A Spicy Sweet Black Licorice Star: Star Anise Essential Oil

A fresh, sweet, spicy herbal spice makes Star Anise Essential Oil. This essential oil is often called Anise Star, and the licorice-like spice has many benefits. 

Resembling an asterisk, each of the 6-8 pointed seed pods cradles a seed that releases an aroma reminiscent of black licorice with a warm, sweet undertone that comforts the senses. The Star anise plant is an evergreen plant that can grow thirty feet high. Other common names for this plant are Chinese star anise and Badian anise.

Native to China and Vietnam, this plant has traditionally been used as a spice for flavoring food is valued for its medicinal properties and has been traditionally used to treat digestive problems, such as bloating and gas. Anise seed and bark are also used in incense and sachets. Its strong, aromatic flavor and potential health benefits make it a popular spice worldwide.

Chinese star anise essential oil is steam-distilled from the crushed seeds of Illicium verum. This oil ranges in color from transparent to light yellow.

Although they are two different plants, star anise has a similar flavor profile and shares properties with anise oil (Pimpinella ansium). Star Anise tastes and smells a little more bitter and herbaceous. Star Anise, Anise, and Fennel contain a compound called anethole. Anethole is what gives the spices the sweet licorice-like smell. Anethole is also called anise camphor

Don't confuse Star anise with Japanese star anise (Illicium religious) or purple anise (Illicium floridanum, also sometimes called star anise, adding to the confusion), which are highly poisonous.

Japanese star anise contains anisatin, shikimin, and sikimitoxin, which cause severe inflammation of the kidneys, urinary tract, and digestive organs. Shikimic acid is used in synthesizing the antiviral medication oseltamivir (Tamiflu).

Traditional Benefits of Chinese Star Anise

Rich in antioxidants and the vital vitamins A and C, star anise is a shield against free radicals. Its antifungal and antibacterial nature offers a natural defense against various ailments. Revered in traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to help treat hernias and rheumatism.

Star anise is a stimulating and uplifting essential oil that provides physical and emotional support. The oil is particularly beneficial for alleviating stress and insomnia. It contains estrogen-like properties, which may ease symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, and also helps with menstrual issues, such as premenstrual pain.

Added to a carrier oil and rubbed on the chest, this oil helps relieve respiratory issues such as bronchitis, coughing, and colds. Star anise is also used to treat rheumatism, digestive ailments, and urinary tract issues. In vapor therapy, star anise essential oil is used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, helping to alleviate confusion and trauma. This oil is often used in a diffuser to treat respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, colds, and flu.

  • Emotional and Physical Harmony: Star anise oil alleviates stress and insomnia. With estrogen-like properties, it helps alleviate menopause and menstrual discomfort.
  • Respiratory Relief: When the cold winds blow, a blend of star anise oil and carrier oil can be a chest's best friend, easing the grip of bronchitis, coughs, and colds. Its application stretches to rheumatism, digestive woes, and urinary tract complexities.
  • Vapor Therapy- A Breath of Relief: Star anise oil soothes respiratory illnesses in vapor therapy. Its ability to calm the fog of confusion makes it an ally in holistic healing.

Therapeutic Properties of Anise Star Essential Oil

With its distinctive star-shaped appearance and sweet, licorice-like flavor, Star anise doesn't just add depth to culinary dishes -it has various therapeutic properties.

Star anise is typically made into a tea or infusion for its therapeutic properties. This involves steeping the whole pods in boiling water, allowing the active compounds to be released. However, it is crucial to use the true star anise (Illicium verum) as its counterpart. The Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) is toxic and unsuitable for consumption.

Here's a detailed look at its benefits:

  • Antispasmodic - Reduces Cramps: Star anise is highly regarded for its antispasmodic properties. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which helps alleviate spasms and cramps. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other conditions that cause painful digestive issues. Star anise provides a natural remedy for discomfort by easing muscle contractions and enhancing overall digestive health.
  • Carminative - Reduces Gas: As a carminative, star anise is excellent for settling the digestive system and relieving symptoms of flatulence. The spice promotes gas expulsion from the intestines, reducing bloating and discomfort. This property helps maintain a healthy digestive system and contributes to well-being, as a bloated and gassy stomach can be uncomfortable and disruptive.
  • Emmenagogue - Promotes Monthly Cycles: Star anise also serves as an emmenagogue, which can stimulate or increase menstrual flow. This property can be beneficial for women with irregular periods or those who experience a delayed onset of menstruation. It's believed that certain compounds in star anise, such as anethole, may help balance hormonal levels and promote a more regular menstrual cycle. However, it's essential to use this spice with caution, especially during pregnancy, as stimulating menstrual flow can have adverse effects.

Star anise is a culinary delight and a versatile spice with numerous therapeutic benefits. Its antispasmodic, carminative, and emmenagogue properties make it a valuable addition to natural health remedies. As with any herbal supplement, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using star anise for medicinal purposes, especially for pregnant women or those with pre-existing health conditions.

Aromatherapy Recipes Using Star Anise Essential Oil

With its sweet and spicy aroma, Star anise essential oil is a popular choice in aromatherapy for promoting relaxation, improving digestion, and enhancing respiratory health. By incorporating star anise essential oil into these aromatherapy recipes, you can enjoy its many therapeutic benefits and delightful aroma, enhancing your well-being and creating a pleasant environment in your home or office.

Here are some aromatherapy recipes using star anise essential oil:

"Take Me Away" Star Anise Essential Oil Massage and Bath Blend

This is an excellent blend for all things female: it helps with aches and pains and menstrual or menopausal issues. It relieves respiratory problems as well.

  • 4 drops of Orange Essential Oil
  • 3 drops of Star Anise Essential Oil
  • 3 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
  • 3 drops Neroli Essential Oil
  • 2 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil

Blend these oils with 1 ounce of carrier oil for a massage. It's great when added to a hot bath.

Relaxing Star Anise and Lavender Essential Oil Sleep Blend

  • 3 drops of Star Anise Essential Oil
  • 3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
  • 2 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil

Combine the oils in a diffuser before bedtime to create a calming atmosphere that encourages a restful night's sleep.

Digestive Aid Essential Oil Massage Oil

  • 4 drops of Star Anise Essential Oil
  • 4 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
  • 4 drops of Ginger Essential Oil
  • 30ml of Carrier Oil (such as sweet almond or coconut oil)

Blend the essential oils with the carrier oil and gently massage them onto the abdomen to help relieve digestive discomfort and bloating.

Star Anise Essential Oil Respiratory Relief Inhaler

  • 5 drops of Star Anise Essential Oil
  • 5 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
  • 5 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
  • A personal inhaler

Add the essential oils to the cotton wick of a personal inhaler. Inhale deeply whenever you need to clear your airways or feel congested.

Star Anise Energizing Morning Bath

  • 4 drops of Star Anise Essential Oil
  • 4 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil
  • 4 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
  • 1 tablespoon of milk or a bath dispersant

Mix the essential oils with milk or a dispersant (to properly dilute them and prevent them from floating on the surface) and add to a warm bath in the morning to invigorate and energize.

Soothing Essential Oil Diffuser Blend:

  • 3 drops of Star Anise Essential Oil
  • 2 drops of Cinnamon Essential Oil
  • 2 drops of Orange Essential Oil

Add this blend to your diffuser during the colder months to create a warm, comforting atmosphere and help purify the air.

Beneficial Blending Star Anise with Other Essential Oils

Star anise oil blends well with other oils such as:

  • Caraway
  • Cardamom
  • Cinnamon
  • Clove
  • Coriander
  • Dill
  • Fennel
  • Ginger
  • Lavender
  • Mandarin
  • Orange
  • Pine
  • Rose
  • Rosewood

Safety and Tips using Star Anise

  • Dosing: Use caution as Star Anise essential oil has a narcotic effect and may slow circulation when used in large doses.
  • Dilution: It may cause skin irritation, so do a patch test before using and always dilute. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil or dispersant before applying them to the skin to prevent irritation.
  • Quality: Ensure you're using pure, high-quality star anise essential oil for aromatherapy use.
  • Pregnancy and Health Conditions: Avoid using this essential oil during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have health conditions, consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils.
  • Patch Test: Conduct a patch test before applying a new oil blend to your skin to avoid an allergic reaction.