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Botanical Name: Illicium verum
Plant Part: Seeds
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Origin: China
Description: A small to medium evergreen tree of the magnolia family, reaching up to 8m (26ft). The leaves are lanceolate and the axillary flowers are yellow. The fruits are harvested before they ripen, then sun dried. It is, as the name suggests, star shaped, radiating between five and ten pointed boat-shaped sections, about eight on average. These hard sections are seedpods. Tough skinned and rust coloured, they measure up to 3cm (1-1/4”) long. The fruit is picked before it can ripen, and dried.
Color: Clear to pale yellow
Strength of Aroma: Strong
Blends well with: Lavender, pine, orange, rosewood, clove, and cinnamon
Aromatic Scent: Powerful and liquorice-like, more pungent and stronger than anise.
History: Star Anise is so named from the stellate form of its fruit. It is often chewed in small quantities after each meal to promote digestion and sweeten the breath. The Japanese plant the tree in their temples and on tombs; and use the pounded bark as incense. The homoeopaths prepare a tincture from the seeds.
Cautions: Anise star from China is generally non-toxic and non-irritating (unlike Illicium anisatum the Japanese variety that is long considered toxic).
Try our undiluted, pure, and natural essential oils today. These are new in our store and our customers love our handy two ounce glass bottles which our oils are stored for maximum freshness, purity, and potency. Our list of exclusive essential and carrier (base) oils grows as each week month passes so please check back often if you do not see the essential oil in which you seek please email us with your request to add a specific essential oil to our shelves.
Tips On Using Essential Oils:
Use essential oils in the bath by adding three to eight drops to the tub, depending on the oil. Add it just before you get in and soak for at least 10 minutes.
Use oils as an inhalant to treat congestion (try eucalyptus ) or stress (try peppermint or sandalwood ). Put four drops in a bowl of hot, almost boiling water. Drape a towel over your head to make a tent and breathe in the steam for a few minutes.
Make a foot bath with five to seven drops of oil in a quart of warm water; soak for about 10 minutes. Try lemon, mint, tea tree or juniper oil.
Put 20 drops per 5 oz. of water in a spray bottle to make a room spray, or add a drop or two to a basket of dried flowers.
Put a drop of oil on a hot lightbulb - but don't try this with halogen lights.
Create a blend for massage by adding 10 drops of oil per 1 oz. of diluting oil, also called a carrier oil.
Make up a massage oil using apricot or 100 percent extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil for normal skin types. Try aloe vera or coconut oils for dry skin.
Use grapeseed oil in blends for skin that tends to be oily.
For good smelling towels, sheets, clothes, etc. place a few drops of your favorite essential oil onto a small piece of terry cloth and toss into the clothes dryer while drying. Add 5 drops essential oil to 1/4 cup fabric softener or water and place in the center cup of the washer.
Potpourri which has lost its scent can be revived by adding a few drops of essential oil.
The bathroom is easily scented by placing oil-scented cotton balls in inconspicuous places, or sprinkle oils directly onto silk or dried flower arrangements or wreaths.
Apply true lavender oil or tea tree oil directly to cuts, scrapes or scratches. 1 or 2 drops will promote healing.
Selling your home? Fragrance sells! Fill the kitchen area with the aroma of spices such as clove, cinnamon and vanilla. Simmer a few drops of the essential oil of cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices. geranium oil sprinkled throughout the home creates a warm, cheerful and inviting mood. Add cinnamon oil to furniture polish and wipe down the wood.
Overindulge last night? Essential oils of juniper, cedarwood, grapefruit, lavender, carrot, fennel, rosemary and lemon help soften the effects of a hangover. Make your own blend of these oils and use a total of 6-8 drops in a bath.
Using Essential Oils Safely:
Do not apply undiluted essential oils directly to your skin, because they are so very concentrated.
Essential oils are absorbed through the skin, so using too much can result in an overdose. Make sure you store essential oils out of the reach of children. Do not get essential oils in your eyes, nose, or ears. Wash your hands thoroughly after using essential oils. If working with pure essential oils, you may want to get disposable latex gloves. Do not take essential oils internally. Even small amounts can be toxic. Do a patch test if you have allergies or think you might be sensitive to an essential oil. Overuse of essential oils can trigger a headache or dizziness. Don't exceed recommended amounts. If you have a medical condition, consult a qualified practitioner before using essential oils.
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