Anise, Star
Anise, Star (Illicium verum)
Brief Background
Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) is native to China and Vietnam and has been used for its carminative, stomachic, stimulant, and diuretic medicinal properties and is used by the Malays to combat stomach ache due to the accumulation of intestinal gas, headache, and to promote vitality.
The shikimic acid is extracted from the seeds in a ten-stage manufacturing process which takes approximately eight months. Thirty kilograms of Chinese star anise yields approximately one kilogram of shikimic acid.
Star anise has been shown to have insecticidal action against Japanese termites and adult German cockroaches (Blattella germanica).
Note: Star anise should not be confused with anise (Pimpenella anisum), a member of the carrot family or with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum). Japanese star anise has been sold for many years for its use as an ingredient in potpourris because of its shape and fragrance. It is not intended for internal use it is neurotoxic and consumption should be avoided.
Expert Opinion
Star anise, named from the star shape of its fruit, is native to China and Vietnam, and was first introduced to Europe in the 1600s. The fruit has been used in the East as a remedy for colic and rheumatism, and is often chewed in small amounts after meals to aid in digestion and to sweeten the breath.
It is widely used in Chinese cooking as a seasoning, especially in sweets. Based on secondary sources, the herb is carried whole for good luck and also burned to increase psychic awareness. Some make necklaces out of the stars. In ancient African tradition, star anise is placed under the pillow to allow a person to dream of someone far away. It is also said to keep away nightmares.
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