Fennel (Sweet) (Foeniculum vulgare) is a herbaceous essential oil with a sweet, anise-like aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from seed, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Lemon (Cold Pressed), Blood Orange. For topical use, keep dilution at or below 2.5%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Herbaceous |
| Chemical family | Ether |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | seed |
| Origin | Egypt, France, India |
| Blending factor | 3 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
| CAS number | 8006-84-6 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 2.5% |
| Max facial dilution | 1.25% |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Nursing | Not recommended |
| Children | Not recommended for young children |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Safety flags
Evidence: Traditional — EODB: 2 GC-MS analyses (Foeniculum vulgare).
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Plan safe amounts with our essential oil dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
Frequently asked questions
What does Fennel (Sweet) essential oil smell like?
Fennel (Sweet) has a sweet, anise-like aroma, classed as a herbaceous oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Fennel (Sweet)?
For topical use, keep Fennel (Sweet) at or below 2.5%, and 1.25% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Fennel (Sweet) safe to use during pregnancy?
Fennel (Sweet) is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
Is Fennel (Sweet) safe to use around children?
Fennel (Sweet) is not recommended for young children. Consult a professional before use.
Is Fennel (Sweet) safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Fennel (Sweet) blend well with?
Fennel (Sweet) pairs well with Lavender, Lemon (Cold Pressed), Blood Orange, Cardamom, Geranium.