Fennel is a plant that is familiar to many due to its beneficial properties. Few people have not heard this mysterious name. In 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 were known in antiquity. As a medicine, he was also used by Hippocrates and Avicenna.
In modern medicine, fennel oil has become widespread. It is added as a carminative to combat flatulence, colic in children's medicines, a variety of teas and drinks. In addition, a dried plant is often one of the constituents of herbal choleretic, breast and sedative. Infusions and decoctions of leaves and fruits of fennel are used for insomnia, neurasthenia, acne, and also as an anti-inflammatory and antitussive.
To achieve a therapeutic effect, it is not necessary to use the plant inside. Decoctions and infusions, as well as fennel essential oil can be applied externally. Its stems are even included in the composition of 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 component of the production of modern perfumes.
In addition, the leaves, fruits and roots of fennel are edible and widely used in cooking and canning, raw - in salads or for stewing with other vegetables and meat, and in dried - as a spicy seasoning.
Essential Oil Properties
Fennel is a fragrant plant. The oil, which is made from its constituents (seeds are most often used for cooking), has a bitter taste and 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 useful properties that they deserve their more detailed coverage. At the same time, the properties of fennel oil and its use are more conveniently considered in combination.
- Carminative and antispasmodic. It is thanks to these properties that fennel is famous. It is used for digestive disorders, bloating, nausea, etc. It helps to fight excess weight and removes toxins from the body.
- Diuretic. This property of fennel oil provides its ability to remove excess fluid, and therefore, fight against edema and manifestations of cellulite. In addition, the use of this plant's oil helps to eliminate kidney stones.
- Expectorant. This oil is used for chronic lingering cough, bronchitis, tracheitis and other respiratory diseases.
- The antiseptic property of fennel oil and its ability to heal wounds, as well as accelerate the regeneration of the skin make it indispensable in cosmetology. With its help, acne, furunculosis, scars and scars, striae and other skin imperfections are treated. Effectively it also against wrinkles and age-related changes in the skin, it restores its elasticity and healthy color, makes it supple 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 (5 m 2 ), the concentration of various fungi decreases on average 5 times!
- Sedative Oil is used for arrhythmias and nervous disorders. It is able to gently normalize sexual function, calm, overcome fear and a feeling of heightened anxiety, and restore peace of mind. Due to this property, fennel aromatic oil is used in the complex treatment of alcohol and tobacco dependence and in the removal of a hangover syndrome. Moreover, the unique aroma increases self-esteem, liberates, reduces stiffness and constraint.
Application methods
The use of fennel essential oil in aromatherapy does not differ from the rules for the use of other oils, but everyone knows them. If you want to calm down and relax in silence, you can add a few drops to the aroma lamp.
To use fennel oil inside, you can use the following recipes:
- on a piece of sugar should be applied a couple of drops and eat;
- the same couple of drops can be diluted in a dessert spoon of kefir or dripped on a piece of bread, however, this option is not suitable for everyone, given the bright aroma.
For facial skin
Fennel oil has a beneficial effect on the skin of the face. It is a good antioxidant. It tones and helps fight the first signs of aging, facial wrinkles and dull skin. To achieve the desired effect, it is enough to add only two drops of essential oil to the daily rate of face cream. You can also enter it into a cooked mask.
Useful course application of this tool. After a month of use, you should take a break for a month.
For hair
Fennel oil can also be used for hair. This will strengthen them and improve their health, improve their appearance. Thanks to oil therapy, even the most dried hair can be saved, for example, after a vacation in hot countries.
It is enough to add a couple of drops of oil to the shampoo or hair balm during washing. In addition, you can perform a nightly ritual of oil combing. For this purpose, 3-5 drops of essential oil should be dripped onto a comb made of natural materials and combed for 5-10 minutes. Such a massage will improve blood circulation, relieve excess static electricity and nourish curls with useful substances.
For coarsened 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 the winter, you can prepare the following mixture:
- baby cream (fatter) - 1 tablespoon;
- peppermint oil - 3-5 drops (can be replaced with olive or castor oil);
- fennel oil, grapefruit - 1-2 drops.
Cooked cream must be stored in the refrigerator.
Anticellulite massage
Fennel oil will help in the fight against cellulite. To prepare a miraculous massage composition should be mixed:
- base oil (for this purpose any vegetable oil is suitable: almond, grape seed, olive or sunflower) - 50 ml;
- oil of fennel, grapefruit, lime - 5 drops each.
Massage to achieve the best effect, it is necessary to carry out daily for the first two weeks, then just use the oil 2 times a week. Unused mixture can be stored in the refrigerator.
Based on cosmetic clay with the addition of the above oil mixture, a wrapping composition can be prepared.
Contraindications
Like any other natural product, fennel oil can not only benefit, but also harm. When using it, you should be careful, it is recommended to consult with specialists.
So, the use of this oil is not recommended for traditionally pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under the age of 5 years. It is forbidden to use it also for people suffering from epilepsy.
It should be borne in mind 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, apply a couple of drops on the back of the wrist and wait 10-15 minutes.
Effects on animals and insects
The smell of fragrant fennel, fortunately, is not tolerated by insects or animals. With its help, you can easily and easily wean your pet from "going about your business" in the wrong place, as well as from other bad habits, such as scratching doors, tearing off wallpaper and spoiling home furniture. In addition, sweet dill oil will scare away insects. It will help get rid of moths and other annoying vile.
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, boots, high boots), before you put them away for summer storage, you must protect from the invasion of moths. To do this, you can put in bags of fur coats and hats bags made of natural fabric, soaked in a few drops of the product.
The wide range of properties of fennel essential oil and its use against various ailments makes this product indispensable in modern first-aid kits and cosmetic bags. The main thing is to follow the instructions for use and avoid overdose.