Anise (usually Pimpinella anisum; not to be confused with star anise, Illicium verum) is a fragrant seed with a sweet, licorice-like flavor. Anise tea — made by steeping the seeds — has been used for centuries in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian traditional medicine for digestive complaints, coughs, and as a galactagogue (to support breastfeeding). Modern lab studies and a growing number of small clinical trials help explain why: anise seeds are rich in the compound anethole, which appears to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antispasmodic effects.
How anise tea may help your health
1. Soothes digestion and relieves bloating
A common traditional use of anise tea is as a carminative — it helps reduce gas, bloating, and cramping. Laboratory and some human studies suggest anethole and other volatile oils relax intestinal smooth muscle and reduce spasms, which can ease indigestion and abdominal pain. A randomized clinical study of an anise-containing formulation found improvements in abdominal pain, anorexia, and diarrhea, supporting its GI benefits in real patients.
2. Eases coughs, congestion, and respiratory symptoms
Anise has been used traditionally as an expectorant and mild antiseptic for chest and nasal congestion. Preclinical research shows anethole and related compounds can have secretolytic and antispasmodic actions on airways; however, clinical evidence is limited and often uses mixed herbal preparations rather than plain anise tea. Still, many people report symptomatic relief drinking warm anise tea for colds and bronchial irritation.
3. Antimicrobial and antiviral activity (laboratory evidence)
Test-tube and animal studies report antimicrobial and antifungal effects of anise and star-anise extracts against several microbes. Anise’s anethole contributes to these properties. Important caveat: laboratory antiviral or antibacterial activity does not mean drinking anise tea will prevent or treat infections in humans the way prescription antivirals or antibiotics do. Use it as supportive self-care, not as a replacement for medical treatment.
4. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Anethole exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in multiple studies, suppressing pro-inflammatory pathways (e.g., NF-κB) in animals and cell models. These actions may explain some of anise’s traditional uses for inflammatory complaints and could provide modest metabolic protection over time. Human evidence is preliminary but promising.
5. Possible support for lactation (galactagogue)
Some small human trials and animal studies have explored anise’s role in increasing milk production. A 2023 clinical investigation and older studies observed increased milk volume with anise-containing preparations, but results are mixed and many trials are small. If you are breastfeeding and considering anise tea to increase supply, talk with your lactation consultant or healthcare provider first.
6. Effects on blood sugar and metabolism — early research
Animal and limited human studies suggest anise components may influence glucose handling and lipid metabolism — possibly improving glucose absorption dynamics or offering modest protection against metabolic risk factors. Evidence is not strong enough to recommend anise as a treatment for diabetes, but it’s an intriguing area of research.
Brewing anise tea — quick recipe
- Crush 1–2 teaspoons of whole anise seeds (or lightly crush with a mortar & pestle).
- Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water over the seeds.
- Cover and steep 8–12 minutes for a mild, sweet cup; strain and drink warm.
- Add honey or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
For stronger flavor or therapeutic use, increase the steeping time slightly — but avoid very high intake (see safety below).
Dosage & practical tips
- As a culinary tea, 1–2 cups per day is common and generally safe for most adults.
- When used therapeutically (e.g., for colic or GI symptoms), practitioners historically used higher doses in prepared extracts; clinical trials of anise preparations vary widely.
- People with hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., certain breast cancers), those on blood thinners, pregnant individuals, or breastfeeding mothers should consult their clinician before using concentrated anise preparations or frequent high-dose tea. Anise contains compounds with mild estrogen-like activity and may interact with medications.
Safety, interactions, and important cautions
- Star anise confusion: There are two commonly referenced spices — Pimpinella anisum (true anise) and Illicium verum (star anise). Star anise (the star-shaped spice used in Asian cooking) is generally safe, but some look-alike species (Japanese star anise, Illicium anisatum) are toxic. Buy from reputable sources.
- Allergy & hypersensitivity: Some people can be allergic to anise or related plants. Stop use if you develop rash, swelling, or breathing difficulty.
- Children and infants: Avoid giving concentrated anise teas or extracts to infants unless directed by a pediatrician; cases of adverse reactions have been reported with contaminated or improperly identified star anise products.
- Drug interactions: Anise may interact with anticoagulants or drugs affected by estrogenic activity. If you take prescription medications, check with a pharmacist or physician before regular anise use.
What the research does — and doesn’t — say
Research on anise is promising in several areas (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, digestive relief, and lactation support), but much of the evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies or small clinical trials. Larger, well-controlled human trials are limited. Therefore, while anise tea can be a pleasant, low-risk supportive remedy for mild digestive or respiratory discomfort for many people, it should not replace proven medical treatments for infections, metabolic disease, or serious conditions.
Practical recommendations
- Try one cup of warm anise tea after meals for bloating or indigestion.
- For cough or congestion, combine anise tea with steam inhalation and medical care if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- If breastfeeding and considering anise to increase supply, discuss with your lactation consultant or physician and use it as part of broader support (feeding technique, pumping frequency, hydration, etc.).
Bottom line
Anise tea is an aromatic, pleasant herbal infusion with centuries of culinary and medicinal use. Modern studies back many traditional claims — particularly for digestive comfort, mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, and possible lactation support — but high-quality human evidence remains limited. When used sensibly (moderate cups of tea from reputable sources), anise is a useful addition to a self-care routine, with a generally favorable safety profile for most adults. Exercise caution in infants, pregnancy, and with certain medical conditions or medications, and seek professional advice when in doubt.
Sources & further reading
- Shojaii A, et al. Review of Pharmacological Properties and Chemical Constituents of Anise (Pimpinella anisum). PMC. PMC
- Torghabeh FD, et al. Dietary anethole: a systematic review of its protective effects. PMC. PMC
- Khalili S, et al. The effect of Pimpinella anisum herbal tea on human milk volume. (2023). PMC. PMC
- Mosaffa-Jahromi M, et al. Efficacy and safety of aniseed powder for treating GI symptoms — randomized trial. PMC. PMC
- EMA assessment: Pimpinella anisum L., fructus and aetheroleum (Final Assessment Report). European Medicines Agency. European Medicines Agency (EMA)
- Patra JK, et al. Star anise: chemical compounds, antiviral and biological activities (review). PubMed. PubMed
- Kreydiyyeh SI, et al. Aniseed oil increases glucose absorption and affects Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity (animal study). PubMed. PubMed
