The eight-pointed star pod brewed for flu and a sour stomach. Notable as the plant source of shikimic acid — the starting material for the antiviral drug Tamiflu.
Star anise is a flavor in the spice blends and the holiday drinks, and it has a quiet reputation as a flu tea. For families facing the winter cold-and-flu season, it is an aromatic, warming sickbed cup.
Star anise is the commercial source of shikimic acid, the precursor from which the antiviral oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is manufactured — which underlies its long folk use against colds and flu, though the tea itself is not a substitute for the drug. Its dominant compound anethole is a warming antispasmodic that eases gas, bloating, and cough, and it carries antimicrobial flavonoids. A warm cup loosens congestion, settles the stomach, and soothes a cough — the classic winter sickbed tea.
Steep 1-2 whole star pods in hot water for 8-10 minutes, covered. Strain. Pairs naturally with cinnamon, ginger, and a black or green tea base. Use only true Illicium verum (see warnings).
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