Anise (Star)

Medical Herbs Catalogue

Advertizing:

Anise (Star)

Botanical Name: Illicuim verum (HOOK, F.)
Family: N.O. Magnoliaceae

Synonyms: Chinese Anise. Aniseed Stars. Badiana.
Parts Used--Seeds, oil.


Star Anise is so named from the stellate form of its fruit. It is often chewed in small quantities after each meal to promote digestion and sweeten the breath.

Medicinal Action and Uses: Carminative, stimulant, diuretic.

The fruit is used in the East as a remedy for colic and rheumatism, and in China for seasoning dishes, especially sweets.

The Japanese plant the tree in their temples and on tombs; and use the pounded bark as incense.

The homoeopaths prepare a tincture from the seeds.