Essential Oil Spotlight: Star Anise

This sweet smelling essential oil smells just like black licorice. It is often used as a flavoring agent cold and cough medicines, and used as a rub to relieve muscular aches and pains (when diluted with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or avocado oil). It can be used as a chest rub or in a vaporizer to relieve symptoms of colds and coughs.

Swirled cold process soap scented with Star Anise on display at Otion

Furthermore, this Chinese herb is said to aid digestion and has stimulating properties. It may help improve health in women and ease menstrual cramps. It is a great base scent for blending. Try combining Star Anise with orange, lavender, cinnamon or clove essential oils. Warnings: This essential oil is not intended for internal use without the guidance of a doctor. If ingested in large amounts, anise essential oil will slow down the circulatory system as it is a mild narcotic. Also, Anise essential oil contains 'anethole' which may exacerbate those with skin conditions. Do not use during pregnancy.