Star anise (Illicium verum) is a spice and medicinal plant native to China and Vietnam, recognized for its characteristic star shape and intense aniseed aroma. Throughout history, it has been widely valued in both traditional Chinese medicine and Eastern and Western cuisine. digestive properties, carminative, antimicrobial, expectorant y relaxants have made this spice a very versatile and prized ingredient. It's important not to confuse it with Japanese star anise, which is toxic.
In this comprehensive article you will be able to discover in detail the medicinal properties of star anise, its active ingredients, health benefits, safe ways to consume it, culinary applications, contraindications, and precautions you should keep in mind.
Botanical characteristics and origins of star anise
Star anise is the fruit of the tree Illicium verum, belonging to the Magnoliaceae family. This evergreen tree, with lanceolate leaves and a bay-like appearance, can reach between 5 and 10 meters in height when given the right environmental conditions. Native to southern China and Vietnam, its cultivation has spread to Japan, Korea, Indonesia, parts of the southeastern United States, and other warm and humid regions.
The fruit is unmistakable for its 6- to 12-pointed star shape (called follicles), usually brown in color and with a shiny seed inside each point. Its aniseed fragrance and flavor are intense, being more pronounced and bitter than those of green anise (Pimpinella anisum). This method of harvesting ripe fruit, drying it, and selling it whole or ground is the basis for its use in gastronomy and natural medicine.
Chemical composition and active ingredients
Star anise is rich in essential oils, bioactive compounds and nutrients that explain its multiple properties.
- Anethole: Main constituent of essential oil, responsible for the aniseed aroma and flavor. It has carminative, digestive, antimicrobial, and expectorant effects.
- Shikimic acid: Natural precursor used by the pharmaceutical industry for the synthesis of the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu). It has significant antiviral activity.
- Limonene, estragole, phellandrene, pinene: Other terpenes and phenylpropanoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and slightly sedative activity.
- Flavonoids and lignans: Such as rutin and quercetin, with antioxidant and cell-protective action.
- Catechic tannins, pectins, mucilages: They promote gastrointestinal health and digestive regularity.
- Vitamins and minerals: Star anise provides small amounts of Vitamin C, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B9) and minerals such as Calcium, iron, Magnesium y copper.
Main courses medicinal properties of star anise
Although star anise belongs to a different botanical family than green anise, it shares many of its therapeutic effects thanks to the presence of anethole and other bioactive compounds. Highlights include:
- Carminative: It promotes the expulsion of gases accumulated in the digestive tract, relieving the abdominal swelling, flatulence and discomfort resulting from heavy digestion.
- Digestive and eupeptic: Stimulates the secretion of gastric and bile juices, improving the digestion and nutrient assimilation. Recommended for dyspepsia, loss of appetite, and slow digestion.
- Antispasmodic and intestinal relaxant: Relieves muscle spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, being useful in cases of colic, diarrhea associated with spasms and flatulence.
- Expectorant and balsamic: It helps eliminate mucus in cases of cough, bronchitis, colds, or the flu. Its mucolytic activity helps clear the respiratory tract.
- Antimicrobial and antifungal: Its extracts have demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and fungi included Candida albicans y Brotytis cinerea.
- Antiviral: Thanks to shikimic acid, it acts as a precursor in medications for the treatment and prevention of influenza caused by the influenza virus.
- Diuretic and purifying: It stimulates the elimination of fluids and toxins, helping with fluid retention and cleansing processes in the body.
- Emmenagogue: It can help regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve associated discomfort.
- Galactogogue: It has traditionally been attributed the ability to stimulate the production of breast milk, although it should be used with caution during breastfeeding.
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory: Useful for treating minor discomfort, rheumatic pain, headaches and minimizing inflammation.
- Antioxidant: The presence of phenolic compounds and vitamin C helps fight free radicals and reduce cellular aging.
- Insecticide and repellent: Extracts and essential oils can help repel and eliminate certain insects and pests, as has been demonstrated in laboratory tests with fruit flies and cockroaches.
- Mild sedative: Its relaxing properties help calm mild anxiety and promote sleep.
Health benefits of star anise
- Relief from digestive disorders: Star anise tea or infusion is a traditional remedy for swelling, gas, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort. It is often used after heavy meals.
- Respiratory support: It is effective as an expectorant and relieves coughs, colds, flu, and bronchitis. It helps clear the respiratory tract thanks to its mucolytic and antimicrobial properties.
- Antiviral action against influenza: The shikimic acid contained in star anise is essential for the synthesis of oseltamivir, used in the treatment and prevention of influenza types A and B.
- Improvement of fungal and bacterial infections: Studies have shown that star anise is able to inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria responsible for skin, digestive, and urinary tract infections.
- Antioxidant properties: Helps neutralize free radical damage, protects cells and may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and degenerative.
- Promotes the production of breast milk: Although it should be used with caution and under supervision, it has traditionally been used in herbal medicine to stimulate lactation.
- Relief from menstrual discomfort: Controlled consumption of infusions can support hormonal balance and reduce pains associated with the menstrual cycle.
- Support in glucose control: Recent research has identified some antidiabetic activity, although it should not replace medical treatment.
- Skin care: Star anise oil can be used topically (diluted) for mild cases of acne, minor irritations, or minor skin infections, avoiding open wounds.
- Improved breath: Chewing star anise seeds can help combat bad breath due to its antibacterial properties.
Gastronomic applications and traditional uses
In addition to its medicinal uses, star anise is an essential spice in Asian cuisine and increasingly valued in Western cuisine. It is used:
- In the Chinese five spice mix, along with cinnamon, cloves, fennel and Sichuan pepper.
- In pastries and desserts: Cakes, biscuits, creams and winter sweets.
- In stews, soups, rice dishes and meat dishes: Enhances the aroma and flavor of recipes.
- In the distillation of spirits: Such as French pastis, Italian sambuca, Greek ouzo, and anise-flavored liqueurs from different countries.
- In infusions and teas: Alone or combined with other aromatic plants such as chamomile, mint or cinnamon.
- As a flavoring: In the food and oral hygiene product industries, thanks to its antiseptic and aromatic effects.
How to prepare and consume star anise safely
The most common forms are:
- Star anise infusion or tea: Add 0,5 to 2 grams of star anise (one star) to 250 ml of boiling water. Cover and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. It is recommended to drink a cup after meals to aid digestion. It should never be boiled for too long to avoid excessive concentration of the active ingredients.
- Powder or ground spice: It can be added directly to sweet and savory recipes.
- Essential oil: It should only be used under professional supervision and always diluted, as it is highly concentrated and potentially irritating/neurotoxic.
- Chewing seeds: Traditionally, for bad breath, chew a dry seed after meals.
Safe guideline doses:
- Adults: 1-3 grams of dried fruit daily in infusion or as a condiment.
- Children over 12 years: half a cup of mild infusion, under supervision.
- Infants and children under 6 years of age: Its use is generally not recommended due to the potency of its active ingredients and the risk of confusion with toxic species.
Side effects, contraindications and precautions
- Toxicity due to abuse or adulteration: Excessive consumption of star anise can cause drowsiness, confusion, muscle spasms, and in severe cases, seizures. There are additional risks if the product is contaminated or adulterated with toxic species such as Illicium anisatum (Japanese star anise), which contains neurotoxic alkaloids.
- Pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended unless medically indicated. May interfere with the hormonal system, and there are insufficient studies on its safety at these stages.
- Babies and young children: It is contraindicated in children under six years of age, as it can affect the developing nervous system and induce seizures.
- Gastrointestinal and neurological diseases: Patients with gastritis, ulcers, active inflammatory bowel disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or neurological diseases should avoid using essential oils or concentrated extracts.
- Hypersensitivity: People allergic to anethole or anise should avoid it.
- Topical use: The essential oil may cause irritation and photosensitivity if applied undiluted.
- Drug interaction: Consult your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants, antiepileptics, or other treatments.
How to distinguish Chinese star anise from Japanese star anise
El chinese star anise (Illicium verum) is the only one suitable for human consumption. Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum o Illicium religiosum) is highly toxic and should not be used under any circumstances.
- External appearance: Both are star-shaped, but the Japanese one usually has more tips (10-13) and the follicles are more separated and sometimes curved.
- Odor: Chinese has a strong, pleasant anise smell; Japanese has a weaker, more unpleasant aroma.
- Seed color: The Chinese variety has smooth, shiny seeds, while the Japanese variety usually has duller, rougher seeds.
To avoid risks, always buy labeled products from controlled sources.
Nutritional information and vitamin intake
Star anise provides, in small quantities, important vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C: It supports the immune system and has antioxidant functions.
- Vitamins of group B: Niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), thiamine (B1) and folic acid (B9), essential for energy, nervous system health and red blood cell synthesis.
- Calcium, iron, copper and magnesium: Beneficial for bone strength, muscle function and blood formation.
However, its consumption is mostly appreciated for its medicinal principles rather than for the nutritional value of its micronutrients.
Recommendations and precautions for safe use
- Consult a healthcare professional before starting use if you suffer from chronic conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you are taking this medicine to children.
- Always use the recommended dosage in infusions and avoid essential oils unless professionally prescribed.
- Buy the product from reliable stores that certify its origin.
- Avoid mixing it with other medicinal plants without advice, as this may alter their effects.
- If you experience any adverse symptoms, stop using the product and consult your doctor.
Star anise is much more than an aromatic spice: it's a potent source of natural medicinal compounds, perfect for supporting digestion, relieving respiratory discomfort, and fighting minor infections. Its history in traditional medicine and modern scientific research support its benefits, provided it is used responsibly and with controlled controls. If you decide to integrate star anise into your life, do so in an informed and safe manner, and enjoy all its properties without unnecessary risks.