The Many Benefits of Anise Essential Oil
Like many essential oils, anise essential oil has many health benefits and is used in alternative medicine to treat numerous health conditions. Anise has been used as a flavoring ingredient for food stuffs and beverages for thousands of years. It’s also been used to flavor liqueurs. In India and other countries, anise is used as a breath freshener and digestive aid. The therapeutic qualities of the herb were widely known throughout ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
The essential oil of anise is obtained through the steam distillation of the dried fruits of anise (Pimpinella Anisum). However, you can make your own in small quantities at home with this simple recipe. This process produces a thin and clear oil that is comprised of about 90% anethol. Anethol is a chemical compound from which this herb gets its characteristic aroma. The other chemical compounds are alpha pinene, anisaldehyde, beta pinene, camphene, linalool, cisanethol, transanethol, safrol, and acetoanisol. This plant oil is manufactured in India, China, and Spain, read on for some suggested therapeutic uses of anise essential oil.
| Name | Scientific Name | Origin | Benefits | Caution | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise | Pimpinella Anisum | Egypt, Greece, Crete and Asia Minor and was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians. | Benefits metabolism and improves digestion, provides pain relief, stimulates the pancreas, is an antioxidant, expectorant and antiepileptic, regulates menstruation and menstrual disorders, benefits reproductive health, baby’s health, boosts lactation, benefits the heart, benefits oral health, benefits respiratory health, used in skin remedies, treats head lice, microbial infections and diseases, male sexual dysfunction, thrombosis, seizures and convulsions, asthma, insomnia, and cataracts. | Should be kept out of reach of children. Pregnant women should avoid use of anise seeds. Anise seeds might cause weight gain from water and sodium retention. In its pure form, anise could be poisonous. Use cautiously to prevent contact dermatitis or other allergic reactions. A patch test should be performed before using. | Store in airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. |
The Health Benefits of Anise Essential Oil
The health benefits of anise essential oil are derived from its antiepileptic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperient, carminative, cordial, decongestant, digestive, expectorant, insecticide, sedative, stimulant and vermifuge properties.
The essential oil of anise is used by aromatherapists for several reasons: it is thought to have a euphoric, mood enhancing effect. This essential oil is also used in aromatherapy because of its calming effects, making it an organic therapy for the treatment of anxiety, depression, anger, and stress. Anise essential oil’s sedative qualities can help with insomnia. Although, in small doses, it might behave more like a stimulant. By contrast, large amounts can have a narcotic effect.
Anise essential oil is thought to improve respiratory health conditions like bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, and chest congestion from the flu or the common cold. Its expectorant effects can help loosen excessive mucous from the lungs through the use of aromatherapy. A few drops added to a cotton ball placed into an air humidifier or vaporizer. The use of anise essential oil in aromatherapy can also ease nausea and vomiting. Using anise essential oil can treat some digestive problems, including gas, cramps, dyspepsia, constipation, and indigestion.
The oil is thought to act as an antispasmodic in the digestive system. For general dyspepsia and upset stomach in children, it is suggested that a few drops of the oil be added to the bath, or to a moist, clean cloth and placed on the child’s abdomen. Anise essential oil has been used to treat intestinal worms because it is thought to be a vermifuge. Due to its insecticide properties, the oil can also be used to treat lice and scabies. Since it can be poisonous if ingested it has antiseptic and antimicrobial effects. Anise essential oil can help fight infectious bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
There has not been enough scientific research to back up the claims of health benefits derived from the use of anise essential oil. This oil should be avoided during pregnancy. Be aware that this oil should never be ingested. Anise essential oil’s most notable negative side effect is skin and eye irritation when applied topically. Read this PDF file for more detailed information about the Health and Beauty Benefits of Anise Essential Oil. To learn more about the plant source of the anise herb, read this PDF file. Anise essential oil has many health benefits discussed below.
Therapeutic Uses of Anise Essential Oil
Take care to dilute anise essential oil in a carrier oil first. You can use it in any of the following ways:
- For abdominal and stomach cramps, and uncontrolled sneezing: mix 5 drops aniseed essential oil into 1 tablespoon carrier (almond) oil, and massage onto stomach (for cramps) or neck (for sneezing). For coughs, use the same mixture, but massage into chest.
- To treat asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu, and whooping cough, add 2-3 drops to aromatherapy diffuser.
- For menstrual pain or muscle aches, add 2-3 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage onto affected area.
- In case of migraines or vertigo, add 2-3 drops to a handkerchief, cover nose and slowly inhale.
- To aid digestion add 2-3 drops to aromatherapy diffuser.
- To alleviate nausea, add 2-3 drops to aromatherapy diffuser.
- For restful sleep, mix with chamomile and use in the diffuser.
- To treat hiccups—add 2-3 drops to aromatherapy diffuser.
- To freshen breath—Mix one or two drops with warm water. Swish and gargle.
How to Make Anise Essential Oil
Large scale manufacture of anise essential oil involves the steam distillation of dried anise seeds.
What You’ll Need
- Dried anise seeds
- Carrier oil (e.g. sweet almond oil)
- Mortar and pestle
- Cheesecloth
- Reusable airtight glass container
Instructions
- Grind the dried seeds with the mortar and pestle to release the fragrance and oils, although not so much that it turns into a fine powder.
- Transfer this mix to the glass container until it’s almost full.
- Add the carrier oil to the container until the anise mixture is completely submerged.
- Seal the container and keep it in direct sunlight. The heat from the sun rays will help extract the essential oil from the crushed seeds.
- Filter the oil through a cheesecloth to eliminate any solids. Once complete, keep the finished product in a cool, dry place.
Precautions
Be cautious with anise essential oil since it should not be ingested. Ingesting as few as one to five milliliters can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures, and pulmonary edema. This oil is strictly for topical use. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
A 2012 study demonstrated that anise interacts with certain prescription drugs. If you take codeine, diazepam, midazolam, pentobarbital, imipramine, or fluoxetine, do not use aniseed essential oil as it could decrease or increase the medication’s effects on your central nervous system. Consult a physician before using aniseed essential oil.
Essential Oils to Avoid in Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant should use essential oils with caution. Some oils are best steering clear of altogether. These are: Acorus Calamus, Ajwain, Allspice, Amyris, Anise (Aniseed), Angelica, Apricot Kernel, Asafoetida, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Fennel, Hyssop, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Star Anise, Sweet Birch, and Wintergreen.
Never use essential oils in a humidifier, CPAP machine, or any other breathing device.
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Sources:
https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
http://www.homeremedycentral.com/en/aromatherapy/essential-oils/anise.html
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-anise-essential-oil.html
http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/anise-oil.aspx
http://www.biosourcenaturals.com/pure-essential-oils/pure-essential-oils-descriptions-and-uses/anise-essential-oil/
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/health-benefits-of-anise-essential-oil/