Purifying. Skincare problematic skins: Acne, inflammations, cold sores, mycosis; for Mature Skin care: tired, devitalized, fine line; Scalp and Hair care; Congestions: Chest and sinuses, Digestion: slow digestions, stomach cramps, colic, transport nausea; Inflammations: soothing, joints, lumbagos; Home care: insect repellent; In natural perfumery; Emotions: uplifting, comforting, empowering.

INCI Name : Illicium verum (Star Anise) essential oil

CAS Number :68952-43-2

SKU code :

EXTRACTION METHOD: Steam distilled

PARTS USED: Fruits and seeds

ORIGIN: India

COMMON NAMES: True Star Anise, Chinese Star Anise, Badiane, Stermanis.

APPEARANCE: Colourless to pale yellow, liquid oil. May crystallize at lower temperature 

ODOUR NOTE: intense, like a licorice candy, fresh, sweet, spicy, warm. Top to middle note.

MAIN MOLECULAR COMPONENTS: Trans-Anethole (89.48%), Estragol, linalool, Limonene, Foeniculine

QUALITY: 100 % pure and organic whole essential oil.

STORAGE CONDITION: tightly closed, in a dark, cool place away from heat sources. May crystalize at lower temperatures: if this occurs, simply place your whole closed bottle in a hot water bowl to gently warm, and shake to stir, until crystals are melted.

INFOS AND INTERESTING FACTS 

The fruit/ seed of Illicium verum, the true Star Anise is considered as NONTOXIC and generally recognized as safe by the FDA (GRAS. 

It has been used as a cooking and flavour spice throughout Asia and in pharmaceutical formulas for its strong anti-bacterial action amongst other beneficial properties. 

Please, check the More info tab for extended explanation.

Often mistaken for Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), because they share the same licorice-like aromas, these are in fact different families of plants

• Anti-viral, Anti- bacterial, Anti-fungal
• Anti-inflammatory, Antinociceptive
• Oestrogen-like
• Antioxidant, In skin care: purifying, astringent, exfoliating
• Stomachic, carminative, digestive stimulant.
• Insecticidal (lice)
• Insect repellent
• Deodorant

• In cold and flu synergies
• Respiratory system
• Digestive system
• In massage oils for muscles and joints pains and strains
• In heat flush formulations to help ease the transition into menopause (hot flushes, mood balance, energy…)
• In PMS massages to help ease period pains
• In natural facecare. For mature skins, youthfulness, “anti-aging “regenerating skincare, 
• In exfoliating astringent antioxidant face masks,
• In hair and scalps treatments of human lice
• In deodorant soaps
• In motivation-boost blends for mental clarity, courage, and inner-strength.
• In winter and cold weather blends for home fragrances
• In Natural perfumery. 
• In flavouring drinks (pastis, Ouzo, Sambuca…)

Always use in trace amount, combined with other essential oils. Max 3 drops per 10ml carrier oil

Face & body care Massages

• Targeted body massages +++ for digestion, chest and sinus congestions, joints and muscles pains, PMS, use 1 to 2 drops Star Anise essential oil for 10 ml carrier oil (0.5 to 2 % concentration) 
• Face care for mature and tired skins+++. wrinkles and fine lines: use 1 drop with 1 drop of another essential oil (rose geranium) for 10 ml carrier or base (0.5 to 1 % concentration), in clay masks, neutral cream, aloe vera gel or neutral gel
• Body & scalp care +++: use 2 to 6 drops essential oil for 10 ml carrier or base (1 to 2 % concentration) 
• Foot Baths ++ First mix 10 to 15 drops of essential oil with 20 ml vegetable glycerine or 1 cup of Epsom salts, for mycoses…

Diffusion

• Ultrasonic Diffusers for chest congestions, or air scents, deodorizing +++: use 10 min 3 times a day.

Others 

• Cooking+++: 1 drop added cold the buttery or syrupy phase, at the end of your preparations, brings a warm licorice aroma to your dishes. Great in honey, over fruits salads, in marmalades, in sweet and sour sauces, in spicy sauces… 
• In Natural Fragrances+++: to add a sweet-spicy (licorice) hint to sweet floral or woody notes. Often used in Masculine or Oriental Perfume Ex: with Vanilla, Cocoa, Jasmine, Black pepper, Patchouli, sandalwood
• Homecare ++: to keep insects away, 1-2 drops in drawers…

For more detailed information, please go check this LINK TO Instructions of use essential oils page

DO NOT USE UNDILUTED and SEEK MEDICAL AND SPECIALIST ADVISE WHEN IN DOUBT.

SEE OUR PAGE ON PRECAUTION - HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS SAFELY

Star Anise essential oil is known for its sweet, licorice-like aroma and is commonly used in aromatherapy for its calming and balancing effects. Here are five safe and beneficial recipes:

1. Calming Diffuser Blend:

• 2 drops of Star Anise essential oil
• 3 drops of Lavender essential oil
• 2 drops of Bergamot essential oil

Add these oils to your diffuser following the manufacturer's instructions. This blend can help promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

2. Invigorating Bath Soak:

• 1 cup of Epsom salts
• 4 drops of Star Anise essential oil
• 3 drops of Orange essential oil
• 3 drops of Peppermint essential oil

Combine ingredients and store in a glass jar. Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the mixture in a warm bath for an invigorating and refreshing soak.

3. Warming Massage Oil:

• 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond oil
• 4 drops of Star Anise essential oil
• 3 drops of Ginger essential oil
• 3 drops of Cinnamon essential oil

Combine the oils in a glass bottle. Use this blend for a warming and soothing massage, particularly for areas of discomfort.

4. Relaxing Room Spray:

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 10 drops of Star Anise essential oil
• 5 drops of Lavender essential oil
• 5 drops of Chamomile essential oil

Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use and lightly mist the room for a calming and soothing scent.

5. Aromatic Pillow Spray:

• 1/2 cup of distilled water
• 3 drops of Star Anise essential oil
• 4 drops of Lavender essential oil
• 3 drops of Bergamot essential oil

Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spritz lightly on your pillow before bedtime for a restful night's sleep.

As with any essential oil, always perform a patch test to check for skin irritation, and dilute in a carrier oil before applying to the skin. 

Consult with a healthcare provider if you're pregnant, nursing, or have any health concerns. 

Star Anise essential oil should not be ingested and should be used with caution.

• Woody and resinous: ambrette, sandalwood, cedarwood, cypress, spikenard, hemlock.
• Other warm spices: caraway, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger clove, cilantro
• Floral and sweets: jasmine, frangipani, lavender, rose, vanilla, and cocoa
• Citruses: Mandarin, orange, petit grain

Other species of Illicium, (Illicium anisum/religiosum/ lanceolatum-found in Japan and Taiwan, and Illicium parviflorum/floridanum from USA), traditionally used for fumigations purposes (Incense sticks, Repellent) are highly toxic and even potentially poisonous when consumed (neurotoxic, toxic to liver, kidneys, and the digestive system). 

Those species should not be used at all, in any sort of applications. Some cupid and irresponsible tea or spices manufacturers have used these other subspecies of Illicium, with dire consequences. 

So, look for the complete Latin identification name of the plant in the list of ingredients: Illicium verum (verum= true/real), and you will be ok.

Furthermore:

“While it is difficult to easily distinguish Japanese star anise from Chinese star anise visually, a simple gas chromatographic test will clearly show a significant difference as the latter has a noticeable amount of anethole unlike the former, which has none. A small amount of bornyl acetate found in Japanese star anise is not seen in Chinese star anise.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/illicium

Do not excess recommended doses

Do not use in case of oestrogen dependant conditions

Do not use during the first 3 months of pregnancy / breastfeeding 

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

As a general rule, always perform a skin patch test before using your essential oils for the first time.

DO NOT USE UNDILUTED and seek medical and specialist advise when in doubt