Nutrition Facts Fruit and Vegetables Star Anise Nutrition Facts Calories, Carbs, and Health Benefits of Star Anise By Malia Frey, M.A., ACE-CHC, CPT Malia Frey, M.A., ACE-CHC, CPT Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Malia Frey is a weight loss expert, certified health coach, weight management specialist, personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 11, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Marisa Moore, RDN, MBA Medically reviewed by Marisa Moore, RDN, MBA Marisa Moore is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a BS in nutrition science and MBA in marketing. She is also the founder of Marisa Moore Nutrition. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Verywell / Alexandra Shytsman The star anise (Illicium verum) is native to China and Vietnam. The beautiful star-shaped spice comes from a tree that is a member of the magnolia family. Star anise is harvested when green and allowed to dry in the sun to develop its warm flavor that is often described as a blend of licorice, clove, and fennel seed. Star anise is also used medicinally. It is important to note that Chinese star anise that is used in food is different than Japanese star anise which is poisonous. Nutrition Facts The following nutrition information is provided by the USDA for one pod (0.2g) of star anise. Calories: 0.7Fat: 0gSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugars: 0gProtein: 0g Carbs in Star Anise Star anise provides almost no calories and no significant carbohydrates. The glycemic index of star anise is zero. However, teas and other beverages or foods that contain star anise may provide both calories and carbohydrates depending on the preparation method. Fats in Star Anise Star anise contains zero grams of fat. Protein in Star Anise Star anise is not a source of protein. Micronutrients in Star Anise Star anise is not likely to provide any vitamins or minerals as it is used in very small amounts. Health Benefits Many people use star anise for its purported health benefits. In fact, many alternative health practitioners promote the medicinal uses of the star-shaped seed. Star anise has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. However, there is not a lot of strong evidence to support many of the most common uses—although there are a few published reports of potential benefits. For example, a study published in Phytotherapy Research demonstrated that star anise may have microbial properties and might be effective against bacteria, yeast, and fungal strains. Another study published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry suggested that polyphenols in star anise extracts provide antioxidant benefits. An overview of herbal treatments published in the Journal of Evidence-based Complementary & Alternative Medicine explains that star anise contains an ingredient called anethole, which gives this spice its distinctive flavor. Anethole is used in Chinese medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions. The study also notes that the shikimic acid in star anise is an ingredient in oseltamivir (Tamiflu)—a widely-used pharmaceutical treatment for the flu. Other uses for star anise include: CoughGas (flatulence)Loss of appetiteMenstrual disordersLung swelling (inflammation)Upset stomachIncreasing milk secretion in breastfeeding mothersPromoting menstruationFacilitating childbirthIncreasing libido There is insufficient evidence to support the use of star anise for these conditions. Additionally, star anise may be dangerous in some situations. Health Risks Star anise is sometimes used to treat infant colic. Chinese star anise tea has a long history of use in many cultures to calm babies. However, health sources and published reports advise extreme caution. Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum L), has been documented to have both neurologic and gastrointestinal toxicities. Unfortunately, Chinese star anise tea is sometimes made entirely or partially with Japanese star anise and has caused cases of adverse neurologic reactions in infants. Researchers have recommended that more strict federal regulation of the import of star anise into the United States is warranted. Additionally, they warn that star anise tea should no longer be administered to infants because of its potential danger in this population. Star anise is generally recognized as safe by the United States Food and Drug Administration in amounts typically found in food. But there is not enough evidence to determine its safety when used medicinally. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding are advised to avoid star anise. Common Questions Where can I buy star anise? Your local supermarket may carry whole or ground star anise in the spice aisle. But if you are looking for fresh star anise (recommended for its flavor) you are only likely to find it at Asian markets, natural food stores, and even at mail-order spice houses. Is anise and star anise the same thing? No. Anise comes from a different plant and has a flavor that is usually described as spicier than star anise. Both seasonings are often used in spice blends. What is the best substitute for star anise? Aniseed can be used instead of ground star anise, but you should use about twice as much. Can I eat both the pod and the seed of star anise? Yes. Cooking sources note that you can grind both the pod and the seed for use in recipes. How should I store star anise? Star anise should be stored like your other dried spices in an airtight container away from heat and light. How long does star anise last? If you buy the whole star anise star it will likely stay fresh for about two years. However, ground star anise lasts about one year when properly stored. Cooking sources explain that you can check whole star anise by breaking off a point and squeezing it until the seed pops. If you don’t immediately smell the distinctive aroma, it is no longer good. Cooking and Preparation Tips One of the most common ways to consume star anise is in tea. For example, some people blend green tea with a cinnamon stick and two to four whole star anise and let it steep for about two minutes. You should remove the star anise and the cinnamon stick before drinking. Star anise can also be used in soups, stews, and braised dishes. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, so add less when first cooking with the spice. Star anise is also sometimes used in alcoholic beverages, desserts, and baked goods. Allergies and Interactions Star anise is not known to interact with foods, supplements, or medications. But it is always smart to check with your healthcare provider before consuming it. If you have a spice allergy, you may want to avoid star anise until you know that it is safe for you. Additionally, those with birch tree or mugwort weed pollen allergy may have a reaction to star anise. Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Star Anise. Professional Monograph. Natural Medicines Database. 1/10/2019 D'Souza, S. P., Chavannavar, S. V., Kanchanashri, B., & Niveditha, S. B. (2017). Pharmaceutical Perspectives of Spices and Condiments as Alternative Antimicrobial Remedy. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 22(4), 1002–1010. doi:10.1177/2156587217703214 De, M., De, A. K., Sen, P., & Banerjee, A. B. (2002). Antimicrobial properties of star anise (Illicium verum Hook f). Phytotherapy Research, 16(1), 94–95. doi:10.1002/ptr.989 Dinesha R, Thammannagowda SS, ShwethaKL, Prabhu MSL, Madhu CS, Leela Srinivas. The antioxidant and DNA protectant activities of Star Anise (Illicium verum) aqueous extracts. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2014; 2 (5): 98-103 Ize-Ludlow, D. (2004). Neurotoxicities in Infants Seen With the Consumption of Star Anise Tea. PEDIATRICS, 114(5), e653–e656. doi:10.1542/peds.2004-0058 Wei, L., Hua, R., Li, M., Huang, Y., Li, S., He, Y., & Shen, Z. (2014). Chemical composition and biological activity of star anise Illicium verum extracts against maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais adults. Journal of insect science (Online), 14, 80. doi:10.1093/jis/14.1.80 By Malia Frey, M.A., ACE-CHC, CPT Malia Frey is a weight loss expert, certified health coach, weight management specialist, personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit