Anise Star Essential Oil

Illicium verum

GC/MS Report

Current: Spring 2022

Anise star essential oil is a fabulous oil to use for many digestive issues.

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Essential Facts

Country of Origin:China
Plant Parts:Dried fruit
Cultivation Method:Distiller is Certified Organic
Note Classification:Middle/Base
Method of Extraction:Steam or Hydro Distillation
Chemical Family: Ethers
Extraction Date: Spring 2022
Approx. Shelf Life: 5 years
Batch: anistar

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 this in her anti asthma blend.

Botany

Star Anise is an evergreen tree usually growing between 12-16ft, indigenous to Southeast Asia. The plant part used is the dried, ripe fruit that consists of around 8 seed bearing woody follicles attached to a central axis in the shape of a star, hence the name, Star Anise.

Energetics

Energetics and Chakras

2nd Chakra - relationships, creation energy, 3rd Chakra - personal power, 7th Chakra - higher information, Clarity, Introspective, Purifying, Transformative, Uplifting

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities of Anise Star

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

The Ancient Egyptians thought of Star Anise to "refresh the heart". The Greeks and Romans used it as a "pick me up". Ancient Chinese used Star Anise as a digestive aid and as a breath freshener. Star Anise has been used in a tea as a traditional remedy for rheumatism and in TCM today, as a warm and moving herb used to assist in relieving cold-stagnation.

Chemistry

Therapeutic Benefits of Anise Star

Analgesic, Anti-anxiety, Anti-spasmodic, Calming, Carminative, Digestive tonic, Emmenagogic, Estrogenic, Expectorant

Aroma-Chemistry of Anise Star

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 Star

Cool, Exotic, Herbaceous, Sensual, Sweet, Warm

Recipes and Blends

Digestive Upset Blend

2 drops Anise Star Essential Oil

3 drops Ginger Essential Oil (Zingiber officinale)

2 drops Cardamom Essential Oil (Elettaria cardamomum)

3 drops Pink Pepper Essential Oil (Schinus molle)

Add to 1oz of jojoba or unscented lotion. Apply to belly when you feel bloated, or are experiencing digestive distress.

Blends Well With...

Orange, Sweet Essential Oil, Black Pepper Essential Oil, Cardamom Essential Oil, Clove Bud Essential Oil, Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil, Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil, Fennel, Sweet Essential Oil, Ginger Essential Oil, Fresh Root, Mandarin, Red Essential Oil, Nutmeg Essential Oil, Coriander Essential Oil, Caraway Seed Essential Oil, Pink Pepper Essential Oil

Safety Etc.

Safety Information for Anise Star

According to Tisserand & Young, Anise Star essential oil can be potentially carcinogenic, based on estragole & safrole content, may inhibit blood clotting & reproductive hormone modulation.

Anise Star 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.

GC/MS Report