Anise Myrtle vs Illicium verum

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Anise Myrtle

Syzygium anisatum

Digestive

Digestive

Anise Myrtle

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Illicium verum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Australian rainforest tree with leaves rich in anethole, used by Aboriginal peoples as a digestive and respiratory medicine.

East Asian spice; rich in anethole and shikimic acid (Tamiflu precursor); digestive and antiviral properties.

Active Compounds

anethole, methyl chavicol, limonene, terpinen-4-ol

anethole, shikimic acid, estragole, foeniculin, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Treatment of digestive complaints, Respiratory infection treatment, Carminative use

digestive complaints, cough, antiviral, infant colic, menstrual disorders

Modern Uses

Digestive aid, Expectorant, Antimicrobial, Flavoring herb

digestive carminative, expectorant, antiviral source (shikimic acid), anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

1-2g dried leaf tea 2-3x daily

1-3g pods as tea 2-3x/day; 300-500mg extract

Contraindications

Avoid in epilepsy (anethole may lower seizure threshold)

pregnancy (large doses), estrogen-sensitive conditions, Japanese star anise (toxic species) confusion

Side Effects

Rare allergic reactions

estrogenic effects, GI upset, neurotoxicity if Japanese star anise confused

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E