Star Anise FCC Chinese
Essential Oil
Description: Native to China and Vietnam, star anise is today grown almost exclusively in southern China, Indo-China, and Japan. It was first introduced into Europe in the seventeenth century. The oil, produced by a process of steam extraction, is substituted for European aniseed in commercial drinks.
Color & Consistency: Clear to pale yellow, light liquid.
Strength of Aroma: Strong.
Common Uses: Like anise, star anise has carminative, stomachic, stimulant and diuretic properties. In the East it is used to combat colic and rheumatism. It is a common flavoring for medicinal teas, cough mixtures and pastilles.
Blends with: Lavender, pine, orange, rosewood, clove, and cinnamon.
|
Note: Top.
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. Homoeopathic tinctures are created from the seeds.
Cautions: Star anise from China is generally non-toxic and non-irritating (unlike Illicium anisatum, the Japanese variety, that is long considered toxic). |
