Written by Maryann Readal
star anise, Illicium verumthe Herb Society’s Herb of the Month for December. December is the perfect month to get used to this spice because its star is ready to be used during the holidays. Its sweet, subtle licorice aroma can be added to holiday desserts, and a seed pod floats in holiday drinks or placed on the rim of a holiday cocktail or mocktail glass.
Star anise is a seed from the fruit of an evergreen tree native to Southern China and Vietnam, where it has been used in cooking and medicine for thousands of years. The leaves and seed pods have a licorice flavor and sweet smell. Each of the six to eight points of the seed pod contains a small seed. It became known in the West in the 1600s when sailors brought star-shaped spices home to England. European settlers brought spices to the New World where they were used medicinally and to flavor desserts. This fruit is harvested twice a year by farmers who climb and shake the trees so that the fruits fall to the ground. The green fruit can be eaten fresh, or it can be dried in the sun until it hardens and reaches the rich brown color of store-bought star anise.
The star anise seed pod is an important spice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as it is believed to maintain the balance of yin and yang in the body. It is also used for respiratory problems and pain relief. Tea made from the seeds can help with digestion and reduce constipation. Research has shown that star anise has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and insecticidal effects (Zou, 2023).
In Western medicine, star anise has been used to make Tamiflu, an anti-influenza drug. The seeds are the main source of shikimic acid, which is needed to make medicine. Until 2012, Roche Pharmaceuticals used 90% of the world’s production of star anise to make Tamiflu (Virology Research Services, 2024). However, Roche developed a process to chemically produce shikimic acid, thereby reducing dependence on the fruit of the slow-growing tree.
Star anise is an important spice in Asian cooking. It is a combination of Chinese five spice powder and Indian garam masala. It is also an important ingredient in Vietnamese pho soups. It adds a great flavor to coffee and tea, can be used to marinate meat, and is added to barbecue sauce. The whole pod is used in stews, soups, sauces and other dishes that require grinding. The seed pods are removed when cooking is complete. Star anise can be ground but loses its flavor quickly this way. Ground spice is added to the dish like any other spices.
Fruit, leaves, and branches Illicium verum are used to produce star anise oil. The oil is used to flavor candy, baked goods, chewing gum, tobacco, and dental products. It is also used to flavor liquors such as Galliano, Sambuca, Absinthe, and Pastis.
I would be remiss not to say that star anise has some curious habits associated with it. Some believe that adding star anise and bay leaves to your bath will reduce negative energy. And some believe that placing a star under your pillow at night will help ensure a good night’s sleep and will end nightmares (Johnson, 2024). When you consider the medicinal effects of star anise, it is understandable how these beliefs began.
It is important not to confuse star anise with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) which is toxic and causes seizures and damage to the urinary tract, kidneys, and digestive tract if ingested. In Japan, it is burned as incense (Zou, 2023). Adding to the confusion is the word “anise”. Star anise spice comes from a tree in the magnolia family while the anise seed, Pimpinella anisumit comes from a plant in the parsley family. Each plant and seed is very different from the other.
For more information about star anise, please see The Herb Society’s Herb of the Month.
Drug Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not advising or recommending medical or health remedies. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any particular treatment or health care. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatment.
Photo credits: 1) Star anise seed characters (Thor, via Wikimedia); 2) Star anise farm in China (Fuzheado, via Wikimedia); 3) Green star anise fruit (Fuzheado, via Wikimedia); 4) Star anise pho in Ho Chi Minh City (Joshua, via Wikimedia); 5) Star anise plant (Joseph Dalton Hooker, 1801)
References
Johnson, Jackie. 2024. Chinese star anise (Illicium verum). Essential Herbal.
Matthias, Alice. 2023. Everything you need to know about star anise. Accessed 11/14/23. Available from
Moncel, Bethany. 2023. What is star anise? Accessed 11/12/24. Available from
Virology Research Services. 2024. Natural solution: Tamiflu. Accessed 11/15/24. Available from
Zou, Qiyuan. 2023. A Comprehensive Review of the Pharmacology, Chemistry, Traditional Uses and Quality Control of Star Anise (Illicium verum Hook. F.): Aromatic Medicinal Plant. Accessed on 11/11/2024. Available from
Mariann is a member of The Herb Society of America’s Texas Thyme Unit in Huntsville, TX. She is a certified Texas Master Gardener and Native Landscape Specialist with the Texas Native Plant Society and has received The Herb Society’s Nancy Putnam Award for Excellence in Horticulture. He teaches and writes about herbs and plants and conducts plant training in several Master Gardener programs. He gardens among the pines of the Piney Woods of East Texas.
