Star Anise Plant: Spice, Remedy, or Both?

The star anise plant resembles the laurel plant’s beautiful appearance and its flowers’ magnolia. The whole plant has a pleasant aroma similar to that of the anise plant, though more intense. The star anise tree was introduced to Europe in the late 17th century when Eastern spices were most appreciated.

Star Anise Plant Scientific Facts

1. Other names: Chinese anise.
2. French: Badiane, anis de la Chine.
3. Spanish: Anis estrellado.
4. Environment: Native to Southern China, Korea, and Japan, this plant is also cultivated in the Southwestern United States and other hot, humid areas of America.
5. Description: The evergreen tree of the Magnoliaceae family, which grows from two to five meters high, has white bark and spear-shaped leaves. The fruit is star-shaped (8 or 12 points) and brown.
6. Parts of the plant used medicinally: The fruit.

Healing Properties and Warning

Although the star anise belongs to a different botanical family than the common anise, it has the same active component: an essence rich in anethole. Thus, its properties are similar to anise’s: eupeptic (promotes digestion) and carminative (eliminates intestinal gas and flatulence).

It benefits heavy digestion, intestinal fermentation, and flatulence (excess gas). Due to mild antispasmodic properties, it alleviates the spasms of hollow internal organs (the stomach, the gall bladder, the intestine, the uterus, etc.).

WARNING! Due to its high content in anethole, Star anise essence has toxic effects on the nervous system (delirium and convulsions) when taken in high doses. Alcoholic beverages prepared with this essence can produce toxicity.

How to use Star Anise

1. Infusion: The plant needed is less than anise since star anise is more concentrated. Two or three fruit per cup is enough. Drink two or three cups daily after meals.
2. Dry extract: The recommended dose ranges from 100 to 300 mg daily.

DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.

REFERENCES

1. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 455. Print. [Star anise plant]