Herb library

Star Anise

Illicium verum

Star anise, the aromatic star-shaped fruit of Illicium verum, is a warming kitchen spice and household herb, traditionally used for digestion and comforting teas. It is used sparingly, often blended with other warming spices for teas and syrups.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used to ease occasional digestive discomfort, bloating, and quiet gas when brewed as a warm tea.
• •Traditionally used as a warming flavor and aromatic in syrups or honey preparations for soothing a scratchy throat in older children and adults.
• •A long-standing household use is adding a whole star to simmering broths or stews to lend a sweet-anise scent and gentle digestive support after meals.

Simple preparations.

• •Simple tea: crush 1 whole star anise gently, steep in 8 ounces of hot water for 8 to 10 minutes, strain and drink warm, up to 2 cups a day as needed.
• •Soothing syrup for sore throat: simmer 2 whole star anise and 1 cinnamon stick in 2 cups water for 10 minutes, strain, stir into 1/2 cup honey (not for children under 1 year), cool and take 1 teaspoon as needed.
• •Inhale steam: add 1 crushed star anise to a bowl of hot water, cover head with a towel, inhale the fragrant steam for 5 to 10 minutes to enjoy the aroma and gentle warming effect.

Cautions.

• !Star anise sold in some markets can be confused with toxic related species; only use star anise labeled Illicium verum from a trusted source.
• !Large amounts can be too stimulating or upsetting to sensitive stomachs, so use sparingly and stop if you have adverse effects.
• !Avoid giving preparations containing honey to children under one year of age.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition, check with your doctor before using star anise.

Often kept beside.