May 23 2009
Star Anise Essential Oil
Name: Star Anise Essential Oil.
Botanical Name: Illicium verum.
Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled.
Color: Pale Yellow.
Consistency: Thin.
Perfumery Note: Middle.
Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong.
Aromatic Description: Sharp, anise and licorice-like aroma.
Possible Uses: Rheumatism, bronchitis, coughing, colic, indigestion/cramping, colds, flu. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 61-66.].
Constituents: (E)-anethole, foeniculin, methyl vhavicol, limonene, linalool, nerolidol and cinnamyl acetate. [E. Joy Bowles, The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils (NSW, Australia: Allen & Unwin, 2003), 190.].
Safety Information: Lawless indicates that this oil is not a dermal irritant. Narcotic and slows circulation when used in large doses. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 152.]. Tisserand cautions to avoid star anise in cases of alcoholism, liver disease, paracetamol use, breast-feeding, pregnancy, endometriosis, certain cancers, hyperplasia, damaged skin and with young children. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 171.].
All Essential oils or highly concentrated, do not ingests or add directly to the skin. Always ask your trained massage aroma therapist on how to use any essential oils. These oils are used as a guide only.
