Star Anise Essential Oil

Natural Essential Oil of Star Anise - Illicium verum -

Scientific Name: Illicium verum

Description: The essential oil of star anise is obtained through the distillation of the star-shaped fruits of this tree native to Asia. This oil is known for its use in traditional Chinese medicine and has gained popularity worldwide.

Properties:

• Analgesic
• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Appetizer
• Aphrodisiac
• Soothing
• Carminative
• Mild diuretic
• Expectorant
• Insecticide
• Circulatory and digestive stimulant

Therapeutic Uses:

• Musculoskeletal System: Rheumatic pains and muscle fatigue.
• Respiratory System: Cough and bronchitis.
• Digestive System: Colic, spasms, flatulence, indigestion.
• Immune System: Colds.
• Reproductive System: Menstrual pain.

Application Methods:

Topical Use:

1. Improve Digestion and Relieve Gas:

   • Recipe: 2 drops of star anise essential oil diluted in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
   • Application: Gently massage the abdomen.

2. Relieve Muscle and Joint Pain:

   • Recipe: Mix 4 drops of star anise essential oil, 3 drops of copaiba essential oil, 3 drops of camphor rosemary essential oil, and 2 drops of sweet orange essential oil in 30 ml of almond oil.
   • Application: Apply 2 or 3 times a day to the affected area.

3. Boost Energy:

   • Recipe: Mix 5 drops of star anise essential oil, frankincense, Atlas cedar, bergamot, and Siberian pine in a 50 ml container, and fill with hemp oil.
   • Application: Massage the lower back, shoulders, and soles of the feet.

Diffusion:

1. Calm the Mind and Feel the Warmth of Home:
   • Recipe: Add 3 drops of star anise essential oil, 2 drops of clary sage, and 2 drops of Atlas cedar to an ultrasonic diffuser.

Precautions:

• Do not use during pregnancy.
• Avoid for people with sensitive skin.
• Do not ingest without professional supervision.

“Star anise is one of the most well-known natural remedies in traditional Chinese medicine. Its effects are so notable, especially on the digestive system, that this essential oil is one we use to demonstrate the effectiveness of aromatherapy to those who are still skeptical. Try applying 2 drops with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil on your abdomen to improve digestion and relieve gas.” - Luis Rodero, Aromatherapist. Author of Aromatic Alchemy.

Additional Information:

Star anise, also known as star anise, Chinese star anise, badian or Chinese badian, is a spice that resembles anise in flavor. It is obtained from the star-shaped pericarp of Illicium verum.

Illicium verum is an evergreen tree native to a small region in southwestern China. The fruits, which are star-shaped, are harvested just before ripening. It is widely used in Chinese cuisine and, to a lesser extent, in South Asian and Indonesian cuisine. Star anise is an ingredient in the traditional five-spice powder of Chinese cuisine. It is also one of the ingredients used to make the broth for the Vietnamese noodle soup called phở.

Star anise contains anethole, the same active principle that gives anise its flavor. Recently, it has been used in the Western world as a less expensive substitute for anise in baking, as well as in the production of liqueurs such as Galliano liqueur or the French liqueur Pastis.

Star anise has been used in tea form as a remedy for colic and rheumatism, and the seeds are chewed after a meal to aid digestion. The potential toxicity in large quantities of star anise, however, makes it necessary for a professional to indicate the best way to take it therapeutically.