Fennel is a plant that is familiar to many due to its beneficial properties. Few people have not heard this mysterious name. In the common people, it is called sweet dill, due to the fact that outwardly it is very similar to the familiar spicy plant of the umbrella family of the same name. Its fruits, leaves and stems are rich in essential oils. Fennel oil is widely used in medicine and cosmetology, as well as in perfumery.
Fennel Application
Its healing properties have been known since ancient times. It was also used as a medicine by Hippocrates and Avicenna.
Fennel oil has become widespread in modern medicine. It is added as a carminative to combat manifestations of flatulence, colic in children's medications, a variety of teas and drinks. In addition, the dried plant is often one of the components of herbal choleretic, pectoral and sedative preparations. Infusions and decoctions of fennel leaves and fruits are used for insomnia, neurasthenia, acne, and also as an anti-inflammatory and antitussive agent.
To achieve a therapeutic effect, it is not at all necessary to use a plantinside. Decoctions and infusions, as well as fennel essential oil, can also be used externally. Its stems are even included in bath brooms.
Due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, the oil of this plant is widely used in cosmetology, and its pleasant spicy aroma makes it a frequent ingredient in modern perfumery products.
In addition, the leaves, fruits and roots of fennel are edible and are widely used in cooking and canning, raw - in salads or for stewing with other vegetables and meat, and dried - as a spicy seasoning.
Essential oil properties
Fennel is a fragrant plant. The oil, which is made from its components (most often seeds are used for cooking), has a bitter taste and an aroma reminiscent of the smell of anise. In aromatherapy, this oil is considered one of the most valuable, although it is not rare or expensive.
Sweet dill oil, as it has already become clear, is so rich in beneficial properties that they deserve more detailed coverage of them. At the same time, it is more convenient to consider the properties of fennel oil and its use in the aggregate.
- Carminative and antispasmodic. It is thanks to these properties that fennel is famous. It is used for indigestion, bloating, nausea, etc. It helps fight excess weight and removes toxins from the body.
- Diuretic. This property of fennel oil provides its ability to remove excess fluid, andtherefore, fight edema and cellulite manifestations. In addition, the use of oil from this plant helps to eliminate kidney stones.
- Expectorant. This oil is used for chronic chronic cough, bronchitis, tracheitis and other respiratory diseases.
- The antiseptic property of fennel oil and its ability to heal wounds and accelerate the regeneration of the skin make it indispensable in cosmetology. With its help, acne, furunculosis, scars and scars, stretch marks and other skin imperfections are treated. It is also effective against wrinkles and age-related changes in the skin, it restores its elasticity and he althy color, makes it elastic and tones. In addition, oil is often added to toothpastes to combat gum disease.
- Antifungal. Checked: if you treat the room with water with the addition of a couple of drops of fennel oil (for 5 m2), the concentration of various fungi is reduced by an average of 5 times!
- Sedative. The oil is used for arrhythmias and nervous disorders. It is able to gently normalize sexual function, soothe, overcome fear and a sense of increased anxiety, restore peace of mind. Due to this property, fennel aroma oil is used in the complex therapy of alcohol and tobacco addiction and in the removal of a hangover syndrome. Moreover, the unique aroma increases self-esteem, liberates, reduces stiffness and constraint.
Uses
The use of fennel essential oil in aromatherapy is no different from the rules for using other oils, and everyone knows them. If you want to calm down and relax in silence, you can add a few drops of it to the aroma lamp.
To use fennel oil internally, you can use the following recipes:
- put a couple of drops on a sugar cube and eat it;
- the same couple of drops can be diluted in a dessert spoon of kefir or put on a piece of bread, however, this option is not suitable for everyone, given the bright aroma.
For face skin
Fennel oil has a beneficial effect on the skin of the face. This is a good antioxidant. It tones and helps fight the first signs of aging, mimic wrinkles and dullness of the skin. To achieve the desired effect, it is enough to add just two drops of essential oil to the daily rate of face cream. It can also be added to a prepared mask.
Useful course application of this tool. After a month of use, you should take a break for a month.
Hair
Fennel oil can also be used for hair. This will strengthen them and heal them, improve their appearance. Thanks to oil therapy, even the most parched hair can be saved, for example, after a vacation in hot countries.
It is enough to add a couple of drops of oil to your shampoo or hair balm while washing. In addition, you can perform an oil combing ritual every night. For this purpose, it is necessary to drop 3-5 drops of essential oil on a comb made of natural materials and comb the hair for 5-10 minutes. Such a massagewill improve blood circulation, relieve excess static electricity and nourish the curls with useful substances.
For rough skin of hands and elbows
To soften the skin in the elbows or knees, as well as to improve the appearance of the skin of the hands in winter, you can prepare this mixture:
- baby cream (fatter) - 1 tablespoon;
- mint oil - 3-5 drops (can be replaced with olive or castor oil);
- Fennel oil, grapefruit - 1-2 drops each.
Cooked cream must be stored in the refrigerator.
Anti-cellulite massage
Fennel oil will also help in the fight against cellulite. To prepare a miraculous massage composition, mix:
- base oil (any vegetable oil is suitable for this purpose: almond, grape seed, olive or sunflower) - 50 ml;
- fennel, grapefruit, lime oil - 5 drops each.
Massage to achieve the best effect should be done daily for the first two weeks, then it is enough to use the oil 2 times a week. Unused formula can be stored in the refrigerator.
Based on cosmetic clay with the addition of the above oil mixture, you can prepare a composition for body wraps.
Contraindications
Like any other remedy of natural origin, fennel oil can bring not only benefits, but also harm. When using it, you should be more careful, it is recommended to consult withspecialists.
So, the use of this oil is not traditionally recommended for pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under the age of 5 years. It is also forbidden to use it for people suffering from epilepsy.
Be aware that natural fennel oil has allergenic properties. Therefore, before use, it is necessary to do a test for the presence of an allergic reaction. To do this, put a couple of drops on the back of your wrist and wait 10-15 minutes.
Exposure to animals and insects
The smell of fragrant fennel, fortunately, is not tolerated by insects or animals. With it, you can easily and naturally wean your pet from "going about your business" in the wrong place, as well as from other bad habits, such as scratching doors, tearing wallpaper and damaging home furniture. In addition, fennel oil will repel insects. It will help get rid of moths and other annoying gnats.
To do this, it is enough to treat the "favorite" places of animals and insects with water with the addition of a few drops of essential oil.
Winter outerwear, accessories and shoes (fur hats, felt boots, high boots), before putting them away for summer storage, must be protected from moth invasion. To do this, you can put bags made of natural fabric soaked in a few drops of the product in the pockets of fur coats and hats.
The wide range of properties of fennel essential oil and its use against various ailments makes this product indispensable in modernfirst aid kits and cosmetics. The main thing is to follow the instructions for use and avoid overdose.
