Anise
Profile
| Latin Name | Pimpinella anisum |
| Chinese Name | Ba Jiao |
| Family | Apiaceae/Umbelliferae |
| Note | Middle |
| Aroma | <Mode rate> Spicy |
| Color | Clear to Yellow |
| Parts Distilled | Star anise seeds |
| Regions | Egypt, Greece, India, Spain |
| Taste | Spicy, Sweet |
| Nature | Cooling |
| Affinity | LR, ST |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Phenolic ethers (~90-95%), Sesquiterpenes |
| Skin Type | Anethole can cause skin irritation |
| Dosage | 3-4% dilution (high amount is narcotic) |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Regulate Liver qi and clear heat
- Descend Lung and Stomach qi - dry cough, whooping cough (pertussis), bronchitis, colic, flatulence
- Promotes lactation
Indications
- Liver Qi Stagnation resulting in Liver Fire with emotional stress, diaphragmatic constriction, plum-pit throat, restlessness, insomnia, red eyes, headaches, delayed menses, or heavy menses with clots (LR-14, LR-2, LR-3, GB-34, CV-2, PC-6)
- Rebellious Stomach Qi with vomiting, nausea, food stagnation (CV- 13, PC-6, ST-21)
Topical Applications
- See Specific Protocol
Other Applications
- Diffuse with Citronella and Eucalyptus globulus as an expectorant.
Specific Protocols
- Apply a 2% dilution of Anise (30%), Lavender (40%), German Chamomile (30%) on the sole of the foot for hypertension. (Note: for short-term application only)
Actions
- Antispasmodic
- Analgesic
- Narcotic
- Diuretic
Contraindications & Cautions
- Mildly estrogenic
- Deficient essence
- Not for cancer
- Not used during pregnancy
- Caution for pre-pubescent children
Notes
- Fennel essential oil is listed as a separate species in the materia medica
- Pertussis outbreaks in NC: lung Qi not descending, dry loud cough
- Moves the essence, yuan level, mobilizes the essence to create change
- Good for GERD
- Six-sided Anise Star – brings completion
- Brings clarity
Additional Comments
- Anise oil can slow down circulation and induce drowsiness.
- Anise is different from Star Anise from China & Vietnam