4 Excellent Health Benefits and Uses of Star Anise Essential Oil

The essential oil of star anise is derived from the steam distillation of the seeds of a star-shaped fruit that comes from the star anise tree. The tree is scientifically known as Illicum verum and star anise oil is oftentimes confused with aniseed oil, which comes from Pimpinella anisum. However, the focus in this article will be on the benefits and uses of star anise essential oil, derived from Illicum verum.

Star anise tree originated from Southern China and it was used as a herb in traditional Chinese medicine for its healing properties and stimulating effects on the digestive and respiratory systems. The oil has a fresh, spicy and liquorice-like scent, and in modern aromatherapy, star anise essential oil boasts a variety of useful medicinal properties that are perfect for addressing a variety of health ailments.

Read on to find out more!

Health Benefits of Star Anise Essential Oil:

1. Soothes the Mind

Some essential oils have the power to calm the mind and induce peace within you. Star anise essential oil is one such essential oil that has the power to do just that. As it contains sedative properties, it is able to ease away any tension, stress, anxiety or even feelings of depression. It produces an uplifting effect on your emotions, making it a particularly useful oil for those who are feeling overwhelmed or mentally fatigued.

How to Use it: You can diffuse a few drops of the oil into a diffuser or vaporizer and put it in your room. Alternatively, you can add about 5-6 drops of the oil in a tub of warm, bathing water and soak inside for a few minutes to destress and relax your mind.

2. Provides Respiratory Relief

Coughs, colds, flu and other respiratory ailments may be very discomforting as your respiratory tracts become blocked with excess mucus and phlegm, leading to much difficulties when it comes to breathing. Luckily, star anise oil contains expectorant properties, which means it helps to clear out these excess phlegm and mucus lodged in your respiratory tracts.

As such, it relieves the congestion, making you breathe much more easily. Coupled with its antispasmodic properties, it helps to soothe painful coughing spells as well.

How to Use it: In the diffuser, you can add up to 5 drops of star anise oil and another 5 drops of cedarwood oil. Alternatively, you can create a steam inhalation by adding 5 drops of star anise oil and 5 drops of pine oil into a bowl of hot, boiling water. Put a towel over your head, close your eyes and inhale the vapors emanating out for up to 10 minutes and repeat a few times throughout the day.

3. Supports the Digestive System

Star anise essential oil is also a great supporter of the digestive system. Known for its carminative qualities, it is able to get rid of excess gas which may be building up in the stomach and small intestines. As such, it helps to prevent and alleviate a whole host of stomach-related problems like flatulence and indigestion.

Its antispasmodic properties are also helpful because it helps soothe any convulsions or cramps of the gastrointestinal muscular walls, thus preventing stomach aches, cramps and colic. Also, it possesses antibacterial and insecticidal properties, meaning it can help get rid of intestinal worms that are lurking in your digestive system.

How to Use it: Mix 2 drops of star anise, 2 drops of neroli, 2 drops of spearmint and 1 drop of cinnamon essential oils with 14ml of a carrier oil (like almond, jojoba or coconut oils) to form a massage blend. Massage onto your abdominal area in a clockwise direction.

4. Offers Pain Relief

Star anise essential oil is also a great oil for providing pain relief from muscular conditions like arthritis and rheumatism. This is because it increases blood circulation to these vital muscular places and helps soothe the pain away. Coupled with its antispasmodic and anaesthetic properties, it is beneficial for such muscular aches and pains.

A 2014 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that anethole, the major compound found in star anise essential oil showed an antinociceptive effect in writhing models, meaning that it helps to soothe the pain and inflammation away without actually causing a sedative effect on the subjects.

How to Use it: Mix 4 drops of star anise with equal parts of a carrier oil and massage onto the affected areas. Alternatively, you can add in 5-6 drops of the oil in a tub of warm, bathing water and soak inside to soothe the pain from your aching muscles/joints.

Safety Precautions:

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using star anise essential oil as it is believed to have high levels of trans-anethole which is thought to have estrogen-like effects.
Also, due to this, those who are suffering from endometriosis or estrogen-dependent cancers should avoid using the oil as well.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions and are under drug prescriptions, consult your doctor first before using the oil as a form of treatment.
Star anise oil is considered to be a mild skin irritant, so be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil first and perform a skin patch test to ensure you do not suffer from any allergic or sensitive reactions.
Do not give star anise oil to young children.
The oil should not be used internally.