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Star anise essential oil is derived from the star anise plant (Illicium Verum). The seeds of the star anise plant go through a steam-distillation process to render its' essential oil. Star anise essential oil has a multitude of antimicrobial benefits, and can help with digestive issues.
Star anise oil is a sweet and spicy essential oil with many benefits, such as improving cognitive function, fighting infections, and promoting optimal digestion. This oil is also rumored to be an aphrodisiac. It has various benefits, but it’s important to note that it should be used sparingly and with caution.
Star anise oil can cause skin irritation in some people and may interact with certain medications. This post will discuss some of the most notable benefits of anise oil and how you can use it safely and effectively.
What Is Star Anise Essential Oil?
The anise plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used for centuries in that part of the world for its medicinal properties. This essential oil has a sweet, licorice-like scent and flavor profile and you can use it to treat a variety of conditions.
The essential oil is extracted from the seeds of the anise plant (Pimpinella anisum). The oil has a history of medicinal use dating back to ancient times. Anise essential oil is noted to have antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, as well as analgesic and anticonvulsant effects on the body.
Benefits Of Star Anise Essential Oil
“Star anise essential oil” has a variety of benefits that can be extremely helpful for your health. Some of the most notable benefits include:
- Acting as an expectorant to help clear congestion and respiratory problems
- Soothing and naturally treating upset stomachs and indigestion
- Reducing bloating, flatulence, and other gastrointestinal issues
- Helping to relieve pain from cramps, toothaches, and arthritis
- Aiding in the treatment of colds, flu, and other respiratory infections
- Improving cognitive function and memory retention.
These are just a few benefits that “Anise essential oil” can provide. If you are looking for a natural way to improve your health, this oil is definitely worth considering.
Anise Essential Oil Can Help With Digestive-Linked Migraines
If you suffer from digestive-linked migraines, “star anise essential oil” can be a helpful natural remedy. Star anise essential oil can help relax the smooth muscles in your digestive system, reducing or eliminating migraine headaches caused by digestive issues.
To use “anise essential oil” add a few drops to a diffuser and inhale the vapors. You can also add a few drops to a carrier oil and massage it into your stomach area.
You can also add a few drops to a carrier oil and massage it into your temples or forehead as anise essential oil can enhance your mental clarity and focus. This oil improves cognitive function and memory in some studies.
Another interesting read: Chromatic Diet – Foods with Phytochemicals
Anise Essential Oil Can Help With Coughs
Anise essential oil is effective in treating coughs. It helps break up congestion and phlegm. Star anise essential oil is also effective in treating colds and flu, and was used industrially to produce the popular cold relief medicine known as Tamiflu until 2012. If you have a cough, try using this essential oil.
Chinese star anise has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal characters. It is useful in treatment of diseases like asthma, bronchitis and dry cough. One of its most compounds is Shikimic acid which is used as a drug in curing influenza and flu virus. It also consists of Linalool which is good for overall health because of its anti-oxidants characters
Australian Journal of Crop Science – March 1, 2020
To use this essential oil for a cough, add one drop to a diffuser or vaporizer or add a few drops to a hot bath or shower. Inhale the steam for five to ten minutes. You can also make a chest rub by mixing this oil with coconut oil or olive oil. Rub it on your chest and throat three times a day.
How To Properly Use Anise Essential Oil
When using star anise essential oil (Illicium Verum), not to be confused with anise essential oil (which comes from the plant species Pimpinella anisum), it is essential to consider a few key points.
- Make sure you are only using pure or therapeutic-grade oil.
- You should dilute it before applying it to the skin – a ratio of one drop of star anise oil per teaspoon of carrier oil is a good rule. You should always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil.
- Only use topically, one should never ingest star anise essential oil. Ingesting essential oils can be very dangerous; if you have an interest in taking this oil internally, consult with a qualified healthcare professional first.
- Always do a patch test before using anise oil – especially if you have sensitive skin. So, to do a patch test, simply apply a small amount of the diluted oil to a small skin area and wait 24 hours to see if there is any reaction.
Extracting Star Anise Health Benefits Naturally
Besides the therapeutic uses for star anise essential oil, the plant and seed continue to be used and appreciated for its culinary uses. The star like seed pod is typically stewed in meals to enhance the flavor profile of most dishes. Star anise is a common ingredient in many Indian, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Chinese dishes, such as soups and stews.
Extraction of the aroma and flavour components from dried plant materials is one of the oldest chemical operations developed by humankind. The preparation of a cup of tea or coffee is an everyday example of extracting the flavour and aroma components, including the stimulant caffeine, with hot water.
Manuscript prepared by Dr. Almas I. Zayya, Dr. A. Jonathan Singh and Dr. Hemi Cumming
Where does Star Anise Essential Oil Originate From?
This essential oil gets derived from the plant species Illicium verum, an evergreen shrub found originally in southwest Asia, and more recently in the Meditteranian. This fruit-pod bearing plant is picked before it is ripened, and set out in the sun to dry. The star shaped pod then hardenes and turns a rusty red-brown color, with each leaf holding one pea-sized seed in it.
Star anise plants grow to about three feet and produce small white flowers. The seeds contained in the pod of the anise plant are useful to make essential oil. Star anise essential oils are manufactured in China with large scale distillation machines.
The anise plant is native to the Middle East and has been useful medicinally for centuries. The Egyptians used it to treat digestive problems, and the Greeks used it to remedy colds and flu.
Where You Can Find Anise Essential Oil?
You can find this essential oil in many places. Or you can buy it at a health food store, online, or at a store that specializes in essential oils. You can also find it in some stores that sell aromatherapy products.
This essential oil is extracted from the seeds of the anise plant. Moreover, The oil is very concentrated and has a strong, licorice-like flavor.
Summary Of Anise Essential Oil
Anise oil has many benefits for the body and mind. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, can help improve cognitive function, and has several other health benefits. You can use this oil aromatically or topically to enjoy these benefits.
In addition, this essential oil is a potent antiseptic that can be useful to cleanse wounds and prevent infection. It also has a pleasant licorice-like aroma that can be soothing to the mind and body. Moreover, this essential oil can be helpful in aromatherapy, massage therapy, or added to bathwater.
Is star anise grown in USA?
Star anise can be grown in USDA Agricultural zones 8 to 10, which include states like Florida, Southern California, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, and Arizona.
States that have moderately high temperatures throughout the year work well for growing the Florida-native star anise plant, also known as Illicium floridanum (not to be confused with the Mediterranean native Pimpinella anisum).
The star anise plants thrive in wet soil environments and can be found growing near ravines, wooded and marshy areas, especially in northern Florida into Georgia.
