Star Anise Essential Oil Health and Beauty Benefits
Like many essential oils, star anise essential oil offers many health and beauty benefits. Star anise is an evergreen tree commonly known as star aniseed, badiam, Chinese star anise, anis de Chine, anis étoilé, anís estrellado, aniseed stars, anis étoilé Chinois, Ba Jiao Hui, anisi stellati fructus, badiane, badiana, badiane de Chine, Chinese anise, bajiao, eight–horned anise, illicium and eight horns. Its origins are in Southern China. The herb was traditionally used for its healing properties and numerous health benefits, read on for some suggested therapeutic uses of star anise essential oil.
The seeds of the star anise fruit are sundried and then steam distilled to extract the essential oil. The oil ranges from pale yellow to clear with a strong scent that resembles licorice and has thick viscosity. It is also used as a flavoring agent in various dishes in many international cuisines. Star anise essential oil contains chemical compounds such as anisaldehyde, alpha pinene, camphene, beta pinene, cis–anethol and trans–anethol, acetoanisol, linalool and safrol. An essential oil having a strong fragrance, it is used in perfumery, cooking, toothpastes, mouthwashes, soaps and lotions.
| Name | Scientific Name | Origin | Benefits | Caution | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Anise | Illicium verum | Southern China | Sedating and relaxing effects, pain relief, speeds up healing process, alleviates spasms, eases fatigue, aids in digestion and respiratory health, loosens mucus, eliminates worms. It possesses anti–rheumatic, anti–epileptic and antiseptic properties. It can act as a decongestant, aids in digestion and improves insomnia. | Should be kept out of reach of children, should not be brought in direct contact with eyes. A patch test should be performed before applying. | Airtight dark glass kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. |
Health Benefits of Star Anise Essential Oil
Star anise is an evergreen plant that bears a star–shaped fruit. Its scientific name is Illicium verum. It has similar flavor to anise or licorice, but is not related to the true anise plant. If you’re interested in greater detail, read this PDF on the Star Anise Plant Health and Beauty Benefits. Star anise essential oil has many health benefits discussed below.
Sedating Effects
Star anise essential oil possesses sedative and narcotic qualities that can help calm panic and epileptic attacks. It slows down respiration, circulation and the sympathetic system response. It has stimulating properties if used in adequate amounts. It is useful for nervous afflictions and convulsions.
Relaxation Effects
Star anise essential oil can act as a sedative and treat anxiety, depression and stress. When used in small amounts, it acts as a stimulant.
Eases Spasms
Star anise essential oil can be used to treat spasms caused by coughs, cramps, diarrhea and convulsions. This oil has anti–spasmodic and relaxant qualities that ease contractions and provide relief from these mentioned ailments.
Upper Respiratory Health
Star anise essential oil has a warming effect on the body that aids the circulatory and respiratory systems. It provides relief from upper respiratory problems such as bronchitis, asthma, and flu symptoms like cough and congestion.
Loosens Mucus
Star anise essential oil can help loosen phlegm and mucus deposited in airways and lungs.
Pain Relief
Star anise essential oil provides relief from arthritic and rheumatic pains by increasing blood flow and lowering pain sensation in the affected areas.
Speeds Healing Process
Star anise essential oil has antiseptic properties that help prevent infections and sepsis of wounds. It can also promote the healing of wounds.
Digestive Aid
Star anise essential oil can help eliminate excess gas. Excess gas can result in flatulence, indigestion, stomach aches, chest and muscular pains, and hypertension. Star anise essential oil possesses mild purgative properties but is safe when used in very small amounts. It can be used as an aid in digestion and constipation.
Eliminates Intestinal Worms
Star anise essential oil possesses insecticidal properties. It can be used to eliminate intestinal worms.
Therapeutic Uses of Star Anise Essential Oil
- When used in a diffuser, it can ease symptoms of cold, flu and bronchitis. When inhaled, it can ease breathing, lung and nasal congestion.
- When used in a diffuser, will also ease other common upper respiratory problems. Diffuse a mixture of 5 drops of cedarwood and 5 drops of star anise essential oils.
- Can be used in aromatherapy for its digestive, carminative, diuretic and stimulant properties. It is also used in inhalers, vaporizers, steamers and baths.
- Massage a mixture of 2 drops of neroli, 2 drops of star anise, 1 drop of cinnamon and 2 drops of spearmint essential oils on the abdomen to ease effleurage (contractions) movements.
- It provides relief from menstrual discomfort and ease symptoms of menopause.
- It can be used to treat muscle spasms, joint aches, toothaches, colic, and pain and sleep disorders.
- When used in a diffuser, it can lift mood, combat stress and fatigue.
- Can be used to treat skin problems.
- Can be used to freshen breath.
Fooducation–If Food can Talk–”Star Anise”
Precautions
- Excessive use of star anise essential oil can lower circulation and slow down breathing.
- It is not recommended for use on children.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use.
- Cancer patients should avoid it, as it could worsen some cancers due to its effect on estrogen.
- May cause side effects such as vomiting, nausea, and skin and mouth irritation.
- It should not be ingested.
- Avoid using on eyes, ears and other sensitive areas of the body.
- Always perform a patch test before use.
Other Facts
- It is commonly blended with Cedarwood, Black Pepper, Pine, Coriander and Sweet Orange essential oils.
- It is used to add fragrance to cosmetics, soap, toothpaste and perfumes.
- It is used to flavor spirits such as anisette and absinthe.
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://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/star-anise-essential-oil/
https://www.baseformula.com/anise-star-essential-oil
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https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-anise-essential-oil.html
http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/anise-oil.aspx
https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/products/essential-oils/anise-star-essential-oil.html
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