How to Use Star Anise Essential Oil as a Preservative

We’ve looked at natural oils as preservatives in homemade concoctions in various posts previously amongst which were:-

I’ve recently discovered the goodness of star anise essential oil as a preservative.

I carried out some research about what makes it useful as a preservative in homemade products.

In addition to this, I’ll also cover how to use star anise essential oil as a preservative, what it’s good for, benefits, and side effects of star anise essential oil.

What is Star Anise?

The star anise aka Illicium verum is a fragrant spice, which comes from a tree native to Vietnam & China.

The seed is obtained from the eight-pointed star-shaped fruit produced from the tree. The fruit is harvested just before it ripens and dried out.

Star anise has a distinct sweet and spicy flavor, not unlike licorice. It pairs well with a lot of Asian flavors.

Star Anise Essential Oil

Once the fruit of the tree has been dried out, the essential oil is then extracted by steam distillation. Star anise essential oil is thin, pale yellow, and has a licorice scent.

What is Star Anise Good For?

1. Medicinal Use

Star anise is a key ingredient in the manufacture of the avian flu drug, Tamiflu. About 90% of the world’s star anise production is used in this regard.

Star anise is also used in the treatment of respiratory issues such as bronchitis, dry cough, and asthma.

2. Cosmetic Production

Star anise oil is used in the production of cosmetic products such as soaps, toothpaste, other oral care products, and skincare creams and cleansers.

3. Liquor Production

Star anise is used in the production of liquor such as sambuca as well as mulled wine. It can also be steeped in coffee to intensify its flavor.

4. Cooking

Star anise is one of the primary ingredients in the five-spice powder used in Asian cooking.

It is also one of the main ingredients in one of the most awesome soups ever, pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup.

Star anise is also used as a less expensive substitute for anise in baking and can be used as an ingredient in marinades for meat.

Some delicious star anise recipes using meat and other protein elements include:-

Simply Organic Five Spice Powder

If you’re interested in cooking with five-spice powder, you can either buy it or make it at home with only 5 ingredients. See a simple video for this below:-

Benefits of Star Anise Essential Oil

1. Antibacterial & Antifungal

Star anise essential oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. These properties inhibit the growth of bacteria, especially in water-based DIY products.

Additionally, star anise essential oil contains anethole, linalool, and shikimic acid, also compounds that inhibit the growth of bacteria.

2. Full of Antioxidants

Star anise essential oil is full of tannin, an astringent which provides high amounts of antioxidants and inhibits the growth of free radicals.

3. Antiaging

If you are making skincare products, star anise essential oil is particularly beneficial as it has been noted for its anti-aging and acne-fighting capabilities.

Star anise essential oil has also been found to be less irritating on the skin making it ideal for sensitive skin.

What’s the Difference Between Star Anise and Anise Seed?

Though the taste is similar, they come from different families. Anise seed is more popular in western cooking while star anise is more common in Asian cooking.

Star anise is slightly more bitter than anise seed. Whichever one you choose depends on your preference.

How to Use Star Anise Essential Oil as a Preservative

After preparation of your products, add 5 – 10 drops of star anise essential oil into the mix, stir and store appropriately.

5 – 10 drops per 8 oz bottle or jar of your homemade products. If products are heated, allow it to cool a little before adding the essential oil.

The properties in star anise essential oil will help preserve the integrity of your products. You can also use half the amount of star anise essential oil recommended.

This reduction allows you to include additional essential oils such as tea tree and peppermint essential oil, which also work as mild preservatives.

Is Star Anise Dangerous?

Star anise is not dangerous. However, there is a similar tree grown in Japan known as Illicium anisatum.

This is a different strain of star anise, which is highly toxic and should not be consumed. Ingesting this form can cause inflammation of internal organs.

Always ensure you buy your star anise powder and star anise essential oil from reliable sources.

Additionally, it’s not recommended for pregnant women and nursing women to consume star anise without consulting a doctor first.

Where to Buy Star Anise?

You can easily find star anise at your local Asian grocery or organic store but it can also be ordered online.

Some popular brands include Hoosier Hill Farm Whole Select Anise Star and Spicely Organic Anise Star Whole.

Hoosier Hill Farm Whole Select Anise Star

Spicely Organic Anise Star Whole

Where to Buy Star Anise Oil?

Plant Guru Anise Star Pure Essential Oil

Now Essential Oils Anise Oil

Beauty Aura Star Anise Essential Oil

Star Anise Beauty Products

Molton Brown Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise Hand Cream

Photo Credit: shopstyle.it

Molton Brown Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise Hand Cream is a soft and luxurious formula that moisturizes hands effectively. Blended with white truffle, sweet star anise and bouquet of magnolia and ylang-ylang for an exquisite experience for your hands…LEARN MORE

Origins Plantscription SPF 25 Power Anti-Aging Cream

Photo Credit: shopstyle.it

Origins Plantscription SPF 25 Power Anti-Aging Cream is a hydrating moisturizer for age-correcting moisture and UVA / UVB protection for a youthful appearance. A blend of pink rose, mandarin orange, and star anise essential oils refreshes the senses…LEARN MORE

Atelier Cologne Clementine California Soap

Photo Credit: shopstyle.it

Atelier Cologne Clementine California Soap is made with a traditional French method to ensure very high quality. It is enriched with a combination of aloe vera and shea butter for soft and delicately scented skin…LEARN MORE

Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask

Photo Credit: shopstyle.it

Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask provides a nutrient-rich treatment powered with probiotic minerals essential for skin repair. This treatment will boost collagen, diminish wrinkles, and restore firmness to the skin. The treatment also features natural minerals such as zinc, copper, and iron to optimize the benefits.…LEARN MORE

While star anise essential oil is an excellent preservative, keep in mind that this type of preservative provides only a short shelf life of 4 – 8 weeks.

If you require a longer shelf life, you will need to consider other preservatives such as optiphen and potassium sorbate.

Have any questions about using star anise essential oil? Ask in the comments section :).

Source – Chemical composition and biological activity of star anise

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