Your Basket

Shipping & taxes calculated at checkout

Checkout - Total:

6 min read / 3 February 2022 / Laura Garvin Gomez

Benefits and Uses of Aniseed Oil

Liquorice-scented aniseed is uplifting and has powerful soothing and healing abilities.

Aniseed oil may be similar in scent to fennel seed or star anise, but it’s actually closer related to carrots and celery.

Also known as anise (though not to be confused with ), the liquorice-like scent of can be somewhat divisive.

But despite its hit-or-miss scent, aniseed has been in use for thousands of years across a number of ancient societies and is even mentioned in the Bible.

These days, aniseed oil is perhaps most commonly used for its powerful healing and soothing abilities, although it has some lesser-known benefits, particularly for women in menopause.

What is Aniseed Essential Oil?

Distilled from the seeds of the anise plant, native to Egypt, aniseed essential oil is often compared to or star anise due to its liquorice scent and distinctive name – but it is closer to or celery in terms of relation.

Warm, sweet, and lightly spicy, aniseed essential oil is a great top note for enhancing blends containing other spicy scents, as well as more earthy aromas.

Aniseed is also known by the botanical name Pimpinella anisum and is generally clear in colour with a thin consistency.

Aniseed vs Star Anise

Despite their similar names and scents, aniseed and star anise come from two entirely different plants.

Star anise is also slightly sweeter in its scent profile, though both oils do contain very similar benefits for the body and mind.

What are the benefits of Aniseed Essential Oil?

Traditionally used as a spice for cooking as well as to flavour toothpaste, aniseed is a powerhouse for a number of bodily functions, and has recently been revered for its impactful properties on the mind too.

Some of the best aniseed essential oil benefits include:

  • Ability to lift low moods
  • Antibacterial and antifungal
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Menopause relief

Star anise on white background.

Using aniseed essential oil to help lift low moods

There is evidence to suggest that aniseed may be able to act as an effective mood booster for extreme cases of low emotion.

A found that the oil had an intense boosting effect on animals, and saw a similar effect on humans.

These studies found that aniseed was able to significantly reduce symptoms of mild to moderate levels of low mood in subjects, brightening their state of mind and increasing positivity.

A low mood can affect many things, from our productivity to our relationships. Diffusing aniseed oil can be a great way to lift low moods and inspire happiness.

Is aniseed oil antibacterial and antifungal?

A found that aniseed was effective against various strains of fungi and yeast, and research shows that the oil may even be effective against dermatophytes - a type of fungus that can cause skin disease.

With this in mind, adding a few drops of aniseed oil to a carrier oil may make a great home treatment for fungal infections as a first step.

Further research has shown that aniseed also exhibits significant antibacterial activity.

A found that anethole, an active ingredient in aniseed, is able to inhibit bacterial growth to such an extent that it successfully managed to block a strain responsible for cholera.

Some sources have pointed out aniseed’s possible wound healing properties – derived as a result of its strong antiseptic and antibacterial factors. Using the oil to aid small cuts, scraps or bruises could be an effective remedy.

Does aniseed essential oil have anti-inflammatory effects?

Aniseed oil may be a useful treatment for sore muscles and inflammatory conditions caused by injuries or infections in the body.

An found that aniseed oil was able to reduce swelling and accompanying pain, with analgesic effects comparable to that of aspirin and other common pain-reliving medications.

A also found that aniseed oil is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are beneficial for the body in a number of ways, crucially inhibiting the activity of free radicals and preventing oxidative damage.

Antioxidants can also be beneficial in reducing inflammation in the body and protecting from some serious health conditions.

Can aniseed oil reduce symptoms of menopause?

Menopause can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms in older women as a result of a natural decline in hormones.

Aniseed is thought to mimic the effects of the hormone oestrogen in the body, which in turn can help reduce the common symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, dry skin and fatigue.

A supported this when it found that aniseed oil was able to cause a 75% reduction in severity and frequency of hot flashes.

Diffusing aniseed oil may help to manage unpleasant menopausal symptoms.

How to use Aniseed Essential Oil

Aromatherapy

Even though the smell of aniseed is divisive – depending on whether or not you like the scent of liquorice – diffusing it around your home can still carry a great deal of impact on your mental health.

The supposed sedative qualities of aniseed can help reduce stress and lift low moods, encouraging a sounder environment for sleep and relaxation as well as improving levels of positivity.

Bath

A few drops of aniseed essential oil can also be added to your bath as an alternative to aromatherapy.

The scent of the oil will help to calm your mind, as well as soothe sore muscles or joints caused as a result of inflammation.

Massage

Another way to utilise the anti-inflammatory properties of aniseed oil is through a restorative massage.

Combining the oil with a moisturising carrier oil is extremely beneficial for helping to heal inflammatory conditions, and can even prove effective against symptoms of menopause if rubbed into the temples or onto the lower abdomen.

Skincare

Aniseed oil’s antibacterial and antifungal benefits give it the ability to act as a functioning facial cleanser – helping to clear pores of bacteria as well as prevent infection.

This oil can also be used to help clean small wounds or abrasions, though try to avoid applying it directly to an open wound.

It is always recommended to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and perform a patch test before use.

Cleaning

Combining aniseed with water and an emulsifier (like dish soap) can help to keep surfaces clean and healthy as a result of the oil’s ability to kill harmful bacteria.

Use as part of your normal cleaning routine, or spray now and again to give surfaces an extra boost of protection.

Candle and soap making

Aniseed essential oil can make for a highly prominent top note in perfumery, so is an ideal addition to soaps and candles if you need a little extra body in your fragrances.

We recommend following a tested recipe, or checking out some of our beginner’s guides for soap and candle making if you’re just getting started.

History of Aniseed Essential Oil

Cultivated by the ancient Egyptians as both a medicine and a spice for cooking, aniseed was often considered to “refresh the heart” due to its restorative attributes.

It was also popular in ancient Greek and Roman medicine and was lauded by many of their leading figures as a mood-boosting aid.

In fact, aniseed was once so valuable that it was used as currency, as well as for scenting clothes during the 15th century.

    Just like the sweet that it reminds us of, the liquorice scent of aniseed essential oil can spark joy.

    Not only that, but its soothing, healing abilities can relieve various kinds of discomfort and help to ensure our health and wellness.

    Shop our aniseed essential oil here.

    Product Name

    100% Pure Aniseed (Anise) Essential Oil
    Botanical Name Pimpinella Anisum
    Scent Type Spices
    Benefits & Uses Antibacterial, Antifungal, Hot Flash Aid
    Suitable for Diffusers? Yes, this aniseed (anise) essential oil is perfect for diffusers.
    Suitable for Candles and Soaps? Yes, this aniseed (anise) essential oil is perfect for candle and soap making.
    Extraction Method Steam Distillation
    Bottle Type Tamper proof and UV resistant

    You might also like to read

    Cassia sticks with cassia powder.

    8 min read / 28 March 2024 / yasmin sharp

    8 Benefits and Uses of Cassia Oil

    Explore the remarkable health and wellness benefits of cassia oil, from easing PMS symptoms to boosting circulation and reducing stress.

    May chang plant with white flowers.

    8 min read / 28 March 2024 / yasmin sharp

    8 Benefits and Uses of May Chang Oil

    Discover the multifaceted benefits and uses of May Chang oil, a treasure in aromatherapy and traditional Chinese medicine.

    Bay Leaves spilling out a jar onto a wooden table.

    9 min read / 28 March 2024 / yasmin sharp

    8 Benefits and Uses of Bay Leaf Oil

    Discover the transformative benefits and versatile uses of bay leaf oil, from enhancing hair health to boosting memory.

    Star Anise spice on wooden spoons

    10 min read / 26 March 2024 / yasmin sharp

    8 Benefits and Uses of Star Anise Oil

    Discover the ancient benefits of star anise oil for health and wellness, from antiviral properties to digestive relief.

    Close up of a pine cone and needles

    8 min read / 25 March 2024 / yasmin sharp

    8 Benefits and Uses of Pine Needle Oil

    Explore the remarkable health and wellness benefits of pine needle oil, from air purification to stress reduction.

    Sliced up picture of grapefruit.

    10 min read / 25 March 2024 / yasmin sharp

    10 Benefits and Uses of Grapefruit Oil

    Discover the remarkable benefits and versatile uses of grapefruit oil for health, skin, and home.

    Whole black peppercorns in a bowl.

    9 min read / 21 March 2024 / yasmin sharp

    8 Benefits and Uses of Black Pepper Oil

    Explore the surprising health benefits and diverse uses of black pepper oil.

    Citronella plant in the sun.

    10 min read / 2 February 2024 / yasmin sharp

    10 Benefits and Uses of Citronella Oil

    Explore the versatile benefits and applications of citronella oil, from natural insect repellent to skincare and home cleaning solutions.

    Flowering Niaouli on a green background.

    9 min read / 10 January 2024 / yasmin sharp

    10 Benefits and Uses of Niaouli Oil

    Niaouli essential oil is useful for many types of deep cleaning - even teeth.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please consult your personal physician for any advice or treatment regarding specific health questions. Neither the article editor, writer, nor the organisation of Nikura takes any responsibility for possible health consequences following the information given in any article. All readers should consult their physician before taking any advice given within these articles.

    We use strictly necessary cookies to personalise your site experience. You can learn more here.