Description
Star anise essential oil is steam distilled from the dried fruit of Illicium verum, an evergreen tree native to southwest China and northeast Vietnam. Despite sharing a similar aroma with aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), star anise and aniseed are entirely unrelated botanically. Star anise is the richer, more complex of the two.
The essential oil has a warm, sweet, intensely anisic aroma with liquorice-like, slightly spicy undertones. The principal constituent is trans-anethole, typically present at 80 to 95%, which is responsible for the characteristic star anise scent and also features in aniseed, fennel, and liquorice root essential oils.
In aromatherapy, star anise essential oil is used for its warming and comforting properties. It is commonly used in diffuser blends aimed at easing feelings of nausea and digestive discomfort. It blends well with other warming spice oils including ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove, as well as with citrus oils such as sweet orange and mandarin.
Star anise essential oil is a potent oil and should be used with care. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy or by those with estrogen-dependent conditions. Always dilute well before applying to skin. This 10ml bottle is suitable for use in diffusers, oil burners, and diluted blends. Not for internal use.
