Anise

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is the small fruit (often called a seed) of an annual plant in the parsley family, used as a spice and traditional remedy for digestive complaints and mild cough.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Digestive comfort

Limited Evidence

Traditional carminative use supported by small studies; the herbal monograph recognizes it for mild dyspepsia.

Lactation support (galactagogue tradition)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional use as a galactagogue; modern clinical evidence is mixed and limited.

How it works

Anise essential oil is dominated by trans-anethole, which has carminative (gas-relieving) and mild antispasmodic effects in the gut. Other constituents include flavonoids and small amounts of other terpenes. Anethole has weak estrogenic activity in some lab studies, the basis for traditional galactagogue use. Note that anise (Pimpinella anisum) and star anise (Illicium verum) are different plants that share anethole.

Dosage

Culinary use is small. Tea: 1-3 g of crushed fruit per cup, two to three times daily. Anethole has GRAS status for food use.

When and how to take it

Often taken as tea after meals for digestive support.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Anise fruit / tea

Traditional preparation.

Anethole and water-soluble actives extract in hot water.

Anise essential oil

Used in some standardized products.

Concentrated; small amounts only.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at culinary and tea doses. Concentrated anise oil should not be taken in large amounts; some individuals are allergic to Apiaceae plants.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy: culinary use is fine; concentrated oils and high doses should be avoided. Caution in hormone-sensitive conditions.

Interactions

Possible weak estrogenic effects at high intake; theoretical caution with hormone-sensitive conditions. No major drug interactions at culinary doses.

Food sources

Anise seed (spice)

Amount
1-2 g per teaspoon
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is anise the same as star anise?⌄

No. Pimpinella anisum (anise) and Illicium verum (star anise) are different plants but share anethole as a major flavor compound. Star anise from the Japanese species (I. anisatum) is toxic; only Chinese star anise should be used.

Does anise help babies with gas?⌄

Anise tea (as part of herbal blends) has traditional use for infant colic, but concentrated anise oil should not be given to infants. Discuss any use in infants with a pediatrician.

References

Anise on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Anise on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Anise (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.