Homemade Star Anise Salve

This DIY Star Anise salve is a great addition to your first aid kit.  Star anise has been used to treat microbial infections, to help regulate blood sugar, improve heart health and even to help fight cancer.

Star Anise

Star anise is a spice made from the dried seed pod of the Illicium serum plant. It has a distinct liquorice flavour and star shape. It is widely used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury, to help enhance the flavour.

It also has powerful bioactive compounds that can help treat fungal, bacterial and viral infections. Star Anise serves as a natural source of shikimic acid, which is a compound that is used in the production of the antiviral medication Tamiflu.

Though, you do need to be careful of where you source it from. The pure Chinese star anise is usually safe to eat, though the Japanese star anise that looks the same is highly toxic. In some cases, Chinese star anise has be found to be contaminated with Japanese star anise. So, always double check the source of the spice and the purity of it.

Also, I recommend starting with a small amount, to avoid adverse reactions.

Using Star Anise Salve

When using this salve topically, it is said to help with 

• Reducing the severity of colds and flus
• Help treat respiratory infections such as coughs, asthma and bronchitis
• It’s expectorant properties help to loosen mucus in the respiratory tract
• It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation in the body, helping with arthritic pain
• Helps facilitate digestion, healing stomach ulcers and soothing an upset stomach
• Has antiviral properties
• Can help ease menstrual pain
• Help relieve bloating and reduces gas
• Healing and moisturising dry skin, reducing wrinkles and dark spots and fighting acne
• The bioactive compounds may be effective in treating urinary tract infections
• May work to treat E.Coli
• Star anise contains collagen, a protein that is naturally occurring in muscles, bones, tendons and the digestive system

Carrier Oils

When making a salve, choosing the correct carrier oil can improve the impact of the salve as each carrier oil has its own set of distinct properties. Blending a couple of carrier oils can also help maximise their benefits. 

With this salve recipe, there are multiple carrier oils that could be used including:

• Avocado Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Argan Oil
• Rosehip Oil
• Hemp Oil
• Safflower Oil

You can learn more about carrier oils here.

Before Using this Salve

Before using this rub, you will need to understand a few things.

• While star anise is usually safe for many people, if you have any medical conditions, please take extra precautions and consult a healthcare professional before using. Be very careful when using it around children as it is not recommended for children to digest.
• Test on small area of skin before using.  If there’s any irritation, dilute with more carrier oils.
• Wash hands well after using.

More Salve Recipes

• Make Healing Calendula Salve
• Arnica Salve
• DIY Sore Muscle Rub
• DIY Rose Salve
• Goldenrod Salve
• Herbal Muscle Salve
• Charcoal Drawing Salve
• Rosemary Salve
• Comfrey Salve
• Violet Leaf Salve
• Plantain Salve

Star Anise Infused Oil

To make this salve, you will first need to make star anise infused oil.

To make the infused oil, you will need: 

• 1 cup star anise powder
• 1 cup Olive Oil

First you will need to infuse the star anise in the olive oil. 

Place the star anise powder into a glass jar.

Pour over the olive oil, making sure that the powder is fully submerged. It will take some time for the oil to completely cover the powder.

Put the lid on the jar and store in a dark cupboard for four to six weeks, shaking every couple of days to keep everything submerged.

Strain with a strainer, cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter. The infused oil is now ready to make into a salve.

If you want to speed up the infusion process, slowly heat the oil in a slow cooker on low heat for 24 – 48 hours.

For more information on making infused oils, check this out.

Making Star Anise Salve

To make about 4 ounces of this salve, you will need:

• 1 Cup Infused Star Anise Oil
• 2  TBSP Beeswax pellets
• Makes 3 x 2oz tins

Combine the beeswax and the infused oil in a microwaveable container and heat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until the beeswax is completely melted. Stir in between each heat burst.

This process could also be done in a double boiler.

Pour the mixture into small glass jars or tins.

Let the salve cool and set.

The salve is now ready to label, date and store.

Storing This Salve

Place the salve in dark glass jars or metal tins to protect it from exposure to light and air. I have also used tubes for easier application.

Store in a cool, dark place.

When properly stored, this salve should last up to six months.

Notes

• Make sure you have pure star anise powder.
• Vitamin E is optional, and is often added to salves as an antioxidant to prevent rancidity, as well as for its amazing skin-healing properties. Add 1 teaspoon of  vitamin E oil to help preserve your salve even longer! 
• You can use any type of carrier oil for the infused oil. This recipe uses olive oil. 
• If you want this to be a vegan recipe, swap out beeswax pellets for candelilla wax.
• I live in a hot climate, so this is made with 2 tablespoons of beeswax to stop it from melting during hot summers, thus making this a harder salve. Use less beeswax if you want a softer balm. To test the consistency of the salve, place a small amount on the back of your hand and see what it does. If it’s too soft, add more beeswax; if it is too hard, add more oil.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.