How to Make Star Anise Salve

Use the fragrant Star Anise spice to easily make a homemade salve infused with antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Three tins of star anise salve sitting on a table.

What is Star Anise Salve?

Star Anise Salve is a natural, homemade remedy crafted from the aromatic spice known as star anise. This fragrant salve harnesses the beneficial properties of star anise, such as its antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial qualities that can help soothe skin irritations. The salve provides a protective barrier that moisturizes and heals, which is great for dry skin. This DIY salve has a spicy aroma that you won’t find with many other homemade salves.

Important: Star Anise and Anise or Aniseed are not the same thing. We use Star Anise for its beneficial properties. Be sure to only use pure star anise powder. Do not use Anise Extract, either!

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DIY Star Anise Salve

We suggest buying star anise powder, however you could buy whole star anise spice and ground it into a powder.

Ingredients

1 Cup Star Anise Powder
1 Cup Avocado Oil (or other carrier oil)
2 Tablespoons Beeswax Pellets
2 ounce tins (I used 3-4 tins per batch)
Coffee Filter

Directions

Step 1

You will need to infuse your oil with the star anise. There are two ways to do this, both work effectively and are listed below.

Quick Oil Infusion Method: You can slowly heat the oil and star anise powder on the stove or in a crock pot on low heat setting for an hour (or more) to infuse. Do not bring the oil to boil!

Slow Oil Infusion Method: Fill a glass jar halfway full of the star anise powder.

Pour the avocado oil over the powder to fill the jar completely. Make sure that all of the spice is fully covered.

Put the lid on the jar and store it in a cool, dark place, such as a closet or basement, for 6 weeks. Shake the oil once a week to make sure that all of the product is diffusing.

Step 2

Use a coffee filter to strain out any sediment after you use either of the infusion methods.

Step 3

Pour the oil into a heat-proof glass measuring cup. Add the beeswax.

Heat on medium-low in a double boiler or for 30 second intervals in the microwave, stirring thoroughly in between until fully melted.

Step 4

Pour the heated oil into the tins, filling up almost to the top of the tin.

Allow the hot tins to cool for a few hours or overnight. Do not move the tins as they are cooling.

Helpful Tips

Star Anise Salve can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to six months. Avoid exposure to heat and direct sunlight or else the salve will melt.
If you would like, you can add essential oils that have skin soothing properties.
Vitamin E oil can be added as a natural preservative and to add skin moisturizing properties. Add 1 teaspoon to the oil and beeswax mixture after it has been heated to melting.
Extra star anise can be used to make our fragrant Orange Spice Potpourri sachets or Christmas Potpourri Jars.

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