How to Use Star Anise Essential Oil as a Preservative

Star anise essential oil makes a great preservative for DIY concoctions and this step-by-step guide to using this amazing essential oil as a preservative is sure to become your best friend!

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

• 7 Best Ways to Use Vitamin E Oil on Skin
• How to Treat Acne & Fungal Infections with Tea Tree Oil

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, the benefits, and the side effects of star anise essential oil. 

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What is Star Anise?

The star anise aka Illicium verum is a fragrant spice, that 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 dries 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 was used in this regard previously.

However, Roche switched to using a bacterial source for the production of Tamiflu in 2012.

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:-

• Chicken Simmered in Soy & Star Anise
• Star Anise & Ginger Chicken
• Homemade Vietnamese Pho
• Beef & Ale Stew with Dumplings
• Butternut Squash Soup with Star Anise

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 for Hair & Skin

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, compounds that inhibit the growth of bacteria.

2. Full of Antioxidants

Star anise essential oil is full of tannin, an astringent that 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. 

4. Promotes Hair Growth

In this study, it was found that the compound shikimic acid contained in star anise extends the anagen hair growth phase and may serve as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of alopecia.

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 preparing 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.

Where to Buy Star Anise Oil?

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 :).

References

• Chemical composition and biological activity of star anise
• Shikimic acid, a mannose bioisostere, promotes hair growth with the induction of anagen hair cycle

Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines…