Overview

Star anise is an herb. The seed and oil are used to make medicine.

Be careful you know what you are taking. The star anise used as medicine is Chinese star anise. Don’t confuse it with Japanese star anise, which is poisonous and should not be taken. Some Chinese star anise tea products have been contaminated with Japanese star anise. You cannot tell the difference between them just by looking. Unless safety can be assured by chemical analysis, star anise tea should not be used.

People try taking star anise for respiratory tract infections, lung swelling (inflammation), cough, bronchitis, the flu (influenza), swine flu, and bird flu.

They also use it for digestive tract problems including upset stomach, gas, loss of appetite, and colic in babies.

Some women use star anise for increasing the flow of breast milk, promoting menstruation, and easing childbirth.

Star anise is also used for increasing sexual drive (libido) and treating symptoms of “male menopause.”

Some people inhale star anise to treat respiratory tract congestion.

In foods and beverages, star anise is considered a culinary spice; both the seed and oil are used as flavoring.

In manufacturing, the oil is used as a fragrance in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, and toothpaste, and to mask undesirable odors in drug products.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Herb

Primary Fucntions:

Respiratory tract infections

Also Known As:

Anis de Chine, Anís Estrellado, Anis Étoilé, Anis Étoilé Chinois

How Does It Work?

Star anise seeds contain ingredients that might have activity against bacteria, yeast, and fungi. People try star anise for treating flu because it is a good source of shikimic acid, which is used in the manufacture of oseltamivir (Tamiflu), a flu treatment. However, there isn't any research showing that star anise has any activity against viruses such as the flu virus.

Uses

• Cough.
• Gas (flatulence).
• Loss of appetite.
• Menstrual disorders.
• Lung swelling (inflammation).
• Upset stomach.
• Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of star anise depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for star anise. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Star Anise Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

Is Star Anise an antiviral?

Besides its use as spice in culinary, star anise is one of the vital ingredients of the Chinese medicinal herbs and is widely known for its antiviral effects. ... Besides, several other molecules with numerous biological benefits including the antiviral effects have been reported from the same plant.

What are the side effects of star anise?

Possible Risks

• Japanese star anise is known to contain potent neurotoxins that can lead to serious physical symptoms, including seizures, hallucinationsand nausea
• Additionally, there have been case reports of severe, potentially fatal reactions to star anise in infants

Does star anise make you sleepy?

The star anise is botanically known as Illicium Verum. It is dark-brown in colour with eight segments. Star anise can also be used as for its sedating properties to ensure a good sleep. The oil of star anise is useful in providing relief from rheumatism and lower back pain.

Does star anise raise blood pressure?

Heart Health – Regulates Blood Pressure and Circulation

Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices utilized star anise to improve blood circulation while lowering overall pressure.

Does star anise have any health benefits?

The oil produced from star anise contains thymol, terpineol and anethole, which is used for treating cough and flu. Anise also helps improve digestion, alleviate cramps and reduce nausea. Consuming star anise tea after meals helps treat digestive ailments such as bloating, gas, indigestion and constipation.

Can you put star anise in tea?

Put the cinnamon stick and star anise into a 4-cup heatproof measuring cup and add the boiling water. Stir to mix, then infuse for 2 minutes. Quickly pour the infusion into the teapot, straining carefully to keep the cinnamon and star anise from going into the teapot. Steep the tea in the spice infusion for 2 minutes.

Is Star Anise good for weight loss?

Star Anise Tea. This is Illicium verum, the fruit of an evergreen tree, called Chinese star anise. It has been demonstrated as an antimicrobial, and to promote digestive health, decreasing water weight.

What is star of anise used for?

Despite its sweetness, star anise traditionally is used in savory recipes, particularly with meats. It often is added whole to soups, stews and braising broths, to which it adds a sweet-licorice-peppery flavor. Star anise can be used whole or ground.

What is the difference between anise and star anise?

The major culinary difference between anise and star anise is that anise seed is potent, with an almost spicy flavor, while star anise is subtly milder. They can be used interchangeably in recipes, but amounts must be adjusted to accommodate the mildness of the Asian ingredient.

Is Star Anise used in Tamiflu?

Star Anise is used to make the active ingredient in oseltamivir (Tamiflu), but it has no proven antiviral activity of its own. Star anise is available under the following different brand and other names: aniseed stars, badiana, Chinese anise, and Illicium verum.

How do you use star anise for flu?

If you are suffering from a sore throat or a bad cough, drink tea made with this star-shaped spice. Add two anise seed pods in boiling water for over 15 minutes. Strain the tea and add a few drops of honey. Drink this tea thrice daily to avail immunity-boosting benefits.

Does anise help you sleep?

The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of star anise is useful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and dry cough. For this reason, some cough mixtures contain star anise extract. Star anise can also be used as for its sedating properties to ensure a good sleep.

Is it safe to eat star anise?

Star anise has a distinct licorice flavor that can enhance a variety of dishes. Its powerful bioactive compounds may help treat several fungal, bacterial and viral infections. While consumption of pure Chinese star anise is typically safe, it may be contaminated with Japanese star anise that is highly toxic.

Does star anise expire?

Storage. Store both whole or ground spice in an air-tight container away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Whole star anise will remain fresh and vibrantly flavored for about one year, whereas the ground spice will begin to lose flavor after about six months.

Is Japanese star anise poisonous?

Summary Star anise is generally considered safe but may be contaminated with highly toxic Japanese star anise.

Does star anise taste like aniseed?

What Does It Taste Like? Star anise has a very strong, distinct flavor that is warm, sweet, and spicy, similar to licorice, fennel seed, clove, and anise seed, of course.

What does star anise smell like?

Star anise has a mild and fragrant licorice flavor.

Is Star Anise good for the flu?

Star anise: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, star anise is effective in easing sore throats and colds. Its antifungal and antibacterial abilities can keep you away from flu and other viral infections in this season.

Is star anise the same as cloves?

Cloves and allspice are typically used in baking spices in the US and are popular in rice and meat dishes in North Africa. Use about equal parts cloves or allspice in place of star anise.

Clinical Studies