Star Anise

Star anise is used for respiratory infections and inflammation, the flu (influenza), swine flu, avian flu, gastrointestinal upset, flatulence, loss of appetite, infant colic, cough, and bronchitis.

• More studies are needed to rate the efficacy of star anise.
• Star Anise is used to make the active ingredient in oseltamivir (Tamiflu), but it has no proven antiviral activity of its own.
• Star anise is available under the following different brand and other names: aniseed stars, badiana, Chinese anise, and Illicium verum.

There is no proven safe or effective standard dose of star anise.

Typical Dosing Guidelines

Tea

• 1 cup orally once/day
• 0.5-1 g ground seed boiled in 150 mL water for 120 minutes, strain

Ground

• 3 g/day orally

Essential Oil

• 300 mg/day orally

Inhaled

• Products with 5-10% of essential oil have been inhaled

• Star anise has no major known side effects.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Star Anise has no listed interactions with other drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

This medication contains star anise. Do not take aniseed stars, badiana, Chinese anise, or Illicium verum if you are allergic to star anise or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

No information available.

Effects of Drug Abuse

No information available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Star Anise?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Star Anise?"

Cautions

• Do not confuse with the similar, but smaller poisonous Japanese star anise
• May develop sensitivity after repeated use

Pregnancy and Lactation

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using artificial tears. Some forms of artificial tears are safe for use during pregnancy. Use of artificial tears is compatible with breastfeeding.