Cao Guo vs Illicium verum

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Cao Guo

Amomum tsao-ko

Digestive

Illicium verum

Digestive

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Cao Guo

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Illicium verum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Large cardamom of Yunnan and Southeast Asia; pods used in TCM to dry dampness and transform phlegm, specifically for malaria and digestive conditions.

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

Active Compounds

trans-2-decenal, 1,8-cineole, geraniol, volatile oils, flavonoids

anethole, shikimic acid, estragole, foeniculin, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Malaria treatment in TCM, Damp-cold digestive conditions, Phlegm accumulation in spleen, Used in TCM warming formulas

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

Modern Uses

Antimalarial research, Carminative, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial

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

Adult Dosage

3–6 g pods as decoction; 300–500 mg extract

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

Contraindications

Yin deficiency heat conditions, Pregnancy

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

Side Effects

GI irritation in excess

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

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