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Anise essential oil - benefits of anise

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Anise Essential Oil

With its strong licorice-like scent, anise is said to be good for hunters and fishermen for masking the human scent. Aniseed is an annual herb less than three feet in height with white flowers. The small white flowers bloom in midsummer, and seed maturation usually occurs one month after pollination, when the oil content in the dried fruit is about 2.5%. The major constituent in oil of anise is anethole.

The extraction method of anise essential oil is by steam distillation of the seeds. Anise is valuable in perfumery and soaps and has been used in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and skin creams. Anise oil is sometimes used as an adulterant in the essential oil of licorice.

Some sources report that anise is good for circulation, muscular aches and pains. It is also said to help with colds, coughs and bronchitis. Oil of anise is used today as an ingredient in cough medicine and lozenges. In addition, anise has been used to promote lactation in nursing mothers and as a medicine against indigestion and lice.

INTERESTING FACTS: Anise oil is sometimes used as sensitizer for bleaching colors in photography.

1/2 oz. (15 ml) $7.00

COMMON NAME: anise

BOTANICAL NAME: pimpinella anisum

ORIGIN of ANISE: Central America, China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Morocco, South America, Spain

PARTS USED: seed pod

FRAGRANCE: fresh, sweet, licorice-like

ANISE BLENDS well with: amyris, bay, caraway, cardamom, cedarwood, coriander, galbanum, mandarin

ANISE AROMATIC BENEFITS: cheering, energizing, euphoric, relaxing, sense enhancing, warming

MAGICKAL USES: clairvoyance, divination

PHYSICAL USES: antibacterial, antispasmodic, bronchitis, carminative, catarrh, colic, colitis, coughs, cramps, deodorant, digestive, estrogen-like, flatulence, halitosis, hiccups, immunity stimulant, indigestion, lactation, menopause, toning, upper abdominal pain, vomiting

SAFETY WARNINGS: Slightly toxic. Dilute well before use.

PRONUNCIATION: ANN-us

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DISCLAIMER: The intention of The Green Pergola is to provide you with information concerning the uses of essential oils and plant extracts for health and well-being of body, mind, and spirit as it is currently being practiced in this country. Much of the material is based upon various published sources including scientific and clinical research. There is no warranty made regarding the completeness of the accuracy of this publicly available information. This guide is not intended to replace the advice or attention of the proper health care professionals, direct their behavior or replace their independent professional judgement. Consult your health care professional and a professional certified aromatherapist together if you are unsure of an essential oils proper use. Do not apply undiluted essential oils directly onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have cancer, liver damage or any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. It is safe practice to consult a qualified aromatherapist before using oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an oil that you've never used before.