Lai Fu Zi Digestive vs Illicium verum

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Lai Fu Zi Digestive

Raphanus sativus (seed)

Digestive

Digestive

Lai Fu Zi Digestive

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Illicium verum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

TCM seed that descends qi and resolves food stagnation.

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

Active Compounds

Sinapine, Glucosinolates, Erucic acid, Volatile oils

anethole, shikimic acid, estragole, foeniculin, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Food stagnation, Bloating, Belching, Cough with phlegm

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

Modern Uses

Digestive aid, Qi descender, Expectorant

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

Adult Dosage

6-12g in decoction daily

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

Contraindications

Qi deficiency, With ginseng/ren shen

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

Side Effects

GI upset, Gas

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