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Star Anise is a perennial tree native to southwestern China belonging to the Illiciaceae family. The fruits, which are star-shaped, are harvested just before ripening.
It is an ingredient in the traditional five-spice powder of Chinese cuisine.
Japanese star anise is the fruit of Illicium anisatum, being very similar morphologically, it is a common adulterant that must be carefully controlled because it contains shikimine, which is very poisonous.
The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the fruit.
Historically, black spruce EO has been valued for its properties such as:
Antispasmodic, Carminative, Stimulating tonic.