This document summarizes the properties and uses of three essential oils: fennel, aniseed, and nutmeg. Fennel essential oil is extracted from fennel seeds by steam distillation and contains compounds like anethole and fenchone. It has therapeutic properties such as being an antispasmodic and digestive aid. Aniseed essential oil also comes from seeds, containing anethole, and is used to treat bronchitis and indigestion. Nutmeg oil is extracted from nutmeg seeds and contains compounds like pinene and myristicin. It has properties like being a stimulant and digestive aid, and can be used to aid birth and relieve pain.
2. Fennel essential oil
INTRODUCTION
fennel essential oil is extracted from
Foeniculum vulgare which is sweet fennel
(also known as F. officinale, F. capillaceum and
Anethum foeniculum) of the Umbelliferae
(Apiaceae) family and is also known as fenkel
and Roman fennel.
Sweet fennel oil is extracted from crushed
seeds by steam distillation
3. Chemical composition
The main chemical
components of fennel oil
are a-pinene, myrcene,
fenchone, trans-anethole,
methyl chavicol, limonene,
1,8-cineole and anisic
aldehyde.
fenchone,
4. Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of fennel oil are
aperitif,
antiseptic,
antispasmodic,
carminative,
depurative,
diuretic,
emmenagogue,
expectorant,
galactagogue,
laxative,
stimulant,
stomachic,
splenic,
tonic
vermifuge.
5. Uses
Fennel oil is a remedy for digestive complaints such as flatulence,
constipation, colic, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dyspepsia and
hiccups. It is also used in cases of obesity, as it promotes that 'full
feeling' and has a diuretic effect that helps to disperse cellulite.
For the mind, it adds courage and strength in the face of adversity.
It has a cleansing and toning effect on the skin, helping with
bruises, sorting out overly oily skin and to fight wrinkles in more
mature complexions (possibly due to the estrogenic properties of
the oil).
It has a toning effect on the spleen and liver, that helps with the
results of excess drink and food. It is also used for increasing
insufficient milk in nursing mothers - but for boosting breast milk,
rather use the fresh herb, since the oil contains very high
concentrations of trans-anethole.
6. Aniseed essential oil
INTRODUCTION
aniseed essential oil is extracted from the
seeds of the herb Pimpinella anisum (also
known as P. officinale and vulgare), of the
Umbelliferae family.
The oil is extracted by steam distillation from
the dried ripe fruit and seeds.
7. Chemical composition
The essential oil includes
the following chemical
compounds; a-pinene,
camphene, b-pinene,
linalool, cis-anethole, trans-
anethole, safrole,
anisaldehyde and
acetoanisole.
anisaldehyde
8. Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of aniseed oil are
antiseptic,
antispasmodic,
carminative,
diuretic,
expectorant,
stimulant,
galactagogue,
stomachic,
insecticide,
laxative
parasiticide.
9. Uses
Aniseed oil can be useful in the treatment of
muscular aches and pains, rheumatism,
bronchitis, whooping cough, colic, cramp,
flatulence, indigestion, catarrh and hangovers.
10. Nutmeg essential oil (myristica)
INTRODUCTION
nutmeg oil is extracted from Myristica
fragrans (also known as Myristica officinalis,
M. oromata and Nux moschata) of the
Myristicaceae family and is also known as
jatiphala.
Nutmeg oil is extracted by steam distillation
from the dried seeds.
11. Chemical composition
The main chemical
components of nutmeg oil
are a-pinene, camphene, b-
pinene, sabinene, myrcene,
a-phellandrene, a-
terpinene, limonene, 1,8-
cineole, y-terpinene,
linalool, terpinen-4-ol,
safrole, methyl eugenol and
myristicin.
myristicin.
12. Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of Nutmeg oil are
analgesic,
antirheumatic,
antiseptic,
antispasmodic,
carminative,
digestive,
emmenagogue,
laxative,
parturient,
stimulant
tonic.
13. Uses
Nutmeg oil stimulates the heart and circulation,
activates the mind and revives people from fainting
spells, while stimulating the digestive system and
fighting wind, nausea, chronic vomiting and diarrhea.
It encourages appetite and averts constipation, fights
gallstones and is a tonic for the reproductive system,
while regulating scanty periods, relieving frigidity and
impotence. It can aid births by strengthening
contractions.
The oil has shown good anti-inflammatory action, and
is also successful in relieving pain, especially muscular
aches and pain, as well as rheumatism.