The fruit of Fceniculum capillaceum Gilibert (nat. ord. Umbelliferae).

Habitat

Levant and Southern Europe; cultivated.

Characters

Oblong, nearly cylindrical, slightly curved, from 4 to 8 mm. long, brownish or greenish-brown; readily separable into the two prominent mericarps, each with five light-brown, obtuse ribs, four oil-tubes on the

Volatile Oils. 55 I back, and two or four oil-tubes upon the flat face; odor and taste aromatic, anise-like. Resembling Fennel. - Conium fruit (Fennel is larger and has prominent vittae, oil-tubes), Caraway and Anise fruits.

Composition

The chief constituent is the official volatile oil, probably chemically identical with Oil of Anise (see p. 549).

Fennel is contained in Infusum Sennas Compositum.

Dose, 15 to 30 gr.; 1. to 2. gm.

Oleum Fceniculi. Oil Of Fennel

A volatile oil distilled from Fennel.

Characters

A colorless or pale yellowish liquid, having the characteristic, aromatic odor of Fennel, and a sweetish, mild and spicy taste. Sp. gr., not less than 0.960.

Solubility

In an equal volume of Alcohol.

Oil of Fennel is contained in Spiritus Juniperi Compositus and Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Compositus.

Dose, 1 to 5 m.; .06 to .30 c.c.

Preparations

Aqua Foeniculi. Fennel Water

Oil of Fennel, 2. By trituration with precipitated Calcium Phosphate, addition of Distilled Water; and filtration to 1000.

Dose, 1/4 to 1 fl. oz.; 8. to 30. c.c.

Action And Therapeutics Of Fennel

These are same as of oil of anise or of coriander