Anise (Star Anise)

ANISE, STAR  Illicium verum. fruit steam distilled from Egypt         

1oz @$30.00 

        Illicium Verum has star shaped seeds  which are encapsulated by their outer casing. In the steam distillation processes the whole star is used. I pop these delightful flavorful  seeds out to nibble on them, they have a fennel like taste with comparable qualities. The scent is uplifting and invigorating to the olfactory senses. Circulation is increased helping with easing of aches and symptoms of asthma. 

Star Anise is known to be a  key ingredient in many Indo-China recipes, the seeds are used as a digestive and breath freshener. All in all from mouth to tummy to the process of elimination this botanical has historically been useful for the gastro-intestinal system. Spice travelers introduced Star Anise to Europe in the 16th century where it soon become popular for flavoring liqueurs. It may be known as “Anise-Vert” due to the greenish coloring it exhibits.

These seeds assist with menopausal changes due to the estrogen like properties. It is an emmenagogue, aids childbirth, increases milk secretion, and is antispasmodic for nerves and muscles. Anise is indicated for lack of menstruation, menopause, colitis, and poor breathing due to the nerves. Thus, the potent essential oil use should be avoided during pregnancy. In moderation as a spice or flavoring for an herbal tisane  it is fine most anytime. If applied onto the skin, this plant oil must be in carrier base and should be used in moderation due to its anethole content. I must emphasize that this is intensely aromatic and should be used if at all in a body anointment in very small amounts. 

On a metaphysical note  there is an astral dimension indicated due to the star shape. Consider the intensity of what is contained within, such as a mother holds the powers and uses her strengths as needed.  In alchemical formulations this seed associates with the planet Jupiter.