Anise oil is less common than other essential products in a home medicine cabinet, but it is often included in the composition of finished cosmetic products. There are many reasons for this, and taking into account the possibility of independent production of nutrient mixtures, then there is every reason to purchase this product. Why is anise oil so useful and how to use it correctly under different conditions of the body - read further in the article.
Chemical composition
Anise is an annual herb with a pleasant aroma and an impressive list of beneficial properties, which are the main reasons for its frequent use for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.
However, much more important is the rich composition of anise oil, characterized by the presence of such important components:
- anethole (gives the remedy the same anise smell and a slightly sweet taste);
- methylchavicol (responsible for the light notes of tarragon oil, which is contained in fennel and pine extract);
- terpenoids (fatty element, anisic acid, which is a hydrocarbon component);
- vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, C, PP;
- Minerals: calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, phosphorus, sodium.
Did you know? Anise gained fame in the territory of the former USSR due to its use in the wine and vodka industry. One of the most popular varieties of vodka was Anisovka, in addition to the extract of the mentioned plant, coriander fruits and an extract from lemon zest were added.
Beneficial features
The chemical composition of anise oil explains the beneficial properties of the product and its beneficial effect on the human body.
The main benefits of the tool are as follows:
- antiseptic and bactericidal effect;
- anticonvulsant and analgesic effects (including during menstruation in women);
- a beneficial effect on the body during bronchitis or a cold cough (promotes liquefaction and removal of sputum);
- normalization of the digestive system, improvement of gastric motility, due to which it is possible to solve the problem of constipation;
- diuretic effect (relevant for kidney problems);
- increase the body's immune forces;
- stimulation of breast milk production in nursing women;
- decreased discomfort during flatulence in the intestines;
- fungicidal effect, which allows the use of oil in the treatment of fungal ailments.
All these properties have caused widespread use of anise extract in various fields of human activity.
Traditional medicinal use of anise oil
For medical purposes, anise oil is used both in pure form and in the composition of various ether compositions, which only increases the healing ability of the finished product. Consider the main methods of preparation of such medicinal compositions and the nuances of their use in the presence of a particular problem.
Essential Oil Blends
Essential oils with the presence of anise extract are characterized by a powerful therapeutic effect and can be used for various ailments, as well as simply to relieve unpleasant symptoms of natural processes (for example, pain during menstruation in women). Of course, in each individual situation there is a dosage of the oils used and mixing proportions with other essential extracts.
Mixture for cramping and colic
In this case, to prepare a therapeutic agent, you will need:
- 33 drops of anise, lavender and cayaput oil;
- 2 tbsp. tablespoons of olive oil;
- 2 tbsp. spoons macerate hypericum.
The cooking method is simple: mix all the ingredients in a dark glass jar, and then use the finished mixture to massage the abdomen: clockwise 1 or 2 times a day.
Mixture for painful menstruation
For severe pain during menstruation, anise extract is recommended only for rubbing into the abdomen and no ingestion is allowed.
To get a remedy, you need to mix:
- 2 drops of anise oil;
- the same amount of tarragon and basil;
- 3 drops of nutty essential.
Important! Such treatment is possible only if the woman has no direct contraindications in the form of endometriosis, fibroids or other estrogen-dependent ailments.
Menopause Blend
The period of menopause is often accompanied by increased irritability, sudden hot flashes and even discomfort in the abdomen, so any woman will want to reduce these unpleasant effects to the maximum.
Such a mixture can help in this:
- 2 drops of anise extract;
- 2 drops clary sage extract;
- ¼ parts of sugar.
Treatment of colds and viral diseases
In the case of colds and viral diseases, there are many ways to use anise-based products - for example, as a rinse, drops for the nose or the main ingredient for inhalation. However, in any case, it is important to observe the optimal dosage and competently combine the product with other esters.
Here are some examples of the most effective methods of applying a healing remedy:
- Gargle: Dissolve 2–3 drops of aniseed oil in ½ teaspoon of soda, salt or honey and mix in 1 glass of water. After complete dissolution of the ingredients, use the finished mixture to rinse the throat on average up to 4 times a day.
- Nasal drops: Mix 2 drops of aniseed oil with 2 teaspoons of hypericum oil. The resulting composition is instilled into the nose 3-4 drops in each nasal passage (up to 6 times a day).
- Means for massage and therapeutic rubbing: prepare a mixture of 1-2 drops of anise oil and 4 ml of ordinary vegetable. Rub the resulting composition into the chest to reduce the manifestations of bronchitis, cure the cough and release the airways from the mucus accumulated in them.
- Mixture for inhalation: Add 1-2 drops of anise extract to a bowl of boiling water, then remove the mixture from the stove and cover your head with a blanket, inhale the vapors for 5-7 minutes. For less intense exposure, you can dissolve the oil in cold water and just inhale its smell for 10 minutes.
Important! Hot inhalation is allowed for use only if the patient's body temperature does not exceed + 37 ° C. Otherwise, the deterioration of the human condition cannot be ruled out.
Breeding Lice
With regard to pediculosis, anise oil can be used both to eliminate and to prevent problems. In the simplest version, the extract is applied to the hair in its pure form, rubbed into the scalp, and after 2-3 hours, rinse with warm water. After washing, you can carefully comb out pests and their nits with a special comb.To achieve maximum effectiveness from the use of natural remedies, it is useful to combine it with the use of special shampoos (for example, "Paranit" or "Pedilin"). In addition, to achieve the best result, aniseed ether can be rubbed into the scalp, previously mixed with alcohol in a ratio of 1: 2. And in order to completely remove lice, you will need at least 3 of the procedures described, and if all actions are performed correctly, lice will not appear in the near future.
Important! Before applying oil, it is recommended to thoroughly wash your hair with ordinary shampoo and comb it.
For preventive purposes, 2-3 drops of anise essential oil are added to the shampoo and washed on a regular basis. The specific smell of the product will not only scare away pests, but also help to cope with the problem of dry scalp. The main advantage of this method of controlling lice is its complete safety, since natural ingredients are used.
The use of anise in cosmetology
Anise oil for cosmetic purposes is used very widely, since it can be used to improve the condition of not only the skin of the face, but also of any other part of the body, and with the right combination with other extracts, the benefit of the composition will be noticeable on the hair. Consider sample recipes for each product.
Face care
When caring for a face, special attention should be paid to problem skin - with signs of acne, excessive dryness, lethargy and other signs of aging (loss of elasticity and shine). Each of these cases has its own application of an oily aniseed substance.
Mask against acne
Acne and acne are serious problems in the fight against which not only cosmetics, but also medicines are often used. In this case, the mask from anise ester will be an excellent auxiliary tool, for the preparation of which you will need:
- 1 drop of lemon oil;
- 3 drops of anise;
- 2 tbsp. tablespoons of yogurt;
- 5-6 strawberries;
- 1 teaspoon cornmeal.
The process of creating and applying a mask:
- Mash strawberries and mix with the rest of the ingredients.
- Then evenly distribute the mask over the face, leaving it on the skin for about 15–20 minutes.
- Rinse off with water or floral hydrolyte.
- After the mask, you can moisturize the skin with a night nourishing cream.
Nourishing mask
Nourishing masks are relevant for dry and dull skin, which clearly needs to be enriched with vitamins and minerals.
In addition to 3 drops of aniseed oil, you should prepare:
- 1 tbsp. a spoonful of carrot juice;
- the same amount of sour cream;
- 1 yolk of an average egg.
Anti-aging mask
A mask for skin rejuvenation with anise extract is prepared on the basis of the following ingredients:
- 3 lingonberry berries;
- 2 tbsp. tablespoons of cream;
- 2 drops of aniseed ether;
- 1 drop of lavender;
- 2 tbsp. tablespoons of bran.
Body care
When caring for the body with the help of anise oil, the product is used as a means for aromatherapy or a mixture for massage, including against cellulite. Consider several options for popular recipes.
Aromatic bath tonic
When used correctly, anise oil is an excellent relaxing agent that is very effective for relaxing muscles and relieving tension.
In this case, the following components are useful to create a tonic aromatic mixture:
- 100 ml of milk or fresh cream;
- 3 drops of anise, lemon and rosemary oil.
Did you know? The use of anise baths for human health was noted in his writings by the ancient Roman writer Pliny the Elder between about 22 and 24 years old. e. In those days, the plant was used not so much to relax the body, but to heal wounds and relieve inflammatory processes on the skin.
Mixture for aromatherapy against cellulite
The fight against cellulite is an urgent issue for many women who do not want to have excess body fat under the skin. In combination with some other oils, anise can significantly reduce the manifestation of this problem.
To do this, you only need to prepare a mixture of the following ingredients:
- 100 g of sea salt (necessarily sea, ordinary stone will not work);
- 3 drops of anise extract;
- 1 drop of vetiver oil;
- the same amount of mint extract;
- 4 drops of grapefruit.
The resulting ethereal mixture needs to be “seasoned” with salt and dissolved in the collected bath. It is advisable to stay in the water no longer than half an hour. To combat cellulite, massages using the above-described anise oil will be no less useful. The anethole present in its composition promotes the dissolution of fats, therefore it is often used to restore skin elasticity on the abdomen, hips and buttocks.
For grinding, you need only 3–7 drops of the drug, previously dissolved in 2 teaspoons of the base. The composition should be applied to problem areas of the skin with light massaging movements.
Hair and scalp care with anise oil
When caring for hair, anise performs several basic functions at once: it stimulates hair growth, prevents hair loss and brittleness, and also eliminates dandruff. Of course, in each of these cases there is a specific scheme for the use of anise extract, therefore, depending on the specific problem, you need to select the appropriate recipe for its elimination.
Hair Growth Mask
To enhance hair growth, a mask based on milk and anise extract is suitable.
Complete list of ingredients:
- 3 drops of anise oil;
- 2 tbsp. spoons of coconut;
- 1 tbsp. a spoon of burdock;
- 1 teaspoon of milk;
- 1 teaspoon cognac.
Mask against hair loss
In the fight against hair loss, a mask that combines the essential extracts of anise, pine and cinnamon will be effective, and some other components will help to complement the effect.
Ingredients:
- 4 drops of anise oil;
- 1 drop of pine and cinnamon;
- 1 teaspoon of castor and sea salt.
After mixing all the ingredients, it remains only to rub the mixture into the scalp, massage for several minutes, put on a hat and leave the mask to absorb for 1.5 hours. The procedure can be performed no more than 4 times a month.
Anti dandruff mask
When dandruff appears, combing with ether extracts will be effective. In this case, you need to apply 3 drops of anise oil to the comb and comb the hair in the usual way. On the first day after the procedure, it is advisable not to wash your hair so that the composition is well absorbed into their structure.
If this simple method does not suit you, you can make a mask that combines several useful components at once, for example:
- 5 drops of anise oil;
- 2 tbsp. spoons of burdock.
Mask for brittle hair
Brittle hair requires special care, because problems with them are probably due to lack of nutrients. A mask of the following ingredients can help normalize the balance of beneficial vitamins and minerals:
- 2 tbsp. tablespoons of olive oil;
- 1 drop of clove;
- 2 drops of basil oil;
- 2 drops of anise.
Important! Whatever problem you are struggling with, when using anise, you should always consider the possibility of skin irritation. Therefore, if you feel burning or itching after applying the masks, it is worth considering the possibility of further use of the anise extract.
Contraindications and possible harm
The main contraindication to the use of anise oil is the increased sensitivity of the body to its components. Undesirable reactions associated with this are rare and for the most part only in people prone to various allergic manifestations. In addition, a direct contraindication to the use of this tool is a child's age up to 1 year and various dermatological problems in the form of skin rashes, itching and redness of the skin.It is also undesirable to use essential oils for people suffering from bronchospasm, pregnant and lactating women - although in the latter cases it is worth focusing more on your well-being and the absence of other contraindications.
In other situations, with dosed use of the product, there should be no negative consequences, and preparations based on anise extract can always be used to treat various disorders of the body. Properly preparing a therapeutic composition based on aromatic anise oil, you can provide your body with useful substances and get rid of the above problems for a long time.