People often ask us if we stock Fennel essential oil.  “No, sorry, but we do have Aniseed, which is basically the same oil.” is usually our answer. Some are happy to take Aniseed and others aren’t quite convinced. So we think this explanation of the differences between these two oils is appropriate.

Let’s have a quick look at Aniseed and Fennel in their plant form. We know that both are from the Apiaceae family. This is a family of mostly aromatic flowering plants. They are named after the type genus Apium. Commonly known as the celery, carrot or parsley family, or simply as umbellifers. People consume different parts of the plants. In South Africa bakers use the seeds of Aniseed in rusks especially. Although worldwide, industries also use it as a flavouring in items such as alcohols, liqueurs, dairy products, gelatines, puddings, meats, and candies. Restaurants often use the fruit and bulb of the Fennel plant in fish-dishes. It is also used to flavour candies, liqueurs and medicines. Moreover, Beekeepers grow Fennel as a honey plant.

Chemical constituents of Aniseed and Fennel

We want to show you the difference between Aniseed and Fennel essential oils in their basic chemical constituents. This is where it gets interesting. Both these oils contain high concentrations of a phenylpropanoid-type molecule called trans-anethole.  Interestingly, oils within this category are known to have an energizing aroma.  It is also known to support appearance and skin health when used topically. When used internally, it may support the digestive and cardiovascular system thus promoting blood flow. trans-Anethole is also responsible for anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties of both Aniseed and Fennel.  For this reason, both species are used to treat heartburn, acid reflux and the inflammation it causes in the digestive tract. It might be interesting to know that phenylpropanoids are responsible for an essential oil being an antioxidant, chemo-preventive, anti-mitotic, neuro-protective, cardio-protective and anti-inflammatory.  Whilst fennel contains more of the very volatile monoterpenes, Aniseed contains more less volatile sesquiterpenes. This affords a slight difference in the aromatic profiles of the two oils. Monoterpenes are responsible for oils being anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-spasmodic.  Sesquiterpenes are responsible for it being anti-viral, cardiovascular-protective, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

Aniseed can contain between 77-94% trans-anethole and Fennel between 35-82%. We looked at this and thought that Aniseed was the better oil to stock since the chances are that it almost always has a higher amount of trans-anethole. What is the exact function of trans-anethole, though?  It is responsible for quite a few amazing properties.  Firstly, trans-anethole is responsible for the sweet taste of the plant and oil.  Secondly, its anti-metastatic activity enables it to inhibit the spread of a disease, especially cancer, from one part of the body to another. Aniseed produces 1.5 to 5% essential oil and Fennel produces 2 to 6% essential oil from a batch of plant material. For those interested to read more on these chemical compounds, read more here.

Benefits and how to use Aniseed

Remember, essential oils are a highly concentrated form of the plant’s properties. Use the essential oil to protect stored fruits and vegetables against growth of toxic fungi. Aniseed is known to help with the following phytotherapeutic applications:

• It stimulates the digestive system because it increases the secretion of digestive enzymes and hepatic activity (liver function) – this in turn helps with optimal uptake of nutrients in the digestive tract.
• Relaxes digestive tract to prevent and aid nausea.
• Aids cramps and indigestion.
• Keeps the metabolism healthy because it is so good for the digestive tract.
• Respiratory diseases such as bronchitis because it has a secretolytic effect on the respiratory system.  It literally breaks up phlem that in turn helps you breathe better.
• Anti-microbial – kills microorganisms and stops their growth – anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal all fall under the anti-microbial category. All-round great oil to keep those micro-organisms in control.
• Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory – this means it will assist any inflammatory issues in the body to calm down, including skin related issues.
• Supports the Cardiovascular, Digestive, Endocrine and Respiratory systems
• Maintain healthy cellular function and blood flow.
• Analgesic – can help relieve pain especially related to the digestive tract.
• Increase breast milk production – use the oil often along with a healthy diet and plenty of water. Apply a blend of basil and aniseed oil in a carrier oil such as Avocado oil around the breasts into the armpit regions to stimulate milk production.
• Infant colic – add to a roller bottle with some Fractionated Coconut oil and rub on their tummy in circular motion.
• Slight topical analgesic, so use it easily on painful gums – it has the benefit of being sweet as well!
• Because it is such a great gut-health oil, it inevitably will have a positive effect on brain health, including assisting with issues such as anxiety and depression.
• It could even assist with relief of menopausal symptoms.

A final point to ponder

In conclusion, it is OilGrow’s opinion that the two oils are very interchangeable. Aniseed contains slightly more trans-anethole than Fennel, but this phenylpropanoid is what gives both essential oils all the functions mentioned above   It’s quite tough to see a difference in benefit in these oils after seeing this comparison.  These two oils truly are cut from the same cloth. You can quite comfortably use them interchangeably.

OilGrow only stocks Aniseed essential oil.  This is mainly because Aniseed contains more trans-anethole than Fennel, and which is the main constituent contributing to the wonderful properties it exhibits.  We hope this comparison helps you understand these two oils better, in turn, helping you to use pure Aniseed essential oil from OilGrow with confidence.