Star anise, which is known for its distinct licorice-like taste derived from the compound anethole, plays a significant role in various global cuisines such as biryani, masala chai, and mulled wine. It is a key ingredient in five-spice powder and is even used to enhance the flavour of coffee. This spice is predominantly cultivated in countries like China and India as well as other parts of Asia, where it has been cherished for centuries for its culinary contributions.
Beyond its culinary uses, star anise is renowned for its medicinal properties, including antibacterial, carminative, and stomachic qualities. It is often utilized to alleviate abdominal discomfort and aid digestion, and it is even considered safe for children. Chewing on star anise not only helps with digestion but also freshens the breath! Additionally, this spice is believed to target the kidneys, liver, and spleen, dispel cold, regulate qi, and stimulate the appetite, making it a versatile and beneficial addition to one's diet.
In spiritual practices, star anise holds symbolic significance and is valued for its purification properties. It can be incorporated into rituals for cleansing and energizing spaces, used in baths, or burned as incense. Placing star anise in each of the four directions on an altar or outside the corners of a house is thought to attract positive energy and enhance one's luck and fortune. The unique star shape of this spice represents harmony and inner wisdom, aiding individuals in connecting with their spiritual selves. Meditating with star anise is believed to amplify spiritual gifts and intuition, while placing it strategically in living spaces can provide protection against negativity and foster prophetic dreams.
We currently offer star anise in 10 g and 25 g weights. As well, we have hand-picked unbroken stars to sell on their own. Our star anise is sourced from an organic foods vendor who buys it from farms in Vietnam. We can arrange wholesale pricing for much larger quantities if you contact us about it. All our items ship from our booth at the 400 Market, and all our prices are inclusive of sales tax within Canada. While we will pack single, whole stars as carefully as possible, we cannot guarantee that they will not break during shipping. Please keep in mind that because our herbs are not repackaged in a commercial kitchen, they are not approved for consumption and are sold here solely for spiritual purposes.
Family: Schisandraceae
Genus: Illicium
Species: I. verum
Alt names: Aniseed stars, Badian, Bājiǎo, Da hui xiang, Chinese anise, Fructus anisi stellati, Star of anise, True star anise
Parts used: fruit, seed
Constituents: anethole, anisaldehyde, anisketone, carene, cineole, eslragol, feniculine
Chakra: Brow, Throat
Energy: Projective
Number: 8
Zodiac: Sagittarius, Pisces
Planet: Jupiter, Neptune
Element: Air, Water
Day: Monday
Tarot: Page of Wands
Deities & Spirits: Anubis, Dragons, Dryads, Dôn, Hekate, Hera, Hermes, Hestia, Mimir, Neptune, Njord, Persephone, Ra
Warning: Some related specie, like Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) and Swamp star anise (Illicium parviflorum), are toxic. Japanese star anise contains the neurotoxin anisatin, causing severe health issues when ingested. Adverse effects reported from star anise tea use may be due to adulteration. When consumed in very large quantities, true star anise (Illicium verum) may also have some toxic qualities, and should also be avoided by those who are pregnant.
Medicine: antibacterial, carminative, diuretic, odontalgic, and stomachic
Powers: Awareness, Balance, Banishment, Consecration, Divination, Honouring the dead, Honouring spirits, Luck, Protection, Psychic ability, Purification, Sleep
