Fennel
Profile
| Latin Name | Foeniculum vulgare |
| Chinese Name | Xiao Hui Xiang |
| Family | Apiaceae/Umbelliferae |
| Note | Middle |
| Aroma | <Soft> Herbaceous, Sweet |
| Color | Clear |
| Parts Distilled | Seeds |
| Regions | France, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, North Africa, India |
| Taste | Spicy, Sweet Nature: Warming |
| Affinity | LR/SP/ST/KI |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Phenolic ethers (~50-90%), ketones |
| Skin Type | Mature; can irritate skin |
| Dosage | 4% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Warms the middle heater to promote digestion and appetite (though excessive use will suppress appetite)
- Regulates fluid metabolism, for frequent/scanty urination, edema, gout, cystitis, cellulite; regulate qi to expel cold in the Liver channel- hernia, menstrual cramping, amenorrhea
- Strengthens the Kidneys and chi-willpower; Ming-Men (Life-Gate) Fire Communicate Kidney-Heart; nourish Kidney yin and tonifying Kidney yang
Indications
- Cold in the Stomach with abdominal pain, undigested protein, loss of appetite, nausea, constipation, desire for warm drinks (CV-12, ST-36, ST-21, ST-42)
- Cold in the Liver Channel with lower abdominal pain, shan or hemia, lack of menstruation, difficulty in urination and defecation (LR-5, LR- 1, SP-1, LR-3, CV-2)
- Deficient Heart Yang (GV-14, HT-5, BL-14, BL-15, TH-4)
Topical Applications
- Apply to bunions and useful in blends for foot reflexology.
Specific Protocols
- Apply a 4% dilution of Fennel (50%), Rosemary (30%), Celery Seed (20%) for Cold in the Liver Channel and LR/GB Divergent Channels.
- Apply a 4% dilution of Fennel (40%), Cinnamon Leaf (30%), and Mugwort (20%) to open Governor Vessel. (Note: For short-term use only!)
Actions
- Stomachic (promoting the appetite or assisting digestion)
- Cholagogue (a drug or other substance that promotes the flow of bile from the gall bladder into the duodenum)
- Analgesic
- Diuretic
Contraindications & Cautions
- Estrogenic
- Heat and interior wind patterns
- Not for cancer
- Hypothyroidism
- Not used during pregnancy
- Not for pre-pubescent children
Notes
- Strengthens and regulates
- Resonates with the root chakra
- For someone losing their sense of self due to apprehension, afraid of being successful; they may take leaps instead of steps
- For someone who hides their emotions out of fear
- For someone unable to make the connections they want (heart kidney communication)
- For certain cases of infertility, strengthening of the kidneys, the warming of the abdomen and kidneys, but keep in mind the estrogenic component
Additional Comments
- *Long-term use of Fennel can induce epilepsy and hallucinations.
- Slightly narcotic
- Fennel has been found to help neutralize alcohol, making it important for recovering alcoholics
From Class
- Fennel: Oil that resonates with BL-23 Shenshu; apply a drop on the point. (Yuen)
- Ginger, rosemary, fennel (kitchen-spice oils): When a person can't swallow, essential oils from kitchen spices support the Earth element and integration; inhale or apply with a carrier oil. (Lewis)