Aniseed Essential Oil
Aromatherapeutic uses according to available literature for Pimpinella anisum:
Respiratory system: Used for relief of dry, irritable coughs (see our Breathe Easy™ blend), as an expectorant, bronchitis, and whooping cough.
Reproductive system: Useful for amenorrhea and/or menstrual cramps and is reported to be an antispasmotic tonic. It can be an estrogen mimic, and can promote breast milk; however, Robert Tisserand, who is one of the foremost authorities on essential oil safety, recommends “anethole-rich oils (which Aniseed is) should be avoided altogether in people with estrogen-dependent cancers, and should not be taken in ORAL doses by women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have endometriosis.” We don’t recommend oral doses anyway, but wanted to add this additional note.
Emotional & Central Nervous System: Franzesca Watson reports it to “invigorate a tired mind”. It is according to Dr. Jean Valnet to be calmative and a general stimulant. According to Kurt Schnaubelt, “A drop of anise seed oil on a sugar cube will immediately restore equilibrium to an acutely out-of-whack autonomic nervous system (please see our safety cautions as well). It is the number one hangover remedy." We use it in our Hunters and Fishermens' spray and soap as it is a classic essential oil used by fishermen. We visited quite a few blogs and forums to make sure this was true - and it is. I then decided that it probably isn't so much an "attractant" but that it sedates the fish or animals (hunting) so they aren't as quick to "get away" - just my own hypothesis and we haven't personally used it, but will soon.
Salavatore Battaglia mentions that "in Tibetan medicine a blend of aniseed and nutmeg oil is used in a lotion for anxiety, depression, and other neurotic symptoms."
Gastrointestinal system: Decreases flatulence, good for indigestion, stomachic, colic, gripe-like pains or pains of indigestion.
Urinary System: Reported to be diuretic.
Skin: Has been said to be useful for destroying body lice, head lice and itching insects, where the oil can be used by itself, so is useful for pediculosis, the skin condition caused by lice. It may be used for scabies, where it may be used externally in an ointment base. It can be used either in oil or ointment base.
Safety/Cautions: This essential oil can cause dermatitis in some sensitive people and should be avoided by anyone with allergic or inflammatory skin conditions. It has been reported that large doses can be narcotic and cause decreased cerebral circulation, which can lead to cerebral disorders. Use in moderation only. See our safety caution above under reproductive system.
Aniseed contains a high percentage of (E)-Anethole which is known to inhibit platelet aggregation, which means it inhibits the bloods ability to clot. This oil should, therefore, be avoided if you are taking other blood thinners, or immediately prior to or following a surgery, much like the doctors' office tells you when to stop taking aspirin before surgery.
Because of the high percentage of (E)-Anethole, this oil should not be used during pregnancy.
IMPORTANT: All of our products are for external use only.
We also suggest you have a good working knowledge of the use of essential oils or consult with an aromatherapy professional prior to use. In addition, Essential Oils must be properly diluted before use in order to avoid any damages to property or adverse physical effects (including injury or bodily harm). Please read our Disclaimer before using our products.