Description:
Star anise oil is acquired from Illicium verum which belongs to Illiaciaceae family. It is evergreen tree which reaches up to 30 feet in height and bear flowers and shrubs with simple leaves and small, bisexual flowers composed of numerous petals. Star anise fruit is star shaped, radiating between 5 and 10 pointed sections. Star anise tree was originated from eastern North America to Southeast Asia. Its primary constituent is anethole.
Extraction:
Star anise oil is obtained from fresh and partially dried fruits or seeds through steam distillation method. Oil is present in fruit wall not in the seed.
Properties:
Star anise oil is clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid. It has strong, sweet, sharp and licorice like aroma and thin in consistency.
Blending:
Star anise oil is nicely mixes with bay, cardamom, caraway, coriander, cedar wood, dill, sweet fennel, lavender, mandarin, neroli, orange, petitgrain and rosewood oil.
Composition:
Star anise oil is mainly composed of anethole, foeniculin, methyl chavicol, limonene, linalool, nerolidol, cinnamyl acetate.
Uses:
- Star anise oil is used in aromatherapy as it provides relief from muscular aches & pain and indigestion.
- It can be used as diffuser and inhaler as it eases bronchitis, colds and flu.
- It enhances relaxation, sleep patterns and emotional balance.
- It has antiseptic and antifungal properties; it is used in children shampoos as it repels insects.
- It stimulates and aids concentration, relieves stress related fatigue and increase sexual drive.
- It promotes digestive tract problems including upset stomach, gas, loss of appetite and colic in babies.
- It increases flow of milk in lactating mothers
- It promotes menstruation and eases childbirth.
- It is used to flavor in foods and beverages include chewing gum, baked goods, meat and its meat products, liqueurs and brandies.
- It is effective against respiratory tract infections, lung swelling, cough, bronchitis, the influenza, swine flu and bird flu.
- Star anise oil is used in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes and toothpaste.
- It is used in treatment of post traumatic syndrome.
- It is used as breath freshener and to help settle a nervous tummy.
Safety and Precaution:
- Avoid use of star anise oil while pregnant or breast feeding.
- Keep away from children or infants; it may cause irritability, vomiting and seizures.
- Do not use star anise oil in excessive amount as it can cause skin irritation and possible carcinogen.
Specification of Star Anise Oil:
Oraganoleptic Properties:
Appearance – Fluid liquid
Colour – Almost colouless to light yellow
Odour – Characteristics
Physio-Chemical Properties:
Relative Density – 0.930 to 0.990
Refractive Index – 1.488 to 1.560
Fatty Acid and Resinified – As per standard
Essential Oils
Storage – In well fitted container in cool and dark place.
