Description:
Star anise (Illicium verum) is native to China and Vietnam, star anise is today grown almost exclusively in southwest China and Japan. It is a medium-sized evergreen tree attaining a height of 8-15 meters. In India, it is produced in a small quantity in Arunachal Pradesh and Kerala.

The essential oil is used as a middle note. The dried fruits may contain 5 to 8% of essential oil, the major constituent is anethole (80 to 90%). The other components are methyl chavicol, phell¬andrene, linalool, safrole, and terpineol, which have only a small effect on the aroma.

Star anise oil can be distinguished from Anise oil because of the presence of Traces of 1,4 cineol.

Cultivation and Harvesting:
The tree is propagated by seed. The soil should be rich in humus, loamy, well-drained, and compost-rich. pH should be 6.5 to 7.5. Soil should be kept slightly moist but reduce the watering in winter.

Fruits are star-shaped, reddish-brown consisting of 6-8 carpels arranged in a whorl. Each carpel is 10 mm long, boat-shaped, hard, and wrinkled containing a seed. These fruits are picked unripe while they are still green, later on, these fruits are sun-dried until their color change to reddish-brown. Star anise takes about 6 years to grow from seed to harvest.

Essential oil is extracted from fruits/seeds by the process of steam distillation. The yield of Star anise oil is from 4 to 8 %.

Odor profile:
Sharp, reminiscent of licorice

Major Constituents:
Anethole, Methyl chavicol, Cinnamyl Acetate, Foeniculin, Limonene, Linalool, Nerolidol.

Application:
~ Star anise oil essential is rich in polyphenolic compounds and chemical constituents which are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
~ This oil has been found to be beneficial in patients with Rheumatism, Bronchitis, Sedative property, Coughing, Colic, Cramping, Colds, to treat skin diseases.