Star Anise Oil – Nature’s Aromatic Remedy and Culinary Gem
Star Anise Oil, extracted from the fruit of Illicium verum, is a powerful essential oil known for its sweet, licorice-like aroma and wide range of uses. From traditional medicine to modern perfumery and food applications, this oil is a staple ingredient across industries.
What is Star Anise Oil?
Star Anise Oil is steam-distilled from the star-shaped fruit of the Star Anise tree, a native plant of Vietnam and southern China. Though it shares a similar scent with aniseed oil, their plant origins and chemical properties differ.

The oil has a bold, spicy-sweet aroma, often compared to black licorice. It’s commonly referred to as Chinese Star Anise or simply Star Anise Essential Oil.
Botanical and Physical Description
The fruit of the Star Anise tree is reddish-brown with six to eight pointed carpels. Each segment houses a glossy brown seed. The tree itself is evergreen and flourishes in warm, humid climates.
The oil is a mobile, pale yellow liquid. At 20ºC, its specific gravity ranges from 0.960–0.991, with a refractive index of 1.546–1.564. Its optical rotation lies between -2° and +2°, confirming its purity and identity.

Origin and Historical Background
Star Anise has deep roots in Vietnamese and Chinese culture. In Vietnam, it’s not only a common spice but also a revered herbal remedy. It was traditionally used to aid digestion, freshen breath, and treat colic in infants.
Its entry into Europe in the 17th century marked the beginning of its commercial journey. It became popular in baking, confectionery, and syrup production. Today, Vietnam and China remain the world’s top suppliers, with high-quality oil used globally in the food, fragrance, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Chemical Composition and Active Compounds
The primary compound in Star Anise is trans-anethole, making up over 80% of its composition. This compound is responsible for its signature licorice aroma and many of its therapeutic effects.
Other constituents include:
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Limonene
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Estragole
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α-Pinene
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Linalool
These components enhance its aromatic profile and biological activities.

Key Benefits and Applications of Star Anise Oil
1. Culinary Uses
Star Anise is a core spice in Vietnamese and Chinese cooking. It’s one of the five spices in traditional Chinese five-spice powder. In the West, it adds flavor to baked goods, jams, sauces, and alcoholic beverages.
Just a small amount of the oil brings warmth and depth to soups, marinades, and broths. It blends well with cinnamon, clove, and fennel flavors.
2. Digestive Support
Used traditionally to relieve indigestion, flatulence, and bloating, Star Anise supports healthy gastrointestinal function. A few drops diluted in a carrier oil and rubbed on the abdomen may ease cramps and discomfort.
It’s also an ingredient in herbal teas that promote digestion and soothe nausea.
3. Respiratory Health
Star Anise has natural expectorant and decongestant properties. It helps clear the airways, making it useful for bronchitis, coughs, and colds. Inhaling its vapors or using it in steam therapy can offer quick relief from respiratory congestion.
4. Fragrance and Cosmetics
The rich, spicy aroma of Star Anise Oil is valued in perfumery and aromatherapy. It’s used in:
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Perfume bases
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Massage oils
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Bath products
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Scented candles
Its warming scent helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and balance the nervous system.
5. Traditional Medicine Uses
Beyond digestion and respiratory care, Star Anise is traditionally used to address:
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Muscle spasms
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Flatulence
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Menstrual discomfort
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Asthma symptoms
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Mild skin irritations (when properly diluted)

Safety and Storage Guidelines Star Anise Oil
While Star Anise Oil is generally safe when used correctly, it contains a high concentration of trans-anethole, which may cause sensitivity in some individuals.
Usage Warnings
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Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying to skin
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Conduct a patch test before use
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Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes
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Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice
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Keep out of reach of children
Storage
To maintain quality:
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Store in tightly sealed HDPE or amber glass containers
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Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat
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Avoid prolonged exposure to air
Proper storage extends shelf life and preserves aroma and efficacy.
Packaging Star Anise Oil
Transportation: Domestic: Flexible nationwide transportation by ship, truck, or airplane…
Export: By ship/airplane, Export conditions: FOB/CIF/..

Where to buy Star Anise Oil
Dien Bien Agri is a trusted supplier of high-quality Star Anise oil, harvested and processed naturally to meet strict standards for pharmaceuticals, food, and export industries.
Contact us for more information:
Tel/WhatsApp: +84.973.447.926.
Email: [email protected]
Add: Thanh Minh Commune, Dien Bien City, Vietnam
Factory: Bai Dai Village, Tien Xuan Commune, Thach That District, Ha Noi City, Vietnam