(Illicum verum hook) Supports healthy breathing and digestion function and soothes minor joint and muscle aches and pains.
Internal: Star Anise is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate. 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. Maximum adult daily oral dose: 53 mg - less than 2 drops (Tisserand p. 197) Caution Oral Use: Contraindicated Orally: Anticoagulant, Diabetes medication; Childbirth, Estrogen-dependant Cancer (all routes), Major Surgery, Peptic Ulcer, Hemophilia (Tisserand p. 197). Click here for information about internal usage.
Contraindications All Routes (per Tisserand/Young): Pregnancy, breastfeeding, endometriosis, estrogen-dependent cancers, children under five years of age. Children: Avoid use on children under 5 years old. Slows circulation if taken internally in large doses. 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.
