Botanical Name:  Illicium verum

Also Known As:  Chinese star anise, takkola

General Info: llicium verum is a small tree with aromatic, star-shaped fruits. Star anise is often used in culinary applications and is a traditional ingredient in Chinese five spice blends.  They can be added to infusions, mulled wine, herbal syrups, and liqueurs. Anise star pods are also employed in tincturing and homemade mouthwashes.

This fruit of a tree in magnolia family native to China and Vietnam produces tough-skinned, rust-colored fruits that are picked and dried before ripening.

Anise star pods are used in Chinese “red” cooking, where foods are cooked for a long time in soy sauce. The herb is used to flavor “marbled eggs” and many Asian soups, in Thai iced tea, and in Peking duck. Anise star pods are also chewed after meals in order to freshen breath.

The whole dried fruits can be added directly to cooking. Small amounts are recommended. Anise star pods are a powerful spice. The herb should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a dark, cool place. The tea is quite strong and only moderate amounts will be needed. May also be taken as a capsule or extract.

Medicinal Properties:  The oil produced in the star is used for treating colds and flus as well as a host of medicinal purposes. Often used for indigestion, constipation, migraine, menopausal symptoms. Hippocrates mentioned that anise is useful for cleaning the lungs.

Magical Uses & Associations:  Magically it is used to help ward of the evil eye and disturbing dreams. May assist with finding happiness, stimulating psychic abilities, purification, and a restorer of youth. Used also to invoke Mercury and Apollo.

Form:  It's easy to recognize anise star pods; they usually look like an eight-pointed star.

Scent:  Star anise pods have a stronger flavor than anise seed and are considered warming. Anise star pods are hotter, more pungent, more bitter, and much more “licorice-like” than the European anise.

Origin: China

Precautions: Anise may have estrogen-like effects. May react with certain medications.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.