Aniseed essential oil information

Our aniseed essential oil is extracted from the seeds of the herb Pimpinella anisum (also known as P. officinale and vulgare), of the Umbelliferae family. It has a pungent liquorice-like smell and is also known as anise and sweet cumin. It should not be confused with Illicium verum, which is star anise and belongs to the Illiciaceae family.

on this page Oil properties  Origin of aniseed oil  Extraction  Chemical composition  Precautions  Therapeutic properties  Uses  Summary  Buying aniseed oil from us

Go to shopping cart at bottom of page

This warm, spicy essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to ease the discomfort of introverted and fearful people, while aiding the digestion, boosting the lungs and easing migraines and headaches.

Oil properties

The oil is of medium viscosity and will solidify at low temperatures and it may need to be hand-warmed before use.

Origin

Aniseed originated from the Middle East and is now cultivated in Europe, USA and North Africa. It is an annual herb, about 80 cm (2 feet) high with delicate feathery leaves, tiny white flowers and grayish-brown seeds.

Aniseed oil was revered by ancient civilizations, especially by the Romans, Egyptians and Greeks. The Romans used it in a spicy cake know as 'mustaceus', the Egyptians used it in bread, while the Greeks used it for its calming influence on the digestive tract.

Aniseed is used in liqueurs and cordials, toothpastes and mouthwashes. In India it is used  as a breath sweetener and in Turkey, a popular alcoholic drink called 'raki ' is made from the seeds.

Extraction

The oil is extracted by steam distillation from the dried ripe fruit and seeds.

Chemical composition

The essential oil includes the following chemical compounds; a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, linalool, cis-anethole, trans-anethole, safrole, anisaldehyde and acetoanisole.

Precautions

Aniseed oil is a very potent and the anethole contained in it can cause dermatitis in some individuals. It is best avoided in problem skin conditions. In large doses it can also slow down the circulation and can cause cerebral congestion.

It must be avoided during pregnancy.

Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of aniseed oil are antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, galactagogue, stomachic, insecticide, laxative and parasiticide.

Uses

Aniseed oil can be useful in the treatment of muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, bronchitis, whooping cough, colic, cramp, flatulence, indigestion, catarrh and hangovers.

Summary

Aniseed oil is not only helpful for its effect on the digestive system, it is also a general tonic to the circulatory system and the respiratory tract. It helps to calm the nerves of tense and anxiety ridden people. It also calms menstrual pains and eases nauseous migraines, while stimulating the lungs to expel phlegm.

• Burners and vaporizers
  • In vapor therapy, aniseed oil is useful for asthma, colds and all breathing problems, as well as quelling nausea and vomiting.
• Drops of oil on a handkerchief
  • When used on a handkerchief to smell at, it is useful for settling digestive problems and can also benefit migraine and vertigo sufferers.

Aniseed blends well with

Although essential oils blend well with one another, Aniseed oil goes particularly well with other essential oils such as cardamom, caraway, cedarwood, coriander, dill, fennel, mandarin, petitgrain and rosewood.

Ordering Aniseed essential oil

• US$ 12.50 for 11 ml (worldwide postage included)

1. To shop, click on the "Add to shopping cart" button above, which will add the item to your cart, where we accept Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Diners credit cards.
2. After you have selected an item, other items can also be added to the cart. All products are accessible from the product catalogue, or from the list below.
3. When you are ready to finalize your order, click the "Go to checkout now" button, where you will be able to change quantities, delete items, or return if you decide to continue shopping. Remember - no order is final until you decide and place the order.
4. For more information on shopping cart security, please click here. To access our fax form click here.
5. Handling, shipping and postage to any destination in the world INCLUDED - this is the total price - there are no hidden extras.

Headings of links underneath

Use of essential oils | List of essential oils | List of pre-blended oils

List of carrier oils | Recipes | Essential oil safety

Related articles | Manufacture of oils

Holistic and alternative medicine

Treatment of ailments

Links to essential oils, carrier oils and specialized pre-blended oils

ESSENTIAL OILS

ESSENTIAL OILS
NOT SOLD BY US

PRE-BLENDED
FORMULAS

OTHER OILS

CARRIER OILS

CARRIER OILS
NOT SOLD BY US