Background: There are 2 types of Fennel, bitter and sweet, but only sweet fennel is used in aromatherapy. Fennel comes from the Umbelliferae family and grows wild in most parts of Europe. It has a sweet aniseed-like aroma and is often used as a flavouring.

Properties: Diuretic, Carminative, antispasmodic, appetite stimulant (aperitif), emmenagogue, galactagogue.

Precautions: Not to be used if pregnant, on young children or suffers of Epilepsy. Can cause skin irritation.

Physical Uses: Digestive problems, flatulence, constipation, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, cystitis, obesity, fluid retention, helps produce milk in breast feeding mothers, helps irregular periods, menopause, cellulite, gout and alcohol poisoning.

Emotional Uses: Emotional Blockages, Fear of Failure and Boredom.