Aniseed

Botanical Name: Pimpinella Anisum

Botany and Origins: Aniseed is a flowering annual herb in the parsley family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) and grows to .6m high. It's small ribbed seeds are reddish-brown with a potent, liquorice-like flavour. It differs from Star Anise (illiciaceae) which is a dried star shaped fruit from an evergreen tree, but has a similar scent. Aniseed is native to Greece and Egypt but is now widely cultivated in Spain and other parts of the world. 

History: Cultivated by ancient Egyptians as a medicine and spice. Also used by ancient Greeks and Romans, they mixed the oil with spirits for coughs and as a 'pick me up'. Edward the IV combined it with Orris root to scent linen and clothing. Many modern day European countries have traditional alcoholic beverages based on Aniseed, such as Anis, Arak, Pastis, Ouzo, Sambuca and Raki. 

Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the dried ripe seeds

Plant Part: Seeds

Aromatic Scent: Soft, sweet and liquorice like

Fragrance Note: Top

Blending: This warm and spicy essential oil blends well with Cedarwood, Fennel, Mandarin, Peppermint and Petitgrain. 

Aromatic blending is a combination of creativity and science. Essential oils will evaporate at different rates because of their molecular compositions. Oils that evaporate the quickest, usually within 1-2 hours, are called top notes. Oils that evaporate within 2-4 hours are considered middle notes and oils that take the longest time to evaporate - up to a few days - are referred to as base notes. Each of our oils have the fragrance 'Note' listed on the bottle. We recommend the following formula in creating your personal blend: Top note: 2-3 drops; Middle note: 4-8 drops; Base note: 1-3 drops.

We can feel a little different each day, so follow your nose and intuition when blending for your personal preference. 

Use: 2-3 drops in diffuser, full body bath, foot bath or diluted in 10ml carrier oil for massage. A few drops in cooking. 

Plant Compounds: trans-anethole, estragole, anysaldehyde, linalool, a-terpineole, cis-anehtole. 

These are beneficial natural plant compounds and they differ between each essential oil, giving each oil its distinct natural properties. 

Note: Australian Body essential oils are 100% pure & natural and are stringently tested for purity. Please consult a qualified practitioner for specific advice on the use of this 100% pure essential oil.