft the scent to your nose.  Smelling directly from the container could damage the sensitive mucous membranes inside your nose.

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