Essential Oil Database

Photo: Illicium Verum

Aniseed (Star Anise)

Essential Oil

Botanical Name:

Illicium Verum

Family Name:

Illiciaceae

Source Country:

China

Plant Parts Used:

Pericarp

Extraction Method:

Steam distillation

Major Constituents:

Anethole, phellandrene, safrole, terpineol, cineol

Botanical Description

Photo: Star Anise

Illicium Verum is native to southwest China. It is an evergreen tree which grows up to 12 meters tall. The tree bears fruit pods, consisting of (usually) 8 seed bearing star shaped carpels, which are harvested just before ripening. The fruit is known as star anise and the essential oil is derived from the pericarp.

Star Anise (meaning ‘eight corner spice’) fruit are also dried and widely used in Chinese and Asian cuisine.

Star Anise is also used in Chinese herbal medicine.

Photo: Star Anise

Fragrance

Star Anise has a distinctive liquorice scent, which is warm, sweet and aromatic.

Star Anise essential oil is a pale yellow liquid.

Star Anise blends well with lavender, orange and rose.

Traditional Therapeutic Uses

Photo: Illicium Verum

Properties: antiseptic, carminative, expectorant, insect repellent, stimulant.

Aids: digestion, appetite, sleep.

Alleviates: cramps, spasm, nausea, cough, colds, flatulence, bad breath, colic.

Star anise is said to promote the onset of menstruation when taken as an infusion. Star anise is a good additive to help to improve the flavour of other medicinal compounds.

Safety Data

Avoid contact with skin for those with hypersensitive or skin problems.

Avoid use in endometriosis and oestrogen dependent cancers.

Disclaimer:

All healing uses, magical uses and metaphysical definitions are provided as a means of education, do not imply a guarantee of effect, and may not be complete or accurate. Those suffering from illness should consult with their General Practitioner in the first instance. Aromatherapy is a holistic complementary healthcare practice and should be carried out by a suitably qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

Pure, medical grade, essential oils & absolutes are for use in aromatherapy and other disciplines of natural healing; and for their fragrance. Essential oils should not be ingested, and avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Pregnant women should not self administer essential oils. Do not administer essential oils to babies. Do not apply undiluted essential oil to the skin and wash hands after use and before visiting lavatory. Do not use essential oils while in a sauna, steam room, or other humid environment; or while engaged in strenuous exercise.

Massage oil should consist of no more than 3% essential oil(s) to 97% carrier or fixed oil. Absolutes should be blended with no less than 98.5% carrier oil. When adding essential oil to bath water do not use more than 4 drops.

Store essential oils at low room temperature, in a dark place, out of the reach of children, pets and away from foodstuffs.