ILLICIUM VERUM

Star Anise

Digestive icon
Digestive Support
Immune icon
Immune Support
WHAT IS IT?

Star Anise was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century and was mainly used there in baked goods and in fruit compotes and jams, as well

WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
It contains anethole, which is the same constituent that gives Anise its distinctive flavor. The Anise flavor is licorice-like, but stronger, and it is an important commercial

Star Anise

WHAT IS IT?

Star Anise was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century and was mainly used there in baked goods and in fruit compotes and jams, as well as the manufacture of Anise-flavored liqueurs, such as anisette, Galliano, Sambuca and Pernod. It is a major ingredient in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines as part of "five-spice powder," which not only acts as a digestive, providing natural relief for digestion, but is also used to flavor curries, tea, pickles, coffee, candy, cough medicines, soft drinks and bakery products. The aromatic oils in the seedpod are also an ingredient in tomb incense in Japan, and perfumery. Star Anise, Illicium verum, is not to be confused with Japanese Star Anise, Illicium anisatum, which has been implicated in adverse neurological events.

WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
It contains anethole, which is the same constituent that gives Anise its distinctive flavor. The Anise flavor is licorice-like, but stronger, and it is an important commercial fruit worldwide, but mostly in Asia, where most of its market is located. Star Anise has long been used in Asia to help promote good digestion. Its warming flavor and calming influence on digestion make it a wonderful addition to herbal teas targeting digestive wellness as well as respiratory health.

More products with Star Anise

Active Consituents
1,4 and 1,8 Cineole, anethole (this gives cinnamon like notes), beta bisabolene, caryophyllene, cinnamic alcohol, flavonol glycosides, limonene, trans-anethole, neurotropic sesquiterpenoids, veranisatins A, B and C, phenylpropanoids
Parts Used
Fruit (pericarp)
Additional Resources
1.) De M, De AK, Sen P, Banerjee AB. Antimicrobial properties of star anise (Illicium verum Hook f). Phytother Res 2002;16:94-5. 2.) Sy, L. K. and Brown, G. D. Novel phenylpropanoids and lignans from Illicium verum. J Nat Prod 1998;61(8):987-992. 3.) Nakamura, T., Okuyama, E., and Yamazaki, M. Neurotropic components from star anise (Illicium verum Hook. fil.). Chem.Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1996;44(10):1908-1914.
Important Precautions
Not for use in excess during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

Why Gaia Herbs?

Plant-powered icon

Plant-Powered

Harnessing traditional wisdom, delivering Nature's vitality
Potent icon

Potent

Full spectrum formulas for an herb's full array of beneficial compounds
Pure icon

Purity Tested

All products are screened for pesticides, microbes & heavy metals
Transparency icon

Transparent

Know what's in your supplement— Meet Your Herbs to learn more