Botanical characteristics

• Latin name: Foeniculum vulgare Miller var. sweet.
• Botanical family: Apiaceae
• Part used: Seeds
• Country of origin: Egypt

Precautions for use

Caution! Due to its oestrogen-like effects, fennel essential oil is contraindicated in pregnant women, infants and young children.

Diffusion and inhalation applications should be avoided, and dilution is required before application to sensitive skin.

Also, as this essential oil is photosensitising, do not expose yourself to the sun after using it on the skin.

Finally, this essential oil is contraindicated in hormone-dependent cancers and is not recommended for people with hypothyroidism.

Other precautions

Warning:

• Do not use fennel essential oil for prolonged periods without medical advice.
• For children and infants it is possible to use this essential oil under medical advice.

Cutaneous use:

• For sensitive skin, fennel essential oil 20% should be diluted in vegetable oil (20% essential oil in 80% vegetable oil) before use.

Contraindications: 

• This essential oil is formally contraindicated in hormone dependent cancers.
• This essential oil is not recommended for hypothyroidism.
• In high doses, fennel essential oil has narcotic effects.

Allergenic components:

Fennel essential oil contains two biochemical allergenic components:

• Limonene (≤10%)
• Linalool (≤0.2%)

Note: It is best to test the essential oil before use (two drops on the crease of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check for a reaction).

Authorised users

Risks of use