Anise Seed Essential Oil
Pimpinella anisum
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Essential Facts
- Country of Origin:Spain
- Plant Parts:Seeds
- Cultivation Method:Wild Harvested
- Note Classification:Middle
- Method of Extraction:Steam or Hydro Distillation
- Botanical Family:Apiaceae
- Chemical Family: Ethers
- Extraction Date: June 2021
- Approx. Shelf Life: 6 years
- Batch: aniseed
Notes & Use
What Stillpoint "Nose"
Anise Star, Anise Seed and Aniseed Myrtle essential oils are very similar in chemistry and their applications. They are typically used for her anti-spasmodic and carminative therapeutic properties to relieve dyspepsia, colic and gas and is anti-ulcerogenic.It has also been proven to be sedative and inhibits acetylcholinesterase. Because of the fantastic anti spasmodic properties, we find her to be awesome when dealing with deep respiratory issues. She can relieve the spastic coughs of bronchitis and chest colds. A good friend of ours uses one of these in her anti asthma blend.
Botany
Anise is an herbaceous annual plant growing to 3 ft or more. The leaves at the base of the plant are simple, long and shallowly lobed, while leaves higher on the stems are feathery pinnate, divided into numerous small leaflets. The flowers are white, produced in dense umbels. The fruit is an oblong dry schizocarp usually called "aniseed" (Wikipedia)
Energetics
Energetics and Chakras
2nd Chakra - relationships, creation energy, 4th Chakra - unconditional love, 6th Chakra - perspective, 7th Chakra - higher information, Clarity, Expansive, Meditative, UpliftingEnergetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities of Anise Seed
Anise Seed, Anise Star and Aniseed Myrtle all can help move obstacles out of our way, either mentally or in a tangible form so that we can feel sure-footed as we move ahead. This essential oil also is great oil to help us when we feel either overwhelmed or tired. It can help soothe our spirit, so we can either take a rest or gain the motivation we feel is needed. Anise star is also very effective in helping to clear the head so that you can see the bigger picture. It is expansive and comforting at the same time.
The difference in the energetics arises when looking at the plant or tree itself. (Get pictures of the plant and trees and see what you feel)
- Anise Seed comes from a small plant with white flowers. You would use her when you wanted to add the essence of softness and a bit of protection. She prefers full sun but likes to be sheltered from the wind, hence the protective aspect. When looking at the plant the feeling of lightness and joy. The white flowers are reminiscent of summer and easy going.
- Star Anise comes from an evergreen tree and the seeds come from a star shaped pod. You would use her when you wanted the essence of congruence and stability added to your blend. Also when you needed the energetics of everlasting and standing firm.
- Aniseed myrtle comes from an Australian Rainforest Tree, You would use her in a blend when you wanted to bring in a feeling of strength, energy and coolness. Also, when you are trying to help someone begin something foreign and new. (as long as they are not from Australia)
Traditional Folklore
Anise is one of the earliest known herbs, mentioned way before the birth of Christ. In the Japanese culture star anise trees are planted in temples and on their tombs. Some say that anise increase psychic abilities and ward off the Evil Eye! in magical practices. In the Second century it was grown for food and medicine. It is believed to possibly be the reason for wedding cakes today. It was used in mustaceus which was a special cake full of digestive herbs to be served at the very end of awesome feasts. King Edward the first needed to fix the London Bridge, so he declared anise a taxable drug and tused the taxes to fix the brisge. And Native Americans called anise “Tut-te See-hua”, which means, “It expels the wind”
Chemistry
Therapeutic Benefits of Anise Seed
Analgesic, Anti-asthmatic, Anti-depressant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-rheumatic, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-viral, Carminative, Cooling, Digestive tonic, Emmenagogic, Estrogenic, ExpectorantAroma-Chemistry of Anise Seed
The chemistry of Anise Seed, Star Anise EO, Star Anise CO2 and Aniseed Myrtle is similar. These abstracts are high In trans anethole which is a component of the Ether chemical family. While these oils have a pleasant, soft aroma, do not be fooled they are “Terminator” extracts and you must know when and how to use them. The ether family has quite a few safety issues, so please read them.
Recipes & Blends
Aroma of Anise Seed
Cool, Fresh, Herbaceous, Soft, Sweet, WarmRecipes and Blends
Anise seed essential oil, derived from the seeds of the Pimpinella anisum plant, has a distinct licorice-like aroma and is commonly used in cooking, aromatherapy, and natural remedies.
- Digestive Tea:
- 1 cup of hot water
- 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers
- 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves
- 1 drop of anise seed essential oil
- Honey or sweetener of choice (optional)
Brew the chamomile and peppermint in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and add a drop of anise seed essential oil. Sweeten with honey if desired. Enjoy this soothing tea after meals to support digestion.
- Diffuser Blend for Relaxation:
- 3 drops of anise seed essential oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of sweet orange essential oil
Add the essential oils to a diffuser and diffuse for a relaxing and calming aroma. This blend can help create a peaceful environment and promote a sense of tranquility.
- Homemade Sore Throat Spray:
- 2 tablespoons of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of raw honey
- 1 drop of anise seed essential oil
- 1 drop of lemon essential oil
Mix the warm water, honey, anise seed essential oil, and lemon essential oil in a small spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Gargle with warm water, then spray the mixture onto the back of the throat for soothing relief.
- Anise-Infused Massage Oil:
- 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil or coconut oil)
- 3 drops of anise seed essential oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
- 1 drop of peppermint essential oil
Combine the carrier oil with the essential oils in a small bottle and shake well to mix. Massage the blend onto the body for a warming and relaxing experience. This blend can help ease muscle tension and promote a sense of calm.
Safety Etc.
Safety Information for Anise Seed
According to Tisserand & Young, Anise Seed essential oil can be potentially carcinogenic, based on estragole & safrole content, may inhibit blood clotting & reproductive hormone modulation.
Anise Seed essential oil is contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, for those with endometriosis, estrogen dependent cancers & children under 5 yrs old
Indicated cautions: Diabetes & anticoagulant medication, peptic ulcer, hemophilia, major surgery & other bleeding disorders.
(E)-Anethole inhibits platelet aggregation. Essential oils high in (E)-anethole should therefore be avoided, especially in high or oral doses, before major surgery, and in anyone taking blood-thinning medication, or with blood coagulation issues. Essential oils with a high (E)-anethole content should be avoided during pregnancy. (E)-Anethole is weakly estrogenic in yeast cells. It is not estrogenic in breast cancer cells, but a metabolite of (E)-anethole is estrogenic. Given orally to female rats at 80 mg/kg/day for three days, (E)-anethole significantly increased uterine weight, suggesting estrogenic activity. In carcinogenesis studies, (E)-anethole did not cause breast cancer in either rats or mice.
Avoid old or oxidized oils.
Maximum daily oral dose: 53mg
Maximum dermal level per Tisserand & Young: 1.75% (based on 6.6% estragole & 0.1% safrole content) and dermal limits of 0.12% for estragole and 0.05% for safrole
References
- A.W. Smith. "A Gardener's Handbook of Plant Names:",(1997)
- Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
- Mojay, Gabriel. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT 1997
- Price S. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, Churchill Livingstone, 1995
- Tisserand, Robert, et al. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014.
