Illicium verum
Star Anise
Schisandraceae
At a Glance
- Common name
- Star Anise
- Scientific name
- Illicium verum
- Family
- Schisandraceae
- Region
- China
- Plant part
- Fruit (star pods), Seeds
- Caffeine
- Caffeine Free
- Evidence
- Limited
- Safety review
- Safety information on file
Safety & Cautions
Safety information on fileBotanical Description
An evergreen tree 8-15 m tall with leathery, glossy, lance-shaped leaves in whorls, and distinctive star-shaped, woody, eight-pointed fruits (pods), each point holding a glossy amber seed. The dried fruits are the spice.
Also known as: Chinese Star Anise, Badian Anise, Bajiao
Historical Background
Star anise has been a cornerstone of Chinese cuisine and medicine for over a millennium, prized for its sweet anise fragrance and warming, digestive reputation. It entered the European pharmacopoeia via trade routes and famously became the industrial source of shikimic acid for manufacturing the influenza drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
Earliest recorded uses: Recorded in Chinese herbals for over a thousand years; the source plant of shikimic acid used to make the antiviral oseltamivir.
Traditional preparations:
- Crushed pod infusion
- Five-spice tea
- Decoction
Traditional Uses
These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Warming digestive, carminative, and cold-season comfort spice.
Modern Herbalism
Digestive and respiratory comfort spice tea.
Flavor & Aroma
Aroma: Sweet, licorice-anise, warm
Tea Preparation
Modern Evidence
Star anise has a long tradition as a warming digestive and carminative. Its shikimic acid content is industrially important, but the spice itself has limited clinical evidence for its traditional tea uses. It is not a treatment for influenza or any disease.
Evidence levels describe the state of research for the traditional use discussed here, not a recommendation. Historical use does not imply effectiveness.
Related Herbs
Entry last updated August 4, 2026