Description
A small to medium evergreen tree of the magnolia family, reaching up to 8m (26ft). The leaves are lanceolate and the axillary flowers are yellow. The fruits are harvested before they ripen, then sun dried. It is, as the name suggests, star shaped, radiating between five and ten pointed boat-shaped sections, about eight on average. These hard sections are seedpods. Tough skinned and rust colored, they measure up to 3cm (1-1/4?) long. Botanical Name: Illicium verum Common Uses: Anise Star Essential Oil has carminative, stomachic, stimulant and diuretic properties. In the East it is used to combat colic and rheumatism Plant Part: Seeds Extraction Method: Steam Distilled Origin: China Color: Colorless to pale yellow liquid. Consistency: Light Note: Top Aromatic Scent: Anise Star has a powerful and licorice-like scent Strength of Aroma: Strong Blends well with: Lavender, Pine, Orange, Rosewood, Clove, and Cinnamon. Cautions: Anise star is generally non-toxic and non-irritating (unlike Illicium anisatum the Japanese variety that is long considered toxic) History: Anise Star 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. Homeopaths can prepare tinctures from the seeds