When the fennel plant is in the spotlight, its seeds take center stage. Though this perennial herb also showcases attractive flowers and leaves, it’s the seeds themselves that actually produce dōTERRA® Fennel essential oil when steam distilled. Middle Eastern cultures have long employed fennel in their cuisine, taking advantage of the fact that this herb flourishes in close proximity to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Every single part of the fennel plant is edible; therefore, a bulb, shoot or seed need never go to waste. In ancient Rome, soldiers ate fennel to prepare for battle, believing it could impart strength. Marathon runners might know that their favored race is named after the Greek city from which a courier ran (at great personal risk) to Athens to delivery news of a military victory. In ancient Greek, marathos actually meant “fennel,” which grew so abundantly in the area that a city was named after it!
Given the fact that Fennel oil is peculiarly sweet, with a distinct licorice aroma, it seems ironic that a single drop of Fennel in your glass of water or cup of tea may actually help curb overpowering cravings for sugary sweets. This beneficial interplay is due to the fact that the primary chemical constituent of Fennel is indeed many times sweeter than sugar, so it can trick the body into thinking it’s indulging in a calorie-loaded cupcake or some other such tempting treat. Think of using Fennel as a kind of healthy deception, to help you crave better things.
For a sharp, flavorful addition to a savory dip or salad, add a toothpick dip’s amount of Fennel. Start with the bare minimum, adding more as needed to avoid an overpoweringly pungent situation. Fennel isn’t bashful: it adds a strong, robust flavor to dishes such as sausage and soup. And it will continue to be kind to you even after you’ve finished dinner by promoting healthy digestion and metabolism. We all know the unpleasant feeling of an overfilled stomach after overindulging during a meal, right? Well, if you find yourself in that digestive pickle, reach for Fennel to combat the resulting discomfort (and use it proactively to avoid getting into that situation again). Fennel is a key component of any blend purposed to address belly complaints, and it combines very well with spicy oils such as Clove and Ginger as well as citrus oils. Add a few drops of Fennel directly to Fractionated Coconut Oil for a soothing, anytime abdominal massage.
As you’ll see, Fennel is aromatically energizing, uplifting, and confidence-inspiring. Those Roman soldiers did eat it just before battle, remember? These days, I’d recommend it as part of productivity-boosting diffuser blends like these two.
Flourish
• 2 drops Fennel
• 2 drops Cinnamon Bark
• 2 drops Clove
Herbal Cleanse
• 3 drops Fennel
• 2 drops Basil
• 2 drops Lime
Hailed as a digestive superhero across centuries, it’s clear why fennel is the favored herb to help soothe pretty much any uncomfortable sensations in that area. And as one deep breath of those two diffuser blends mentioned above would quickly demonstrate, you can also count on Fennel to support a healthy respiratory system and mindset. Fennel essential oil as an internal, topical, and aromatic aid extends beyond just one application, and it brings a distinctively sweet note of licorice wherever it goes. Used for centuries, supportive of digestive and total body health, and easing to tummy troubles: they’re just a few of the many compelling reasons to favor Fennel in your daily life!