People have used Anise essential oil for centuries around the world. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans valued anise oil for its medicinal properties. People use many essential oils for both wellness and enjoyment. Some food-grade essential oils can be taken orally. Most aromatherapy essential oils are intended for topical use only.

Essential oils easily evaporate into the air, especially when heated. You can inhale these aromatic compounds through the respiratory system. This can have a local effect on your sinuses, nasal passages and lungs. Inhaled essential oils can enter the bloodstream. They may produce biochemical effects throughout the body.

Topically applied essential oils absorb through the skin and a small amount can enter your blood stream affecting your whole body. Their aromas also stimulate the olfactory nerve, influencing the brain and nervous system.

These various pathways can affect your health both mentally and physically. The study of Aromatherapy – the medicinal use of essential oils – falls under the new science called Psychoneuroimmunology, which is the study of the interaction of your psyche, nervous system and immune system. Science has shown that when you have a positive outlook and feel relaxed your immune system works better.

Brief History On Aromatherapy

Cultures worldwide have used aromatherapy, plant resins, and essential oils since biblical times. They were in such demand that they played an important role in international trade around the globe. In Egypt, high priests recorded the many medicinal uses of essential oils onto papyrus paper. Records show the Chinese used aromatic herbs and massage over 2000 years ago. Ayurvedic medicine uses essential oils during massage and pressure-point therapy. Practitioners use them to restore balance and support overall health.

What is Anise Essential Oil?

Essential Oil of Anise is a steam distillation of the oils from the Anise plant, also known as Pimpinella anisum. The main medicinal ingredient is Anethole.

Anise is a flowering plant indigenous to the Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. It is a member of the parsley family of plants but has a distinct flavour and smell of licorice.

People have used anise as both a culinary herb and medicinal plant since Roman times. Traditionally, people placed anise under pillows to encourage pleasant dreams.

How Can I Use Anise Oil?

  • Inhaled through steam inhalation, humidifiers, diffusers, and vaporizers
  • Added to a carrier oil and applied to your skin directly or as a hot or cold compress
  • Spritzed onto objects like pillows, bedding and furniture
  • Added to infusers, potpourri and candles to enhance the odour of an indoor space
  • Applied to skin as perfume
  • Used as a gargle or mouth wash, added to toothpaste, soaps, cleaning solutions, lotions and creams, face and body spray
  • Added to baths, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, hand and foot baths and saunas

What Are The Benefits & Uses For Anise Oil?

Anise essential oil can be used for many ailments…. One of the best things it addresses is anything to do with spasms… Spasms are at the root of numerous signs and symptoms such as tension headaches, migraines, spasmodic coughs related to post nasal drip, asthma or respiratory infections like whooping cough and bronchitis. In fact Anise oil is a decongestant and expectorant all in one….so it clears phlegm and helps you cough it up. It also helps leg cramps, menstrual cramps, and gastro intestinal pain related to cramping. It works by relaxing your nervous system and muscles to relieve stress and tense muscles and cramping.

Anise may help relieve digestive discomfort, including colic, indigestion, belching, reflux, and heartburn. Anise may also help reduce gas and bloating. Herbalists classify anise as a carminative herb. Carminative herbs help calm digestive upset and reduce gas. Anies may also soothe irritated tissues and help reduce excess mucus associated with inflammation and infection. Along with a probiotic and diet modifications, this makes Anise Essential Oil perfect for treating IBS.

How To Properly Use Essential Oils

Orally:

  • a few drops in water:
  • for upset stomach and intestines
  • colic, gas, indigestion, bloating
  • IBS
  • Only food-grade oils can be ingested, most essential oils aren't meant for internal use.

Topically: in a carrier oil like Jojoba, Sweet Almond or Grape Seed Oil:

  • on your belly for upset bellies and children’s colic
  • on tense or cramping muscles or lower abdomen for menstrual cramps
  • on affected areas of your head during headaches and migraines

Inhaled via steam inhalation, vaporizer, bath, diffuser or humidifier:

  • for coughs
  • bronchitis, whooping cough
  • asthma

What Oils Pair Well With Anise?

  • Peppermint, Wintergreen and Chamomile – for digestive symptoms
  • Eucalyptus, Ginger and Rosemary – for respiratory symptoms
  • Chamomile, Marjoram, Basil – for muscle cramps