As we take today to remember those who gave their lives so we could be free, we offer up thanks and a prayer for those who serve today to keep us safe and free. God Bless all the members of our military and their families.

We’re such big fans of essential oils, I thought it might be fun to go through the alphabet of essential oils to teach you about their wonderful properties and for us to learn some things along the way! Today we’re starting with Anise, or Aniseed.

photo by kellysblues

Latin Name: Pimpinella anisum

Description: Aniseed is a slow growing, annual herb from the parsley family which grows to about 1 1/2 feet high. The seeds are often used in flavoring, particularly in the liquor industry. The essential oil is steam distilled from dried and crushed seeds.

Countries of origin: Anise is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and western Asia regions. It is now widely cultivated mainly in Spain, India, Europe, Russia, Mexico and Egypt.

Scent: Anise has as spicy, sweet, licorice aroma.

Properties: Anise has been used to promote calmness and relieve stress. This is because one of its compounds is anethole, which is a phytoestrogen and is chemically similar to amphetamines. In the first century A.D., Pliny recommended anise to encourage milk production. Many aromatherapists recommend anise to ease menopausal symptoms. Anise oil has also been used as a cough expectorant and to ease dry coughs. Hunters and fishermen use anise oil to mask their scent and some say fish are attracted to the scent of anise.

Precautions: Anethole is an estrogen-altering compound, which may trigger hormonal changes or preterm labor, so this oil should be avoided by pregnant women. Anise may also cause skin sensitivity or irritation, so use caution.

“Nature gave men two ends – one to sit on, and one to think with. Ever since then man’s success or failure has been dependent on the one he used most” – George R. Kirpatrick

image via Wikipedia