Botanical Overview
Illicium verum (Star anise) is a member of the Schisandraceae family and primarily valued for its dried fruit, commonly used in traditional medicines and culinary applications. Native to East Asia, especially China and Vietnam, it is recognized by its star-shaped pericarps and sweet-pungent aroma. Common names include Star anise, Chinese star anise, and Badian.
Energetics
Star anise is considered warming and drying in nature. Its taste profile is sweet and pungent, and it exhibits an ascending directionality in its action. It is tonifying to the qi and generally regarded as having a warming influence on the digestive and respiratory systems.
Primary Actions
- Carminative
- Expectorant
- Antimicrobial
- Spasmolytic
Indications
Western
- Digestive upset
- Flatulence
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Cold symptoms
Syndromes
- Indigestion
- Respiratory congestion
- Mild spasms
TCM
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Wind-cold symptoms
Syndromes
- Spleen Yang deficiency
- Cold in the stomach
- Wind-Cold invasion
Ayurveda
- Digestive disturbances
- Cough
- Cold
Syndromes
- Kapha imbalance
- Vata digestive disorders
Unani
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Respiratory difficulties
Syndromes
- Cold diseases
- Gastric pain
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemical constituents include anethole, shikimic acid, linalool, tannins, and various phenolic compounds known for antimicrobial and spasmolytic properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion 2-4 g 1-2 times daily
- Decoction of dried fruit 1-3 g
- Essential oil for external use only, diluted
Safety & Contraindications
Star anise is generally safe in culinary amounts. Toxicity may occur if adulterated with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum). Pregnant women and infants should avoid medicinal doses due to insufficient safety data. Allergic reactions are possible. Caution is advised with drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Astrological Correspondences
No clearly established planetary or elemental rulers supported by authoritative sources were found for Illicium verum.
Selected References
- Illicium verum – Star Anise, Plants For A Future Database
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Volume 2, World Health Organization, 2002
- Assessment report on Illicium verum, European Medicines Agency, 2018
- Phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Illicium verum, Chen W, Yao Q, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2012