How to Use Fennel Essential Oil

Are you intrigued about the idea of fennel essential oil? To many this is a fairly new concept, as many are familiar with fennel but never realized it was available and can be used in oil form. You can buy fennel essential oil, but you can also make it if you wish. Making your own fennel oil can be done, and you will find that once it is created it has many practical uses. To learn more, take a peek below at How to Use Fennel Essential Oil, so you too can reap the benefits it has to offer.

How to Use Fennel Essential Oil

How to make fennel oil:
To begin, let's talk about how to make your own fennel oil. I will warn you that it can be a lengthy process that requires patience, but making your own is quite cost effective. So if you can handle the waiting game, making your own fennel oil is a great option. To make your own, you will need to mix 1/2 cup of fennel leaves with 2 cups of extra virgin olive oil. Mix the two ingredients together, taking care to press and crush the leaves to release the oils. Place the mixture in an air tight jar and store on a counter top for two weeks. That is right, two weeks! This is the time the oil needs to mix and meld.

Once your oil has sat for two weeks, you can strain it through a piece of cheesecloth to clean the oil. Store your fennel oil in an airtight jar. Your fennel oil is now ready to be enjoyed! Don't worry, if you are too impatient for this process, you can find fennel oil at online retailers and at specialty food stores.

How to use fennel essential oil:

Once your fennel oil is made, you will want to start using it! As you might imagine, it has the flavor of fresh fennel, which is the sweet, somewhat black licorice or anise flavor. You will find that a little fennel oil goes a long way, so start slow and add as needed to build flavors.

Here are some great ways to put that fennel oil to use:

Ease menstrual pain by massaging fennel oil into the side or soles of the feet.
Soothe an upset stomach by adding a few drops of fennel oil to warm water and drinking.
Place a few drops in your palms and inhale to calm and relax yourself.
Eat a dab of fennel oil to help curb sweet tooth cravings.
Infuse fennel oil to help promote concentration and focus.
Apply to minor skin irritations to help soothe them and promote healing.

When cooking with fennel oil, you want to remember that it does have a sweeter flavor, so you may not want to use it as you do traditional cooking oils. It actually pairs well with sweeter dishes, so consider adding it to dessert mixes, jellies, sweet syrups, and other sweet flavored treats. You can also consider adding it to your homemade bath and body treats, as it adds a sweet scent and of course beauty benefits to your homemade lotion bars, body scrubs, and body butters.

Consider making your own fennel oil so you can give these creative uses a try. You might find this little known oil to be one of your favorites!