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Health

Anise oil

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Anise oil contains anethol, which makes up about 90% of its composition and gives the oil a characteristic smell of licorice. It also contains methylchavicol, limonene and other components that may have various biological effects.

Anise oil application

  1. Food Industry:

    • Used as a flavoring in confectionery, beverages, alcohol (e.g., in absinthe and ouzo), and other food products.
  2. Medicine:

    • Anise oil has traditionally been used to aid digestion, eliminate abdominal bloating and gas.
    • It is used as an expectorant for coughs and colds.
    • Used as part of medications to treat bronchitis and asthma.
  3. Cosmetology and Aromatherapy:

    • In aromatherapy, anise oil is used to reduce stress and fatigue levels and improve sleep.
    • It is used in cosmetic products for skin care, especially for problems such as acne or dry skin.
  4. Perfumes:

    • Anise oil is included in perfume compositions to give sweet, spicy notes to fragrances.

Precautions

Caution is important when using anise oil as it may cause allergic reactions in some people, especially if allergic to anise or other plants in the celery family. Use in high doses is not recommended as it can lead to toxic effects, including nervous system disorders.

The use of anise oil should be moderate and, if possible, coordinated with a medical professional to avoid unwanted side effects and interactions with other medications.

Indications Anise oil

  1. Medicine:

    • Relief of symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as abdominal bloating, gas, digestive disorders.
    • Help with coughs and sore throats.
    • Improved appetite and digestion.
    • Use in natural antibacterial products.
  2. Cosmetology:

    • Adding to cosmetic skin care products such as creams, masks, lotions to improve skin texture and reduce inflammation.
    • Inclusion in hair care cosmetics to strengthen, moisturize and add shine.
  3. Cooking:

    • Use as a flavoring and flavoring agent for various dishes and beverages such as baked goods, pastries, soups, sauces, alcoholic beverages, etc.
  4. Aromatherapy:

    • Use in fragrance oils and diffusers to create a pleasant aroma in the room and improve mood.
    • Use to relieve stress, relieve tension and improve mental well-being.

Release form

  1. Pure essential oil:

    • Drip bottles: Anise oil is often packaged in small dark glass bottles ranging from 5 ml to 100 ml with a dropper for easy dispensing. The dark glass helps prevent the active ingredients in the oil from decomposing when exposed to light.
  2. Anise oil in the composition of mixtures and balms:

    • Medicinal and cosmetic products: Anise oil is sometimes included in medicinal cough syrups, gastrointestinal remedies, and in balms and skin creams.
  3. Capsulated form:

    • Oil Capsules: For ease of ingestion and dosage accuracy, anise oil can be encapsulated in soft gel capsules that make it easy to use, especially in dietary supplements and to improve digestion.

Pharmacodynamics

  1. Carminative action: Anise oil is known for its carminative action, that is, its ability to reduce abdominal bloating and gas in the intestines. It helps in reducing the discomfort associated with excessive gas.
  2. Antispasmodic action: Anise oil has the ability to relieve cramps and spasms in smooth muscles, including the musculature of the gastrointestinal tract. This allows it to be used to relieve symptoms of dyspepsia and other gastrointestinal disorders.
  3. Antimicrobial Action: Some studies show that anise oil has antimicrobial properties and may help fight various microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
  4. Respiratory effects: Anise oil can help thin mucus and relieve coughing for colds and other respiratory conditions. It can also help soothe the throat and relieve irritation.
  5. Aromatherapeutic Action: Anise oilaroma has a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system, which can help relieve stress and improve mood.

Pharmacokinetics

  1. Absorption: Anise oil may be absorbed through the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract when taken orally or through the skin when applied topically.
  2. Distribution: Anise oil can be distributed in tissues and organs of the body, especially where lipid structures are present.
  3. Metabolism: Information on the metabolism of anise oil is limited, but it is assumed that its components may be metabolized in the liver or other tissues to form metabolites that can then be excreted from the body.
  4. Excretion: Metabolites of anise oil or its components may be excreted through the kidneys or bile.
  5. Excretion: The excretion of anise oil may vary depending on its components and route of administration.

Dosing and administration

Aromatherapy

  • Diffusers or vaporizers: Add 3-5 drops of anise oil to the water of a diffuser to create a relaxing and soothing indoor atmosphere. It can help with stress, insomnia and improve air quality.

Medical use

For adults

  • For digestive problems (bloating, flatulence, cramps): Dilute 2-3 drops of anise oil in 1 teaspoon of base oil (such as olive or almond oil) and massage into the stomach.
  • For respiratory diseases (cough, bronchitis): Use 2-3 drops in an inhaler or add to hot water for steam inhalation.
  • To improve appetite and general digestive health: You can add 1-2 drops to tea or a warm drink.

For children

  • Theuse of aniseed oil for children should be coordinated with a pediatrician, especially in terms of dosages and methods of application. Anise oil is usually used in very limited quantities and always in diluted form.

Cosmetic use

  • For skin improvement: Dilute 1-2 drops of oil in a tablespoon of base oil and use as a moisturizer or cleanser.

Cooking

  • As a flavoring agent: Very small amounts of anise oil (a tip of a knife or a few drops) can be used to impart a specificflavor to baked goods, beverages, and confections.

Special Instructions

  • Sensitivity Test: Before using aniseed oil for skin applications, it is recommended to perform a sensitivity test by applying a small amount of diluted oil to a small area of the skin.
  • Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
  • Do not take anise oil internally without consulting your doctor, especially if you have a chronic condition or are taking other medications.

Use Anise oil during pregnancy

Anise oil is an essential oil derived from the anise fruit. Its safety during pregnancy has not been established and its use should be exercised with caution.

Although anise oil is widely used in food and medicine, its effects on pregnancy have not been adequately studied. Consumption of anise oil in food is generally considered safe, but there may be a risk of adverse reactions when used as a medicine or in large quantities.

Therefore, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before using aniseed oil during pregnancy.

Contraindications

  1. Hypersensitivity: People with known hypersensitivity to anise oil or other components of the drug should avoid its use.
  2. Pregnancy and lactation: The safety of aniseed oil use during pregnancy and lactation has not been established. A doctor should be consulted before using aniseed oil in these cases.
  3. Children: The use of aniseed oil in children requires caution and may require consultation with a physician.
  4. Digestive Problems: Anise oil can cause irritation of the stomach mucosa in some people, especially if they have digestiveproblems.
  5. Respiratory System Problems: In people with asthma or other respiratory systemproblems, using anise oil may cause an increase in symptoms.
  6. Blood pressure problems: Anise oil can affect blood pressure, so people with hypertension or hypotension should use it with caution.

Side effects Anise oil

  1. Allergic Reactions:

    • Skin rashes, urticaria.
    • Itching and redness of the skin.
    • Quincke's edema (sudden bloating of the face, lips, tongue, or throat that can make it hard to breathe).
    • Anaphylactic shock, although this is extremely rare.
  2. Hormonal disturbances:

    • Anise oil contains anethole, which in high doses can have estrogen-like effects, potentially affecting hormone balance.
  3. Drug Interactions:

    • Anise oil may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants (blood thinners), potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
  4. Nervous System:

    • At high doses it can cause agitation, convulsions or even coma.
  5. Gastrointestinal disorders:

    • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea when consumed in large quantities.
  6. Respiratory System:

    • In rare cases, it can cause bronchospasm, especially in people with asthma or an anise allergy.

Overdose

  1. Vomiting and nausea: Consumption of large doses of anise oil can cause vomiting and nausea.
  2. Diarrhea: Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal disorders may occur.
  3. Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to anise oil, which can lead to allergic reactions such as itching, skin rash, or angioedema.
  4. Heart problems: High doses of anise oil can cause heart problems such as arrhythmia or rapid heartbeat.
  5. Other undesirable effects: Headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances and other symptoms may occur.

Interactions with other drugs

  1. Sedative drugs: Anise oil may increase the sedative effects of other drugs such as sleeping pills or antidepressants. This may result in increased drowsiness and slower reaction times.
  2. Drugs affecting hematopoiesis: Prolonged and excessive use of aniseed oil is likely to impair hematopoiesis. Therefore, it should be taken with caution when used concomitantly with drugs affecting the blood system.
  3. Blood pressure medications: Interactions withblood pressure medications may reduce the effectiveness of the medications or cause undesirable side effects.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug " Anise oil" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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