Fennel Fennel (Moldova)

Why Moldova?

Moldova has ideal natural and climatic conditions for growing aromatic plants, as well as exceptionally fertile soil. It holds a long-standing tradition in essential oil distillation, which enables the cultivation of high-quality raw materials and sustainable sourcing of natural essential oils.

Fennel is native to the Mediterranean, but it is commonly grown in herb and vegetable gardens all throughout Europe, where it grows well. Our Fennel essential oil is sourced from Moldova.

Along the gentle banks of the Răut, wild sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce) has long held a special place in Moldovan tradition. For generations, it has grown in the meadows and gardens of rural Bessarabia, where its bright green stems and feathery leaves swayed in the summer breeze. To the people who lived there, fennel was more than a fragrant herb. It was a trusted remedy, a trade good, and a reflection of the region’s deep connection to nature.

According to early nineteenth-century Moldovan ethnobotanical surveys, village healers—often women known for their herbal knowledge—gathered fennel seeds from the riverbanks to distill a light, sweet oil. This oil was used to soothe the stomach, ease coughs, and calm the body after long days in the field. Oral histories record that the fragrant essence was once sold by traveling merchants in small glass vials labeled “Bessarabian Anise,” prized for its clarity and gentle licorice aroma.

In these river valleys, fennel symbolized care and continuity. It was planted beside coriander, dill, and caraway, forming part of the region’s shared herbal heritage. Whether used in kitchen remedies, festive meals, or simple teas brewed at dusk, fennel connected families to the land and to generations of wisdom passed through word and practice.

Today, through Co-Impact Sourcing® partnerships in Moldova, that story continues. The same fertile soil and traditional knowledge that once supported village healers now sustain farmers who cultivate fennel for its pure essential oil. Each harvest honors both history and hope, carrying forward the gentle legacy of the “Bessarabian Anise” into homes around the world.

The Plant

Sweet fennel comes from the Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce plant, from the Apiaceae family. It is a perennial plant, growing four to six feet tall. It has feathery, fern-like green leaves with a delicate, lacy texture. It produces small, yellow flowers arranged in umbrella-like clusters (umbels) that bloom in summer.

Fennel seeds are small, oval, and ridged with a sweet, anise-like aroma. Those flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems and pollination services. Fennel is planted in autumn or early spring and harvested in August.

Fennel essential oil is produced by steam-distilling crushed fennel seeds using stainless steel mobile stills. Before distillation, the seeds are carefully cleaned and dried to preserve their high anethole content, which gives Fennel oil its sweet, licorice-like aroma. The oil yield from distillation typically ranges 1.5–2%. That means producing 15 mL of Fennel essential oil at an average yield of 1.75% requires approximately 1.65 pounds of crushed seeds.

The Impact

Two of the key ingredients in DigestZen—fennel and coriander seed—come from a quiet, rural commune in Moldova. Here, many young adults feel limited in their opportunities and often leave their homes in search of work at the capital.

However, our sourcing partner envisioned a different future. They invested directly into this beautiful community by building a state-of-the-art distillery, training and upskilling local talent, and creating a strong farming network. These efforts are generating hope, stable incomes, and meaningful opportunities that make agriculture a viable and appealing option for the next generation.

The relationship with doTERRA has allowed our sourcing partner to guarantee firm orders with farmers, giving them peace of mind with guaranteed purchases of their products and allowing them to plan for future crops with confidence. Our sourcing partner provides farmers with quality planting materials and shares experience and expertise in the cultivation of this plant to help with better productivity.

This transformation was witnessed through the story of a young man named Victor, who—after years of working abroad—returned home because of a new role created through this partnership. After agronomy training to support local farmers, he now sees opportunity and a clear path forward

Much can be said about developing a local team to bring the vision of the distillery to life. Our supplier brought together many individuals, including the current managing director. With his background in construction, he brought significant experience to tackle issues that came up with building the distillery on land where there used to be an abandoned recreational camp. Hes since learned quickly and deeply the range of details required to produce high-quality essential oils like Fennel. Our supplier has emphasized that the value of pure and natural essential oil is not only a result of sourcing the best botanical ingredients, but it’s also sourcing the most trustworthy individuals to continue the legacy of these prized products.

The power of Co-Impact Sourcing is not only ensuring the supply of essential oils, but also investing in people and creating opportunities for families to stay and thrive in the places they call home.

doTERRA Healing Hands® Story

During the short daylight hours of winter, the children in the village of Nikolaevka, Moldova, would walk home from school on dark streets. Without streetlights, the community of farmers and distillery workers lacked the resources to do necessary repairs and installations. In 2021, doTERRA Healing Hands Europe provided the funding to install streetlights, which have already improved the safety of the community.

In addition, doTERRA Healing Hands Europe provided funding for a new soccer field for the community, which was used for the first time in the summer of 2022.

In 2023, doTERRA sponsored a local girls’ handball team. The program gives girls a chance to participate in an organized sport, build friendships, and develop confidence and teamwork skills. In a region where soccer receives most of the attention and resources, handball has become a meaningful space for girls to thrive. Through support from doTERRA, the team was able to train, compete, and grow together. Culminating in an inspiring achievement at the Republic of Moldova Junior Handball Championship in March 2024, the team proudly earned the bronze medal.

doTERRA Healing Hands also fully funded the complete refurbishment of a derelict part of the Children’s home. A large hall was created for various activities, with additional bedrooms and a bathroom. Because of the renovation, they were able to build a wide playroom where children are actively playing, especially in the wintertime when it’s a bit too harsh to be outdoors. The donation supported the construction of additional rooms with beds where the children stay, including a quarantine room where newly admitted children spend to get care and support transitioning to the home.