Star Anise Essential Oil

⭐ Star Anise Essential Oil – Illicium verum

Scientific name: Illicium verum

Star anise essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the star-shaped fruits of this tree, native to Asia. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, this essential oil has gained worldwide recognition for its therapeutic and aromatic benefits.

🌿 Properties

• Analgesic
• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Aperitif
• Aphrodisiac
• Calming
• Carminative
• Mild diuretic
• Expectorant
• Insecticidal
• Circulatory and digestive stimulant

✨ Therapeutic Uses

• Musculoskeletal system: Rheumatic pain and muscle fatigue.
• Respiratory system: Coughs and bronchitis.
• Digestive system: Colic, spasms, flatulence, indigestion.
• Immune system: Useful for colds.
• Reproductive system: Relief of menstrual pain.

💆 Methods of Application

Topical Use

• Improve digestion and relieve gas:
  Recipe: 2 drops of star anise essential oil diluted in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
  Application: Gently massage into the abdomen.
• Relieve muscle and joint pain:
  Recipe: Mix 4 drops of star anise oil, 3 drops of copaiba, 3 drops of rosemary camphor, and 2 drops of sweet orange in 30 ml of almond oil.
  Application: Apply 2–3 times daily on the affected area.
• Boost energy:
  Recipe: Mix 5 drops each of star anise, frankincense, Atlas cedar, bergamot, and Siberian pine in a 50 ml bottle, filling the rest with hemp oil.
  Application: Massage into the lower back, shoulders, and soles of the feet.

Diffusion

• Calm the mind and create a cozy atmosphere:
  Recipe: Add 3 drops of star anise, 2 drops of clary sage, and 2 drops of Atlas cedar to an ultrasonic diffuser.

⚠️ Precautions

• Do not use during pregnancy.
• Avoid in 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 remarkable effects, especially on the digestive system, make this essential oil one of our go-to examples when demonstrating the effectiveness of aromatherapy to skeptics. Try applying 2 drops mixed with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil on your abdomen to improve digestion and relieve gas.” – Luis Rodero, Aromatherapist. Author of Alquimia Aromática.

ℹ️ Additional Information

Star anise, also known as Chinese star anise or badian, is a spice with a flavor similar to anise. It is obtained from the star-shaped pericarp of Illicium verum. This evergreen tree is native to a small region in southwestern China. The fruits are harvested just before ripening. Widely used in Chinese cuisine, and to a lesser extent in South Asia and Indonesia, star anise is a key ingredient in the traditional Chinese five-spice blend. It is also used in broths, such as the famous Vietnamese noodle soup phở.

Star anise contains anethole, the same active compound responsible for the flavor of anise. In the West, it is increasingly used as a more affordable substitute for anise in pastries and in the production of liqueurs such as Galliano or the French Pastis. Traditionally, star anise tea has been used to relieve colic and rheumatism, while chewing the seeds after meals aids digestion. However, due to its potential toxicity in large amounts, therapeutic use should always be guided by a professional.