Star Anise (Illicum verum) – Essential Oil

Star Anise is an evergreen tree native to Asia and can grow up to 35 feet high. It is native to Egypt, Greece, Crete and Asia Minor and was grown by the ancient Egyptians and Indo China.  The fruits can be eaten fresh or dried, but the leaves are poisonous.

Star Anise has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for constipation, muscle spasms, sleep and tooth pain. The oil is yellow in colour and the scent is similar to licorice. In perfumery it is a middle note and has a sharp scent. The fruits are reddish brown and star shaped, consisting of 6 to 8 seeds arranged in a circle. The pods are harvested just before ripe and then dried and steam distilled.

When applied topically, Star Anise is used for rheumatism and back pain but should always be combined with a carrier oil like Sweet Almond or Jojoba oil and used to massage the affected areas. Star Anise is thought to be helpful when dealing with fungal infections like Candida but should be used with a carrier oil as well.

Star Anise has a warming effect on the body and may assist the circulatory and respiratory systems and should always be used with a carrier oil for massage.

Blends well with:  Black Pepper, Ginger and Pine.

How to use:

• For massage, blend 2 drops of Star Anise with 2 drops of Neroli, 1 drop of Cinnamon and 2 drops of Spearmint essential oils and dilute with 5 to 10mls of your choice of carrier oil.
• For respiratory problems use 5 drops of Star Anise and 5 drops of Cedarwood essential oils in a Ionizing Diffuser.

Cautions & contraindications:

Should not be used in excess as it may lower circulation and respiration. It is not recommended for children. Should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should be avoided in certain cancers due to an effect on estrogen hormones. Try a patch test to make sure that there are no skin irritations and avoid use around eyes and ears. Do not use internally.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.