The functions of star anise oil

Star Anise is an herb that has a long history of use as a medicinal aid. According to some sources, anise was used in Egypt as early as 1500 B.C. Star Anise is also commonly used to flavor foods, beverages, candies, and breath fresheners, and it is often used as a fragrance in soap, creams, perfumes, and sachets. You may be familiar with its licorice-like taste and scent.Star Anise Oil is sometimes confused with Anise Oil because both have similar names, both possess a similar aroma and both have similar, but not completely identical properties.Star Anise Essential Oil may also be helpful in aromatherapy blends that are intended to help digestion and muscular aches or pains.

The role of star anise oil

Constituents: a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, linalool, cis-anethole, trans-anethole, safrole, anisaldehyde and acetoanisole.

1. Anti-inflammatory pain relief

A major constituent of anise seed oil, anethole, was tested in animal models in 2014 for its pain-relieving abilities apart from simply making the individual feel sedated. The results were fairly clear that the compound helped to lessen pain without creating sedation, most likely thanks to anti-inflammatory actions.

This backs traditional uses as a pain reliever, particularly as an oil for muscle pain and inflammatory discomfort.

2. Bronchodilator

In a similar vein, anise essential oil appears to relax muscles, which would also contribute to pain relief in many cases. To watch this action take place, researchers tested anise essential oil on isolated guinea pig tracheal chains to evaluate the tracheal muscles’ response to the application. The essential oil showed “significant relaxant effects.”

This study demonstrated a bronchiodilatory response. In other words, breathing could improve in the case of inflamed or congested airways.

3. Antifungal options

Topical fungal infections are uncomfortable and difficult to get a handle on, and systemic yeast can be devastating. Essential oils are often effective against fungal problems, sometimes even more so than other options. Anise in various forms, including the essential oil, seems to be effective against multiple kinds of fungi in vitro, including the dreaded Candida albicans.

4. Antibacterial powerhouse

Last but not least, of the anise essential oil actions we’re highlighting today, antibacterial effects steal the show. Antibacterial essential oils are incredibly useful, from respiratory illnesses to skin treatments or countertop cleaning solutions.

Anise is one of the essential oils with the distinct benefit of being active against bacteria in the mouth.

With oils that have content like estragole that require a bit of extra attention to caution, synergy can allow you to use a little less of it while actually obtaining more benefits. Synergy is especially important for antimicrobial benefits in vitro, and anise demonstrates this perfectly. In a 2008 study, anise essential oil demonstrated increased antibacterial benefits when paired with thyme essential oil, one of the best-loved antimicrobials out there.