(Pimpinella anisum) May support healthy digestion function and bone structure. Deer hunters and fishermen apply Anise to disguise human scent and attract deer and fish.
*See SAFETY information at the bottom of this page. Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil, unscented lotion or unscented cream and apply on area of concern or as desired. Consider using a roll-on applicator for ease of application of prediluted oil. Tisserand/Young suggest a dermal maximum of 2.4% (which is about 21 drops in an ounce of carrier oil). Children: Avoid use with children under 5 (due to estrogenic properties). For children over 5, please follow the Dilution Chart on the Babies and Children page keeping in mind that the maximum topical use is about 2%. Inhalation: Diffuse or use a personal Nasal Inhaler Internal: Aniseed is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate. The maximum adult daily dose is 2 drops. We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much.Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application. Click here for more information about internal usage. Schnaubelt suggests 1-3 drops Anise orally for heart beat and breathing issues. According to Battaglia, "Many herbalists suggest taking anise seed essential oil internally. Holmes suggest 2-4 drops in a little warm water. The German Commission E Monographs suggest 0.3 g essential oil as a bronchial expectorant for upper respiratory tract congestion and for dyspeptic complaints."
Schnaubelt suggests that the preferred mode of use is internal and that: "a drop of anise oil on a teaspoon of sugar will restore equilibrium to an acutely out-of-whack autonomic nervous system."
"The oestrogenic effects of aniseed are relatively weak but suggest that it would be safe not to use orally during pregnancy and breast feeding (Balacs: Hormones and Health)."
Oral Cautions (per Tisserand/Young): Diabetes medication. Diuretic medication, renal insufficiency, edematous disorders. Anticoagulant medication, major surgery, peptic ulcer, hemophilia, other bleeding disorders.
Oral Cautions (per Tisserand/Young): Diabetes medication. Diuretic medication, renal insufficiency, edematous disorders. Anticoagulant medication, major surgery, peptic ulcer, hemophilia, other bleeding disorders. Anise Seed oil may inhibit blood clotting. Avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oils are both lipophilic and hydrophobic. Lipophilic means they are attracted to fat— like the membranes of your eyes and skin. They are also hydrophobic, meaning they do not like water. Applying a carrier oil will create another fat for the essential oil to be attracted to other than the membranes of the eyes or skin. Tisserand suggests: "With essential oils, fatty oil has been suggested as an appropriate first aid treatment, though the advantage of saline [eyewash] is that the eyes can be continually flushed, and this is less easy with fatty oil.” We are not aware of a case where essential oil in the eyes caused permanent injury or long-term discomfort, but if you feel concerned, please call your health care provider.
