essential oil of the month - aniseed

by Alison Harriman

Latin: Pimpinella anisum
Aroma: strong, liquorice scent
Parts used : seeds

History: Aniseed first came to Europe, North Africa and then across the Atlantic to North America, via the Middle East. It has delicate, feathery leaves with small, white blossoms. The Egyptians used aniseed in breadmaking, as did the Romans, where it would have been an aid to digestion. In India, the seeds are chewed to freshen the breath and is used today in toothpastes and mouthwashes. It is also found in liqueurs.

Uses: Aniseed is a powerful oil, not generally used for massage as it can cause sensitivity. It acts as a digestive, a cardiac tonic, eases headache and migraine and is thought to have an aphrodisiac effect.

Alison Harriman is a fully qualified Holistic Therapist with a special interest in essential oils and their use in aromatherapy. She is a Fellow of the International Council of Holistic Therapists (Federation of Holistic Therapists). If you wish to find a therapist in your area, or are interested in training as a therapist, the FHT may be of help to you.

Alison's own aromatherapy business may be found here.

see Alison's introduction to aromatherapy here...

or see her "ask the aromatherapist" column...

see other oils of the month here...basil...rose...rosewood...linden blossom...

- health
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- gemstone/silver
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- gemstone eggs
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- window crystals
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- herbal magic candles
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- hand-made soaps
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- meraylah allwood cards
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- spell kits
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