Star Anise
Illicium verum
T Traditional useStar anise is traditionally used for cough and bronchitis; evidence is weak. Never give its tea to infants; it can be mixed up with toxic Japanese star anise.
Star AniseOn this page
At a glance
Star anise (Illicium verum) is a tree whose star-shaped dried fruit is used as a spice. Germany's Commission E accepted its use for cough and bronchitis; its benefits are poorly studied. Japanese star anise (I. anisatum), which looks almost identical, is toxic and has caused seizures in infants.
Updated: October 24, 2026
Sources and research limitations appear below. The existence of a source does not mean every use has been clinically verified.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Germany's Commission E accepted star anise as a traditional use for cough and bronchitis. There are no clinical trials for this use and its benefits are not well defined. [1]
How is it used?
Safety & interactions
- Do not give star anise tea to infants or young children; seizures, extreme irritability and vomiting have been reported in infants who drank it.
- Chinese star anise can be contaminated with neurotoxic Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum); the US FDA has issued warnings. Buy from a reliable source.
- While breastfeeding, avoid anything beyond occasional, moderate use; its anethole passes into breast milk.
- Effects in pregnancy are unknown; do not exceed food amounts.
- People allergic to anise, fennel, celery, carrot, birch or mugwort have a higher risk of allergy.
- Ask your doctor before use if you have epilepsy, kidney or liver disease.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Nausea, vomiting and upset stomach
- Skin or lip rash and blisters (rare)
- Severe allergic reactions and seizures (rare; more likely in infants and at high doses)
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Frequently asked questions
Can I give star anise tea to my baby?
No. Seizures, irritability and vomiting have been reported in infants given star anise tea, and toxic Japanese star anise was found in products. Do not give it for colic; ask your doctor.
Is star anise good for cough?
Germany's Commission E accepted its traditional use for cough and bronchitis. No clinical trials confirm this.
Is star anise the same as anise?
No. Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a seed from the carrot family, while star anise (Illicium verum) is the fruit of a tree. They taste similar because both contain anethole.
How can you tell Japanese star anise apart?
It is hard to tell by eye, as the two species look almost the same. Buy from a reliable source with Illicium verum on the label.
Does star anise help with gas?
It is used for gas and digestive complaints, but its benefit has not been well studied.
Sources
Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.
- Star anisee-lactancia (APILAM) · 2020 · Reference bookSource accessed:
- Star AniseWebMD · 2025 · Reference bookSource accessed:
- Neurotoxicities in infants seen with the consumption of star anise teaPediatrics · 2004 · Observational study / case seriesSource accessed:
Cite This Page
Star Anise (Illicium verum). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/star-anise/
Related guides and comparisons
Related herbs
Peppermint Oil
A Strong clinical evidenceMentha × piperita
Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache.
Anise
B Limited clinical evidencePimpinella anisum
Aniseed tea is traditionally used for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind, and for cough that comes with a cold.
Black Elderberry Fruit
B Limited clinical evidenceSambucus nigra L.
Black elderberry is an anthocyanin-rich fruit studied for cold symptoms, but clinical evidence is limited. Raw or unripe berries should not be eaten.
Black Seed
B Limited clinical evidenceNigella sativa
A spice seed for which small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Kitchen amounts are safe.
Black Seed Oil
B Limited clinical evidenceNigella sativa
Oil pressed from black seed. Small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar and cholesterol and limited benefit in asthma.
Common Mallow
B Limited clinical evidenceMalva sylvestris L.
Common mallow leaves and flowers are traditionally used for throat irritation and mild digestive discomfort; avoid medicinal use in pregnancy and under 12.
Other herbs in the same preparation form (Spice)
Spice →
Garlic
B Limited clinical evidenceAllium sativum
Garlic powder is traditionally used to help prevent hardening of the arteries, and garlic extract to relieve symptoms of the common cold.
Ginger
B Limited clinical evidenceZingiber officinale
Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion.
Saffron
B Limited clinical evidenceCrocus sativus
The world's most expensive spice. In meta-analyses, saffron supplements lowered self-reported depression scores; clinician ratings did not change.
Turmeric
B Limited clinical evidenceCurcuma longa
Turmeric root is traditionally used for digestive complaints such as fullness, slow digestion and wind; it is not advised with gallbladder disease.
