For many families, Fennel or Foeniculum vulgare is a favorite kitchen staple for the crunchy, sweet flavor it brings to any meal. Apart from the that, none of its parts go to waste: The pale green bulb can be added into a soup or salad; the leaves can enhance the flavor of pasta; while the seeds can be used as spice and made into oil.
From free-radical fighting antioxidants to phytonutrients, Fennel Seeds are loaded with over 80 vitamins and minerals that you wouldn’t get from your average vegetable. This makes it an excellent remedy for many hair and scalp conditions.
Benefits of Fennel Seed Oil to the Hair
Strengthens Hair
Our bodies have a way of telling us if there’s something not right inside. For instance, when our hormones are not balanced or when we lack certain nutrients, our skin and hair will let us know instantly. Weak, damaged hair and fall outs are a sign of nutrient deficiency. It means our body is lacking in vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, among others.
Fennel seeds are rich in vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron, which is why many are using its extract for preventing hair loss. It helps to strengthen the follicles by bringing nutrition to the scalp. We highly recommend Oway Nurturing Drops to reverse and heal damage from the inside out.
Stimulates Hair Growth
Free radicals are detrimental to the hair. Without enough antioxidants in the body, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which impedes hair growth and causes thinning. Fennel seeds are packed with antioxidants, as well as nutrients like pantothenic acid, iron, molybdenum, copper, folate, iron, and niacin that stimulate hair growth.
Fights Oxidative Stress
Almost 15% of Fennel’s nutritional value is made up of vitamin C, making it a very potent antioxidant. Vitamin C is also a known electron donor, which help prevent oxidative damage caused by imbalance of free radical levels in our body.
Oxidative stress can manifest in a variety of ways, from breakage to hair loss as a result of rapid aging. The only way to counter this is to use products containing vitamin C, like Oway After-Sun Hair Mask. The Fennel extract in this hair mask will help strip the hair and scalp of free radicals after a day in the sun.
Moisturizes the Hair
Many consumers make the mistake of overloading the hair with protein to keep it looking shiny and healthy. But nothing could be further than the truth. Our hair strands have no natural lubrication, so they rely on the oil produced in the roots to keep them looking shiny and nourished. An overabundance of protein can throw off the natural pH balance of the hair and scalp, resulting in hygral fatigue and dry scalp. The antioxidants and antimicrobial properties of Fennel tones the hair and scalp, stripping them of elements that are causing dryness, including protein buildup.
Cleanses the Scalp
According to research, Fennel Seed Oil effectively inhibits the growth of a wide spectrum of bacteria and fungi.1 Due to its acetone, n-butanol, ethanol and ether content, fennel extract is great for treating conditions like dandruff and eczema, and calming irritated scalp. Those with sensitive skin would benefit from using Oway Soothing Remedy Spot Treatment for its healing and moisturizing properties.
Who would have thought this favorite soup and salad ingredient offers all these amazing hair and scalp benefits? However, do take note that like all essential oils, Fennel Seed Oil must be diluted before application to avoid photosensitivity. Be sure to mix with a carrier oil or water before using.
Sources:
1 European Medicines Agency. 2008. Assessment Report on Foeniculum Vulgare Miller. Available: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2009/12/WC500018463.pdf
