Star Anise (Illicium verum)

Star Anise (Illicium verum) is a member of the Schisandraceae family, native to Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. Traditionally, its fruits, bark, and leaves have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its carminative, antispasmodic, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, japanese kampo medicine, and korean traditional medicine.

Star Anise (Illicium verum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Star Anise (Illicium verum) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Star Anise
Scientific Name	Illicium verum
Plant Family	Schisandraceae
Genus	Illicium
Species	verum
Native Range	Southeast Asia, China, Japan
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Bark, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Carminative, Antispasmodic, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Illicium verum
Common Name: Star Anise
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Chinese Star Anise, Anise Star, Illicium Anise
Plant Family: Schisandraceae
Genus: Illicium

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 4 to 10 meters.
Leaves: Lanceolate leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Bilaterally symmetric flowers with five ovate petals arranged in a spiral, yellowish-green calyx with five lobes, and a single superior ovary with two chambers.
Stems: Erect, woody, branched, with opposite, sessile, persistent, glandular-pubescent leaves.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a mild carminative, within digestive system contexts.
Antispasmodic: Historically regarded as a calming antispasmodic, in spasm-related situations.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a soothing tonic, in whole-system applications.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a gentle anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Naturally occurring plant oils composed primarily of volatile constituents.
Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Terpenoid: A large class of naturally occurring compounds derived from isoprene units.
Coumarin: Naturally occurring lactone compounds distributed across various plant tissues.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: The use of this herb has been linked to reported toxic effects.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Culinary Use: This method integrates plant material into edible preparations.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.