Star Anise Essential Oil

Star Anise (China Star)
Illicium Verum

Source: Seeds
Origin: China
Energetics: Yang
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Scent: Star Anise has a warm and spicy, liquorice like aroma similar to Aniseed.
Blends Well With: Ambrette, Caraway, Cardamom, Cedarwood, Clove, Coriander, Cypress, Dill, Ginger, Lavender, Mandarin, Orange, Petitgrain and Rose. 

About

Often used as an intense pick me up. Supportive to the digestive and respiratory systems.

Historical Snippets

Star Anise Essential Oil has a long history in Chinese medicine. Star Anise oil is considered warm and disperses cold. It is considered warming to key organs and regulates qi. Although originating in China, star anise made its way to Europe via explorer Thomas Cavendish in the late 1500’s. Star anise spread through Europe via the tea trade route. It was known as Siberian cardamom.

Key Constituents

• (E)-Anethole    (current batch 87.12%)
• Methyl chavicol  (current batch 2.83%)
• Foeniculum   (current batch 2.26%)
• Anisaldehyde   (current batch 0.92%)
• Linalool   (current batch 0.79%)

How To Use

Diffuse: Add a few drops to a diffuser to disperse around the room

Topically: Dilute essential oil with any carrier oil at a 2.5% ratio. This equates to 2.5ml essential oil/oils in total mixed with 100ml of chosen carrier oil. 1ml of essential oil is approximately 20-22 drops of oil.  Decant into a roller or glass bottle with eye dropper to apply easily or a larger bottle if using for massage. Please note this dilution rate is for adults and children over the age of 6. More information on children and essential oils is on our blog page. Essential Oils should not be used directly on the skin without mixing first with a carrier oil

Inhalation: Add 1-2 drops essential oil to a tissue and inhale at a distance while ensuring that the oil does not come into direct contact with the skin. Alternatively, you can smell the oil directly from the bottle.

Shelf Life 

Our freshly decanted Star Anise essential oil will last for 2-3 years minimum from when you open your amber glass bottle if stored correctly.

Primary Storage Considerations: Keep away from direct light (U.V. radiation). Keep in the amber glass bottle with lid tightly closed. Only open when you need to and decant into a smaller "working" amber glass bottle if possible (and label so you know what is in it). This is to reduce oxidation.
Secondary Storage Considerations: Keep in a refrigerator at around 4 degrees celsius.

Safety

General
Some essential oils may cause photosensitivity to the skin - Use diluted in Jojoba or other complete carrier oil.
Do not ingest essential oils.
Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment or mitigation of any physical or mental illness. Ahimsa Oils offer no advice or recommendations only general information. No therapeutic claims are made within.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner.

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the TGA. David Bosley however worked for a long period in consultation with the TGA to ensure correct labelling with reference to the Ahimsa Oil product range.

Specific
Hazards: Potentially carcinogenic, based on estragole content; reproductive hormone modulation; may inhibit blood clotting.
Contraindications (all routes): Pregnancy, breastfeeding, endometriosis, estrogen-dependent cancers, major surgery, children under five years of age.
Cautions (oral): Diabetes medication, anticoagulant medication,  peptic ulcer, hemophilia, other bleeding disorders.
Maximum dermal use level: Tisserand & Young - 1.75%
A maximum of 1.75% is recommended for dermal use, based on 6.6% estragole and 0.1% safrole content, and dermal limits of 0.12% for estragole and 0.05% for safrole.
For transportation purposes, this product is classed DG due to flash point range between 60.5°C and 93.3°C

References

Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: Second edition.