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Fennel essential oil

EMA-monograph distilled essential oil for cough and dyspepsia, distinct from fennel seed (already in catalogue) used for the same indications.

Why

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) essential oil, distinct from the fennel seed already in the catalogue, holds EMA HMPC Traditional Use monographs for relief of cough associated with cold and for mild dyspeptic complaints. Bitter fennel (var. amara) and sweet fennel (var. dulce) have separate monographs. The essential oil provides more concentrated essential-oil components (anethole, fenchone) than the whole seed.

How it works

Trans-anethole produces spasmolytic effects on intestinal and bronchial smooth muscle. Fenchone contributes mild antimicrobial activity. Mild oestrogenic activity at higher doses.

Expected onset · Acute symptomatic relief within hours

How to take

Dosage

Bitter fennel oil: 0.1–0.6 ml/day (often as sweetened drops). Sweet fennel oil: similar.

Timing

After meals or during symptomatic phase

On the label

Foeniculum vulgare essential oil, bitter (var. amara) or sweet (var. dulce). EMA-registered traditional herbal medicinal products comply.

Ideal for

Adults with mild dyspepsia, infant colic (under paediatric guidance, dilute preparations), or productive cough.

Safety

Concentrated essential oil, not for undiluted ingestion. Caution in infants and children, use only paediatric-labelled preparations and follow age guidance. Oestrogenic activity. Caution in hormone-sensitive cancer history. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid medicinal doses (culinary use of seeds is fine).

Evidence

At a glance

EMA classifies fennel essential oil (bitter and sweet) at Traditional Use for cough and dyspepsia. Traditional-use registration only, no Cochrane review, no Well-Established Use monograph, no EFSA-authorised claim, and no major-journal RCT supports a specific therapeutic effect. Inclusion here reflects the documented tradition; modern clinical evidence is limited.

Limitations

Traditional-use registration only, no Cochrane review, no Well-Established Use monograph, no EFSA-authorised claim, and no major-journal RCT supports a specific therapeutic effect. Inclusion here reflects the documented tradition; modern clinical evidence is limited.

Where to get it

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