Star Anise Oil is an essential oil referred to by the botanical name Illicium verum. Star anise oil is steam-distilled from the crushed seeds of the star anise plant, also known as Chinese star anise. This essential oil has a clear light to pale yellow color with a characteristic potent aroma. It most closely resembles the scent and flavor of black licorice. Star anise oil is often used as a flavoring agent and in cosmetics. A small to the medium evergreen tree of the magnolia family, reaching up to 8m (26ft). The leaves are lanceolate and the axillary flowers are yellow. The fruits are harvested before they ripen, then sun-dried. It is, as the name suggests, star-shaped, radiating between five- and ten-pointed boat-shaped sections, about eight on average. These hard sections are seedpods. Tough skinned and rust-colored, they measure up to 3cm (1-1/4”) long. The fruit is picked before it can ripen, and dry.

Star anise is an evergreen tree which is commonly known as Star anise seed, Badiam, Chinese star anise, Anis de Chine, Anis Étoilé, Anís Estrellado, Aniseed Stars, Anis Étoilé Chinois, Ba Jiao Hui, Anisi Stellati Fructus, Badiane, Badiana, Badiane de Chine, Chinese Anise, Bajiao, Eight-Horned Anise, Illicium, and Eight Horns. Its origin is in Southern China. Traditionally, it is used as a herb for its healing properties and numerous health benefits. The seeds of Star anise fruit are sundried and then steam distilled to extract essential oils. The oil is a pale yellow to clear with a strong scent that resembles licorice. It has a thick consistency. It possesses anti-rheumatic, anti-epileptic, and antiseptic properties which makes it versatile. It acts as a decongestant, solves digestive problems, and provides sound sleep. It is used as a flavoring agent in various dishes. Star anise essential oil has constituents such as anisaldehyde, alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, cis and trans-anethole, acetoanisol, linalool, and safrol. Being high fragrant oil, it is used in the perfumery, cooking, toothpaste, soaps, skin creams, and mouthwashes.

Chemical Properties

Star anise essential oil offers a wide range of health benefits, including promoting healthy skin, supporting respiratory health, boosting immune system function, maintaining healthy digestion, fighting fungal infections, and improving sleep quality.

It’s the diverse collection of compounds found in the star anise essential oil that allows for the range of health benefits it provides. Some of the most important compounds are highlighted below.

Anethole

One of the main compounds in star anise, anethole gives the essential oil its heady aroma. Research suggests that anethole may have antimicrobial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties.

Anethole’s structure is similar to catecholamines, a class that includes the “fight-or-flight” hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine, as well as the neurotransmitter dopamine, which activates the brain’s pleasure center.

Quercetin

A flavonoid, quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that has become regarded as a beneficial compound for relieving the symptoms of allergies and respiratory infections.

The antioxidant benefits of quercetin have also been shown to offering protection from the sun’s UV rays.

Limonene

Limonene, a monoterpene, may act as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, speeding up the healing of wounds. Limonene is also a powerful antioxidant that can prevent damage from oxidative stress.

Linalool

Linalool not only helps ease the symptoms of stress and anxiety, it also stimulates the production of vitamin E, a skin-friendly vitamin that acts as an antioxidant.

Antioxidants fight free radicals (damaged cells) by offering them the molecule they need to become whole.

Vitamin E targets free radicals that can potentially damage skin, so the skin’s structural layer remains durable and less prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

Alpha-pinene

Alpha-pinene is a terpene that may help protect communication between the brain and the rest of the body by protecting neurotransmitters from an enzyme that attacks them. This finding opens the door to the use of star anise, as well as other essential oils containing alpha-pinene, in studies relating to dementia.

Additionally, alpha-pinene interacts with the same neurotransmitters that are affected by anti-anxiety drugs, making it a compound that may also offer stress relief.

Beta-pinene

Another terpene, beta-pinene also impacts neurotransmitters, in this case, the ones that control mood. In addition to helping improve mood, beta-pinene is thought to act as an antioxidant and reduce the presence of toxins.

Nerolidol

A terpene, nerolidol is believed to offer sedative effects, making it a good natural remedy for stress, anxiety, or a blue mood. It is also believed to inhibit the growth of fungus and bacteria.

Health Benefits of Star anise essential oil

Star anise is an evergreen plant that bears a star-shaped fruit. It is scientifically called Illicium verum. It has a similar flavor to anise or licorice but is not related to a true anise plant. It provides enormous health benefits which are to be discussed below:

Sedating effects

This essential oil possesses sedative and narcotic properties that help to calm hysteric and epileptic attacks. It slows down respiration, circulation as well as a nervous response if used excessively. It stimulates cordial and stimulating properties if used in adequate amounts. It is useful for hyper reactions, nervous afflictions, and convulsions.

Inflammatory Pain Relief

A major constituent of anise seed oil, anethole, was tested in animal models in 2014 for its pain-relieving abilities apart from simply making the individual feel sedated. The results were fairly clear that the compound helped to lessen pain without creating sedation, most likely thanks to anti-inflammatory actions. (3)

This backs traditional uses as a pain reliever, particularly as oil for muscle pain and inflammatory discomfort.

Bronchodilator

In a similar vein, anise essential oil appears to relax muscles, which would also contribute to pain relief in many cases. To watch this action take place, researchers tested anise essential oil on isolated guinea pig tracheal chains to evaluate the tracheal muscles’ response to the application. The essential oil showed “significant relaxant effects.” (4)

This study demonstrated a bronchodilator response. In other words, breathing could improve in the case of inflamed or congested airways.

Antifungal Effects

Topical fungal infections are uncomfortable and difficult to get a handle on, and systemic yeast can be devastating. Essential oils are often effective against fungal problems, sometimes even more so than other options. Anise in various forms, including the essential oil, seems to be effective against multiple kinds of fungi in vitro, including the dreaded Candida albicans. (5)

Antibacterial Effects

Last but not least, of the anise essential oil actions we’re highlighting today, antibacterial effects steal the show. Antibacterial essential oils are incredibly useful, from respiratory illnesses to skin treatments or countertop cleaning solutions.

Anise is one of the essential oils with the distinct benefit of being active against bacteria in the mouth. In one study, a decoction of the whole seed was used to demonstrate antibacterial activity. (6) This gives us reason to believe that the essential oil, diluted properly, can add to an antimicrobial oral rinse.

With oils that have content like estragole that require a bit of extra attention to caution, synergy can allow you to use a little less of it while actually obtaining more benefits. Synergy is especially important for antimicrobial benefits in vitro, and anise demonstrates this perfectly. In a 2008 study, anise essential oil demonstrated increased antibacterial benefits when paired with thyme essential oil, one of the best-loved antimicrobials out there. (7)

Soothe The nausea Vomiting

If you think back to the last bout of nausea you struggled with, you’ll remember sensitivity to smells. The right, or wrong, scent can have a bigger impact during nausea than under normal circumstances.

A 2005 study combined multiple anti-nausea essential oils – anise, fennel, Roman chamomile, and peppermint – to create a soothing blend for patients in hospice care. While it was not their single treatment for nausea, a majority of the patients who used the blend found improved nausea symptoms, and aromatherapy may have contributed to that overall success. (8) As a non-invasive application, we should utilize our bodies’ ability to turn something as simple as a scent into a healing tool.

Antioxidant Benefits

The body is a complex machine that creates, transforms, stores and breaks down various compounds and cellular components through a vast network of biochemical pathways. It converts energy from food and oxygen to versions that all cells can use (ATP) while storing other forms of energy as triglycerides and glycogen. The myriad of internal metabolic reactions produces many compounds and molecules, some of which have unstable oxygen particles called reactive oxygen species (ROS)—free radicals.

Free radicals are not necessarily a bad thing, and as the saying goes “everything in moderation”. Our immune system uses free radicals as a protection strategy against foreign invaders. But, when ROS levels rise, they react and steal electrons from compounds within cells, damaging and destabilizing structural integrity. Damaged cells and tissues trigger a greater immune response through inflammation to stop and repair the free radical damage. This imbalance of free radicals is often referred to as oxidative stress. 

Many antioxidants occur naturally in plants, and star anise is shown to have 13 to 25 highly active compounds with strong scavenging abilities, that seek out free radicals and protect cells and DNA. 

The same compounds that give sweet, licorice-like flavors produce numerous health benefits. Such antioxidants include:

• Anethole, specifically trans-anethole (which is a slight geometrical configuration of that molecule). This basic lignan is classified as a terpene which is 13 times sweeter than sugar and makes up around 90% of star anise’s essential oil.  Terpenes are the major building blocks of many vital compounds (like steroids), and possess extensive healing properties. Anethole is shown as a strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and insecticidal agent. Its chemical structure is similar to catecholamines (hormones and neurotransmitters like adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine) affecting circulatory and nervous systems.  Anethole can also effect women’s health by mimicking estrogen—important female sex and metabolic hormone, and prolactin—responsible for milk production in breastfeeding females. 
• Caryophyllene is another major compound of star anise essential oil. This famous terpene is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that is found in many plants. The famous part is that caryophyllene, especially its Beta-caryophyllene (geometrical version) is the major component of cannabis essential oil (marijuana). Beta-caryophyllene is shown to affect parts of the brain creating a calming effect and treating a variety of stress-related symptoms for anxiety and depression. 
• Linalool is another ingredient within the essential oil list. This terpene is another natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-mutagenic agent that improves mood and calms the body. Linalool increases the production of vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant.
• Estragole, a terpene and an isomer of anethole. Estragole naturally occurs in many essential oil plants and is a strong anti-inflammatory compound that inhibits numerous cytokines. 
• Limonene, a monoterpene and a strong ROS scavenger. Limonene is a big part of citrus fruit essential oils but is also found in star anise. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that boost immunity, kill pathogens, decrease anxiety and stress while helping with weight loss. Limonene is also an established anti-cancer agent.
• Star anise also contains an extensive list of vitamins such as Vitamin-A, vitamin-E, vitamin-C as well as many B-complex (thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and niacin). Some of these vitamins come in high concentrations and are strong antioxidants (like vitamins E and C).
• Star anise is a good source of minerals including copper, iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc, and magnesium. Manganese is an important element for healthy and strong bones and other body functions including maintaining antioxidant enzyme levels like superoxide dismutase (SOD). 

Insect Repellant

The ingredients within its essential oils possess properties making them effective all-natural repellants against several insect species.

Insects do not like anethole which is a major compound of star anise essential oil. Studies have shown that anethole was an 80% effective fumigant against German cockroaches.  Anethole and other essential oil ingredients (like alpha-terpinene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene and, estragole linalool) together with versions of shikimic acid create a long-lasting control of different cockroach, mite, and other insect populations. Such oils have also been used as all-natural pesticides protecting grains and other crops. 

Fights Viruses and Flu

While many fruits and vegetables offer generous amounts of antioxidants that boost immunity and reduce the risk of infection, none do it quite like star anise. Its main compound is shikimic acid that has been used for over 30 years to produce an antiviral vaccine Oseltamivir (also known as Tamiflu, a drug that is used to treat bird flu). Star anise has the highest concentration of shikimic acid from all the plants in the world. 

Studies show that combining shikimic acid with quercetin (a strong antioxidant found in many spices) has significantly increased immune cells compared to standard antiviral treatment.[25] So, next time you’re feeling the chills, muscle aches, headache, fatigue or other cold-like symptoms, consider brewing a cup of star anise, or grab Dupi’s Chai Elevate Blend — simply steep and enjoy.

Improves Lactation

Sometimes new mothers have a difficult time producing milk after childbirth. This happens more frequently during women’s delivery of the first child or via cesarean (C) section. A traditional remedy for new mothers and wet nurses has long been licorice-type spices, including star anise.  [37] We were unable to find research directly investigating this biochemical process, however, some studies suspect anethole and its ability to mimic the body’s chemicals, messengers, and hormones. The found research used spices of similar chemical profiles such as anise and fennel which are more popular in the Western countries—all contain similar active compounds with star anise, including anethole.

Anethole has a similar chemical structure to the neurotransmitter dopamine and thus can compete for its receptors. Dopamine blocks another hormone prolactin, which stimulates breast milk production. Anethole that can attach itself to dopamine receptors blocks dopamine from attaching but without the hormonal effect. This results in greater prolactin levels. 

Eases Menopause Symptoms

Women’s body changes during the onset of menopause, with lower production of estrogen and ending of ovulation and menses. Low estrogen levels trigger broad menopause symptoms such as mood changes, hot flashes, fatigue, anxiety, joint, and muscle aches. Some of these symptoms may lead to health conditions including osteoporosis and heart disease. A number of pharmaceutical treatments including hormone replacement therapy are available as valid options.

However, more and more women are concerned with the negative side effects of pharmaceutical drugs and hormones and focus their search for natural/herbal remedies. Star anise among other spices has been used for centuries as a popular choice. Anethole mimics estrogen and can produce some effect of this powerful sex hormone. Spices containing anethole (such as star anise, fennel, and anise seed) are shown to decrease menopause symptoms. Human trials found that anethole-based spices (anise seed) reduced 75% of reported hot flashes in 72 women compared to placebo. 

Decreased bone loss or osteoporosis is another hallmark symptom of menopause. Spices containing anethole can also help reduce bone loss and protect against osteoporosis. 

Anti-Diabetic – Lowers Blood Sugar

Diabetes results from chronic high blood-sugar levels, where the body is unable to fully utilize carbohydrate metabolism. It affects millions of people across the globe, costing billions in terms of research, treatments, and prevention. As diabetes numbers rapidly continue to climb, governing bodies are searching for solutions. This includes the World Health Organization (WHO) who published its recommendations for the development of herbal medicines, including anti-diabetic agents.

Adding star anise to the diet has been a long traditional remedy to normalize blood sugar levels.  This spice is low on the glycemic index with an impressive amount of powerful antioxidants which affect blood sugar levels. Anethole is the ingredient found to reduce high blood sugar levels in diabetic animals. A 45-day anethole treatment increased insulin production and improved overall hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), cholesterol, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).[42] HbA1c is formed when glucose attaches to the hemoglobin of the red blood cell (RBC). The higher the blood glucose levels, the greater HbA1c levels, which is an important marker for glycemic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Anti-Cancer Agent

The powerful antioxidants within star anise that eliminate free radicals also possess cancer-fighting abilities. The reduction of oxidative damage within tissue and cells decreases the overall risk of abnormal cell mutation and growth. Numerous studies revealed that star anise phytonutrients have significantly decreased oxidative stress and inhibited cancer progression in diseased animals.

Being a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, anethole can also affect various types of cancers. Anethole engages and decreases tumors in breast and prostate cancers. It attacks cancer in two ways:

• by initiating a self-destruction mechanism (apoptosis) and,
• elevating self-destructing proteins (TIMP1, caspase-3, caspase-9, p21, and p27) while reducing inflammatory proteins (NF-kB, MMP2, MMP9, p38, p53). 

Brain Health and Combat Neurological Disorders

The ancient cultures of China, Persia, and India used star anise-like spices to treat a variety of diseases. Science identified inflammation symptoms within neural tissues and their development and progression into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), depression, stroke, anxiety, and brain cancer; designating a specific term – neuroinflammation. Spices possess numerous phytonutrients which directly reduce oxidative stress and the risk of neurological disorders. Today, spices such as star anise hold immense potential and are advocated by governing bodies (World Health Organization) as natural and sustainable therapies against a wide range of diseases.

Star anise is loaded with potent compounds which fight inflammation, protecting brain tissue and function while creating a sedative and anticonvulsant effect.[3,6] Studies have shown that active compounds like trans-anethole reduced the frequency, length, and intensity of epileptic seizures in an animal model. Other compounds within the star anise oil: estragole, linalool, alpha-terpineol also contributed to positive outcomes. The mechanisms involved are extremely complex, but scientists suspect that star anise’s phytochemicals interact with sodium-potassium (Na+ – K+) pumps and GABA (both A and B) receptors creating neural excitation reducing overall seizures. GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter within the central nervous system (CNS). This amino acid is an important controller of many systems, regulating the activity of muscles, hormones, and nervous tissues. 

Improves Sleep

Stress not only translates into oxidative stress or anxiety, it can also cause restlessness or insomnia. The mind’s high state of engagement increases epinephrine levels stimulating senses and inhibiting sleep. As previously mentioned star anise has sedative properties and is able to modulate levels of some of the involved neurotransmitters and hormones. The ability to increase levels of certain chemicals in one condition while lowering them in another is a unique property of numerous natural herbs and spices, including star anise.

Star anise essential oil has a soothing licorice-like smell producing an aromatherapeutic effect. Both animal and human studies showed that active ingredients including anethole, estragole, linalool, limonene, and 4-terpineol assist in reducing neural excitation while improving serotonin levels.

Skin Care

The UV radiation from sun exposure damages skin cells and is one of the environmental factors of oxidative stress within the body, raising the risk for skin-related conditions and cancers. Research identified star anise as a potent anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-bacterial agent capable of reducing free radical damage including skin cells and early signs of aging.

Collagen is an important structural protein in the skin responsible for the elasticity and integrity of the cells. Star anise is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A—strong antioxidants that reduce oxidative damage in cells. Vitamin C is an important part of collagen production leading to healthier-looking skin. Vitamin A replenishes damaged skin cells, minimizing the appearance of scarring or stretch marks. 

Anethole protects against ROS damage and reduces oxidative stress by enhancing glutathione (GSH) and nuclear factor-like2 (Nrf2) levels. Nrf2 is a transcription factor protein in humans that regulates antioxidant proteins. GSH is the body’s own natural antioxidant considered one of the most important ROS scavengers. Trans-anethole in other spices is shown to lighten the skin and reduce blemishes by decreasing melanogenesis (production of melanin from sun exposure).[63]

Relief pain

It provides relief from arthritic and rheumatic pains by increasing the circulation of blood and lowering the pain sensation on the affected areas.

Speeds up healing process

With antiseptic properties, this oil helps to prevent infections and sepsis of wounds. It also fastens the healing of wounds.

Cure spasms

The spasms such as coughs, cramps, diarrhea, aches, convulsions, and nervous afflictions could be cured with this essential oil. It provides anti-spasmodic and relaxant properties that calm down contractions and relieve the mentioned ailments.

Lowers fatigue

Star anise essential oil possesses mild purgative properties but is safe when used in lower amounts. It cures indigestion, flatulence, constipation, and clears motions.

Digestive issues

Gas results in flatulence, indigestion, stomach aches, chest pain, muscular pains, hypertension, rheumatism, reduction of eyesight, and hair loss. This oil helps to eliminate excess gas from the body.

Respiratory health

This essential oil has a warming effect on the body that assists the circulatory and respiratory systems. It encounters rheumatism, arthritis, deposition of phlegm, and colds.

Relaxation effects

Its acts as a sedative and treats the health problems such as nervous afflictions, anxiety, anger, depression, and stress. When used in small amounts, it acts as a stimulant.

Eliminate worms

As it possesses an insecticidal property, it eliminates intestinal worms from the body. It could be helpful for the children having the issue of intestinal worms.

Loosen mucus

This oil loosens phlegm and mucus which are deposited in respiratory tracts and lungs. It provides relief from breathing problems, bronchitis, asthma, cough, congestion, and respiratory problems.

The Leading Aromatherapy Associations (Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA), International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association, Aromatherapy Trade Council, and others) all state that essential oils should not be taken internally (regardless of purity or organic origin) unless under the guidance of a health care practitioner trained at an appropriate level . As such, all of our oils carry a label warning that the product is NOT FOR INTERNAL USE.

7 Health Benefits and Uses of Anise Seed

11 Impressive Health Benefits of Star Anise Raw and Extracted

Traditional uses

• If used in a diffuser, it eases colds, flu, and bronchitis.
• It is used in aromatherapy for digestive, carminative, diuretic, and stimulant properties.
• It treats skin problems, combat stress, and fatigue.
• It is used as a breath freshener.
• It is useful for treating pains, aches, cramps, and colic.
• It also treats respiratory problems.
• Massage with the mixture of 2 drops of Neroli, 2 drops of Star Anise essential oil, 1 drop of Cinnamon, and 2 drops of Spearmint oil in the abdomen to ease effleurage movements.
• Diffuse five drops of Cedarwood oil and five drops of Star Anise essential oil for treating respiratory problems.
• It is used for muscle spasms, joint aches, constipation, digestive problems, toothaches, and sleep disorders.
• It uplifts the mood.
• It provides relief from menstrual discomfort and eases menopause symptoms.
• It eases breathing, lung as well as nasal congestion if inhaled.
• It is used in inhalers, vaporizers, steamers, and baths.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• The excessive use of Star anise essential oil lowers circulation and respiration.
• It is not recommended to use for children.
• Some might get skin irritation.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use it.
• It could worsen some cancers caused due to the effect on estrogen hormones. So cancer patients should avoid it.
• Side effects such as mouth inflammation, vomiting, nausea, and skin irritation might be experienced.
• It should not be used internally.
• Avoid using it on eyes, ears, and sensitive areas of the body.
• Perform a patch test before use.

 

The Leading Aromatherapy Associations (Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA), International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association, Aromatherapy Trade Council, and others) all state that essential oils should not be taken internally (regardless of purity or organic origin) unless under the guidance of a health care practitioner trained at an appropriate level. As such, all of our oils carry a label warning that the product is NOT FOR INTERNAL USE.

References

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