Derived from an “evergreen tree” found mainly in the northeast of Vietnam and southwest of China is an essential oil called Star Anise Oil. This oil is extracted from a tree belonging to the “Illicium verum” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is obtained from the fruits and seeds of the tree using the “steam distillation” process. In addition, this oil possesses an extremely strong “anise like aroma”, and is “pale yellow” in colour. Due to its medicinal properties this oil is commonly used in “aromatherapy”.
A. Chemical constituents of the Star Anise Oil:
This oil is extracted from the “fruit and seed” of a tree belonging to the “Illicium verum” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil comprises of organic compounds such as (E)-anethole, Foeniculin, Methyl chavicol, Limonene, Linalool, Nerolidol, and Cinnamyl acetate.
B. The uses and benefits of the Star Anise Oil:
There are a number of benefits to health that one can gain by using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Antiseptic:
This oil when used helps in the treatment of wounds by destroying disease causing microbes.
2. Sedative:
This oil when used can also act as a “sedative” by enabling the slowing down of the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous system respectively, and thereby exerting a calming influence on an individual.
3. Anti-arthritic:
This oil exhibits an “anti-arthritic” property, and so when used helps in resolving symptoms and pain caused by arthritis.
4. Antispasmodic:
This oil when used helps in minimizing muscle contractions, and thereby helps in providing relief from conditions such as coughs, cramps, diarrhea, aches etc.
5. Carminative:
This oil also serves as a “carminative”, and so helps in resolving gas formation (i.e. flatulence) within the gastrointestinal system.
C. The adverse effects of the Star Anise Oil:
There are a couple of adverse effects that could occur on using this essential oil. They are as follows:
- This oil when used can severely affect pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.
- This oil usage could also lead to skin irritation in certain individuals who possess sensitive skin.
- This oil when used can worsen cancer since it has a direct effect on the hormone estrogen, and hence cancer patients must avoid using it.
This use of this oil could lead to side effects such as vomiting, nausea, mouth inflammation etc.
