---
title: "Anise or Star Anise? | Herbadex"
description: "They taste alike but are different plants. Anise has an EMA assessment; star anise carries warnings about toxic Japanese star anise and infants."
language: en
url: https://herbadex.com/en/compare/anise-vs-star-anise/
source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com)
---

Comparisons

# Anise or Star Anise?

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a seed from the carrot family, while star anise (Illicium verum) is a star-shaped fruit; both contain anethole, which is why they taste similar. The table is built from the sourced cards of both herbs.

| Aspect | Anise Pimpinella anisum | Star Anise Illicium verum |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Strongest evidence | B Limited clinical evidence | T Traditional use |
| Needs | Digestion, Respiratory, Throat & Mouth | Respiratory, Throat & Mouth |
| Form | Seed | Spice |
| How to use | Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1–3.5 g of whole or freshly crushed aniseed. | Used as a culinary spice. Buy from a reliable source with Illicium verum on the label; there is no verified therapeutic dose. |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Unknown |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | Caution |
| Recommended minimum age | From age 12 | Not stated |
| Drug interactions | No recorded interactions | No recorded interactions |
| Duration limit | Max 2 weeks | Not stated |

## Which one, when?

### Anise

Traditionally drunk as a tea for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind, and for cough with colds; for up to 2 weeks. Not recommended under 12.

[Full card →](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/anise/)

### Star Anise

Used as a spice in cooking. Its traditional use for cough and bronchitis rests on Germany's Commission E; there are no clinical studies and no confirmed dose.

[Full card →](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/star-anise/)

## Good to know

-   Do not give star anise tea to babies or young children; seizures, restlessness and vomiting have been reported.
-   Star anise can be contaminated with neurotoxic Japanese star anise; buy from a reliable source with Illicium verum on the label.
-   Anise is not recommended while breastfeeding; star anise only occasionally and in moderation. In both, anethole passes into breast milk.

## Sources

1.  [Community herbal monograph on Pimpinella anisum L., fructus](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-pimpinella-anisum-l-fructus_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2013 · Monograph Source accessed: October 14, 2026
2.  [Pimpinella anisum in the treatment of functional dyspepsia: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25767516/) Journal of Research in Medical Sciences · 2015 · Randomized controlled trial Source accessed: October 21, 2026
3.  [Star anise](https://e-lactancia.org/breastfeeding/star-anise/product/) e-lactancia (APILAM) · 2020 · Reference book Source accessed: October 24, 2026
4.  [Star Anise](https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-364/star-anise) WebMD · 2025 · Reference book Source accessed: October 24, 2026
5.  [Neurotoxicities in infants seen with the consumption of star anise tea](https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2004-0058) Pediatrics · 2004 · Observational study / case series Source accessed: October 24, 2026

This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.