Anise Seed (Aniseed)

Botanical Name

Pimpinella anisum

Plant Family

Apiaceae

Anise Essential Oil Uses

Antiseptic, antispasmodic, bronchitis, carminative, colds, coughs, diuretic, expectorant, flatulence, flue, galactagogue, muscle aches, rheumatism, stimulant, stomachic

Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 39.

Common Method of Extraction

Steam Distilled

Plant Part Typically Used

Seed

Color

Clear

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Top

Strength of Initial Aroma

Medium

Aromatic Description

Anise Essential Oil smells similar to that of licorice. It is rich and sweet.

Possible Substitute Oils

 

Blends Well With

Bay Laurel, Black Pepper, Ginger, Lavender, Orange, Pine, Black Spruce, Fir, Rose.

Recommended Dilution Range

Dilute to a maximum of 1.75% in a carrier oil

GRAS status

YES

Major Constituents

• (E)-Anethole
• (+)-Limonene
• Estragole
• Anisyl alcohol

See Essential Oil Safety for a more complete list of constituents.

Source: B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1988-1991 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1995), 199. R. Tabacchi, J. Garnero, R. Bull, Contribution aletude de la composition de l’huile essentialle de fruits d’anise de Turque. (Rivista Italiana EPPOS 56, 1974), 683-697. K.H. Kubeczka, Essential Oils Analysis by Capillary Gas Chromatography and Carbon-13 NMR Spectoroscopy, Second Edition. (Chichester: Wiley, 2002). Sources cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 196.

Anise Essential Oil Safety Information

Various precautions abound for those with hypersensitive skin or with skin problems. Tisserand and Young recommend a dermal maximum of 2.4%. They indicate that it may inhibit blood clotting and that it is contraindicated in pregnancy/breastfeeding, endometriosis and estrogen-dependent cancers. Avoid use with children under 5. Avoid use of the oil if it has oxidized. Reading Tisserand and Young’s full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 196.]

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.