Form: Raw Herb

For many years, Asian and Eurasian cooks have employed star anise.
This ancient spice is well-known not only for its culinary abilities, but also for its medicinal virtues.


The star-shaped spice originated in south China and has a licorice-like flavour. It is known in India as 'chakra phool.'


Anise is often used as an exotic spice in both Indian and Chinese cuisines.
It is mostly used in biryanis, chicken, seafood, and other vegetarian dishes because of its powerful, wonderful smell.


But now it's time to think "beyond the kitchen."
Apart from giving flavour to recipes, this little flower-like fruit is also a repository of some vital nutrients that can help treat numerous ailments.

Before using, star anise is sun-dried until it is greyish-brown in colour.
Anise can be pounded into a powder or used whole after drying.


The five advantages of ingesting star anise are as follows.


Star anise is high in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which help combat free radicals, which cause premature ageing and diabetes.

Star anise oil contains thymol, terpineol, and anethole, which are used to treat cough and flu.

Anise also aids in digestion, cramp relief, and nausea relief.

Drinking star anise tea after meals can help alleviate digestive issues such bloating, gas, indigestion, and constipation.
Anise is also a key element in your favourite masala chai.

Drinking one glass of water mixed with crushed star anise seeds at night will boost sex drive!

Illicium verum, also known as Star anise, star aniseed, or Chinese star anise, is a spice with a flavour similar to anise that is extracted from the star-shaped pericarp of Illicium verum.
It's a medium-sized evergreen tree native to northeast Vietnam and southwest China.
The star-shaped fruits are picked shortly before they ripen and dried before use.
Star anise, which has traditionally been used as a spice as well as a healing plant, appears to contain medicinal characteristics that provide considerable health advantages.
It is vital to emphasise that you should only use the Chinese variety because Japanese star anise has been linked to toxicity.

Star anise tastes similar to anise seed but is somewhat bitterer, which is why some chefs use it to add a licorice flavour to recipes.
Some people mistakenly believe that star anise and anise seed are the same thing.
While both spices contain an essential oil known as anethole, that is where their similarities end.
To begin, anise seed is a member of the Apiaceae family, whereas star anise is a member of the Schisandraceae family.
Anise seed is becoming more popular in Western cuisine, notably in Greek and French cuisine, due to its powerful, aromatic flavour, which is ideal for sauces.
Star anise, on the other hand, is more commonly used in Asian cooking.

Star anise is a popular digestive remedy that is used to treat cramps, indigestion, gas bloating, and indigestion.
Star anise seeds are high in B-complex vitamins like thiamin, pyridoxine, niacin, and riboflavin and have been shown to boost neuro-chemicals in the brain.
It contains anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C.
Some of the health benefits of Star Anise are listed below.

1. Combates free radicals


Antioxidants battle free radicals, which can cause cellular damage and contribute to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
As a metabolic byproduct, it is constantly created in our bodies.
Only by eating foods high in antioxidants can excess production and deposition be reduced.
According to reports from India and beyond, star anise has a strong antioxidant activity.
The presence of a molecule called linolool contributes to the antioxidant effect.
Vitamins A and C also play an important role in this feature.

2. Arthritis and joint discomfort


Star anise essential oil is a good cure for rheumatism and back pain when used topically.
Before applying the essential oil, mix it with a carrier oil and massage it into the affected regions.

3. Protects against fungal infections

Star anise is extremely effective in treating candidiasis, a common skin issue caused by the fungus Candida albicans.
This fungus typically affects the skin, mouth, throat, and sometimes the genital areas.
Some Korean researchers discovered that star anise essential oil and derivatives have excellent antifungal properties.

4. Defends against bacteria

Many researchers have studied star anise as an antibacterial agent, and its oil has been proven to be useful in reducing cough caused to asthma and bronchitis due to its expectorant function.
Star anise has also been demonstrated to be effective against nearly 70 drug-resistant bacterial types.

5. Effective in the treatment of influenza


When combined with another chemical, quercetin, an antioxidant rich material, star anise is a good source of Shikimic acid and has a powerful antiviral effect.
The combination of these two chemicals aids in the prevention of influenza.
Scientists in China and Taiwan are investigating this combination for avian flu treatment.

6. Helpful for sleep disorders


Star anise contains mild sedative qualities, according to traditional use and circumstantial evidence, that can help your nerves rest and ensure a good night's sleep.
If you're having trouble falling asleep, try a cup of relaxing star anise tea before bed.
It is one of the most effective therapies for sleep disorders.


7. Beneficial for Cough


Star anise tea is a wonderful natural cure for relieving a cough and soothing a sore throat.
Simply make the tea and consume it up to three times per day.

8. Better Digestion


Tea made from star anise is popular in South East Asian nations including China.
It is mostly used to treat digestive issues such as gas, stomach cramps, indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
It is recommended that you drink the tea after your meals to address any digestive issues you may be experiencing.


9. Beneficial to Heart Health


Star anise oil aids with blood pressure regulation.
It relieves the strain on the heart.
Furthermore, because the oil is detoxifying, it promotes blood flow and keeps the heart healthy and balanced.
The oil both rejuvenates and energises the heart.

10th. Health of Women


In China, star anise has traditionally been used to help pregnant women and new moms who desire to improve their milk production.
It is frequently recommended by traditional Chinese practitioners for pregnant women.


It is used to improve their immune system and keep them healthy during this critical time.
Researchers discovered that star anise has an estrogenic impact due to a chemical called anethole, which aids in the modulation of hormonal activities in women.

11. Pancreas stimulation


The pancreas is an important organ for controlling insulin and other hormones.
Anise seeds help to stimulate the pancreatic.
When your pancreas is in good health, you have a lower risk of diabetes and other hormonal issues.


12. Helpful for Colds, Flus, and Other Respiratory Issues


If you are prone to being ill as soon as the cold season begins, you will like star anise tea.
It is a warming herb that has long been used to help alleviate colds and respiratory congestions.
This tea combats the bacteria and viruses that cause colds and flus, as well as treating asthma, coughs, lung inflammation, and bronchitis.

Other Names: 

Badian Khatai, Star Anise, Badian Khatai , Illicium Verum , Star Anise, Badiyan Khatai, Chakra Phool, Star Anise badian khatai badi