Fennel is supportive of a person’s sense of responsibility. In other words, those with a lack of confidence in their ability to respond or who have a weakened sense of Self can greatly benefit from Fennel. The person may feel self-doubt, low self-esteem, lack of accountability and lack of motivation with little to no desire to deal with life’s responsibilities. Fennel can help them live in alignment with their values and integrity. Historically, it was even used to give strength and courage to warriors, and it supports stamina and longevity by strengthening the solar plexus.
Fennel has a sweet and spicy aroma and that spiciness helps reignite passion for life. It is balancing and promotes courage. Fennel will give us courage to look at the part of the self that lacks self love. It gently forces us to look at our own rejection of self due to self image and victim mentality. It is good for those of us who are challenged by weight fluctuations which may have a root of feeling unloved, not worthy to accept love or not being able to love ourselves for who we are. When we have a loss of connection to our body and its natural signals we resort to emotional eating, severe dieting or even substance abuse. Fennel supports the individual to become attuned to the body and pay attention to its actual needs. You can finally feel real hunger, thirst, satiation, tiredness or exhaustion. Fennel has the knack of curbing cravings like sweets but also of experiences that dull the senses much like excessive sugar does to our brain! It dulls our senses and puts us in a comfortable lull with no real nourishment and makes us crave it more in a short span of time. That’s when it’s time to get Fennel out, take a drop under the tongue or at the roof of our mouth and enjoy its sweetness as we wait for the craving to pass.
So whenever you feel like you’ve lost touch with your Self and disconnected from your body and its signals, remember Fennel which encourages you to live in integrity with yourself despite the judgment of others. Fear and shame will no longer paralyse you as you re-establish connection and embrace your appetite for nourishment (food and spiritual) and for life itself.
Fennel blends well with: Basil, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood
Depending on your uses for this oil, substitutes may include: Basil, Cardamom, Juniper Berry or Lemon
Avoid if you have a history of seizures. Use with caution during pregnancy. Always test for skin sensitivity prior to widespread use and use on the feet when possible. Excessive use of any oil can lead to skin sensitisation. Keep out of eyes, ears, or nose. Not all oils are created equal, so test brands carefully, and never use an oil in a way not recommended by its maker.