Obtained using the process of either “steam distillation or extraction” is an essential oil known as Anise. This essential oil is derived from Aniseed. Furthermore, this oil is basically “sweet” in taste and is colourless or may also even appear pale yellow. In addition, the aniseed from which this essential oil is acquired is also referred to as “cumin seeds”. It is member of the family to which Parsley and Fennel belong to.
A. Chemical components of the Anise Oil:
The Anise oil is derived from Aniseed which belongs to the “Pimpinella Anisum” species in the “plantae” kingdom. In addition, this oil mainly comprises of organic compounds such as 80 to 90% of anethole, 4- anisaldehyde, estragole, and pseudosioeugenyl 2-methylbutyrates.
B. Uses/benefits of the Anise Oil:
This essential oil derived from Aniseed when used has several beneficial effects. These effects are as follows:
- Antirheumatic: This oil possesses medicinal properties that help in the treatment of “rheumatoid arthritis” and thereby serves as an ideal antirheumatic agent.
- Antiseptic: This oil possesses curative properties that prevent the growth of microorganism over wounds. In addition, the antiseptic property of this oil also provides for protection against infections and a condition called sepsis.
- Carminative: This oil possesses medicinal properties capable of resolving issues related to gas formation within the gastrointestinal system, and thereby serves as an ideal carminative.
- Decongestant: This oil also comprises of medicinal properties that helps in clearing congestion in the lungs, and thus serves as a decongestant.
- Antispasmodic: This oil also consists of medicinal properties that helps in suppressing muscle spasms, and thus serves as an ideal antispasmodic.
C. The adverse effects of the Anise Oil:
The use of this oil could lead to a few adverse effects, and they are as follows:
- If this oil is used in heavy dosages, it could lead to the slowing down of respiration and circulation within the body respectively.
- In higher dosage this oil could turn poisonous and hence children, birds, and animals must be protected from it.
- It may also cause irritation to the skin, and hence must not be applied.
- It could also cause aggravation of certain types of cancers due to its effect on the hormone estrogen. In addition, its application must be avoided during pregnancy.
