Fennel oil

Foeniculi aetheroleum, fennel oil

Fennel oil is the essential oil obtained from the dried, ripe fruits of the Foeniculum vulgare Miller var.   vulgare (Miller) Thellung [Fam.  Apiaceae], by water steam distillation, as well as its preparations in effective dosage.  

Fennel oil contains anethole, fenchone, and not more than 5 percent estragon.  

Uses

Peptic discomforts, such as mild, spastic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, feeling of fullness, flatulence.  

Catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract.  

Fennel honey:

• Catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract in children.  

Contraindications

Fennel honey:

• None known.  

Other preparations:

• Pregnancy.  Not to be used for infants and toddlers.  

Side Effects

In rare cases, allergic reactions affecting skin and respiratory system.  

None known.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

Daily dosage:

• 0.1 - 0.6 ml, equivalent to 0.1 - 0.6 g of herb;
• equivalent preparations.  

Fennel honey syrup with 0.5 g fennel oil/kg:

• 10 - 20 g;
• equivalent preparations.  

Essential oil and galenical preparations for internal use.  

Unless otherwise advised by a physician or pharmacist, one should not consume fennel oil for an extended period (several weeks).  

Note:Fennel syrup, fennel honey: Diabetics must consider sugar content of bread exchange units according to manufacturer's information.  

Stimulation of gastrointestinal motility.  
In higher concentrations, antispasmodic.  
Experimentally, anethole and fenchone have shown a secretolytic action on the respiratory tract.  
In vitro, antimicrobial.