Poliomintha incana vs Illicium verum

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Poliomintha incana

Digestive

Digestive

Poliomintha incana

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Illicium verum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Aromatic grey-leaved shrub of the Chihuahuan desert, used in Mexican and Southwestern Native American medicine.

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

Active Compounds

volatile oils, thymol, carvacrol, flavonoids

anethole, shikimic acid, estragole, foeniculin, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Traditional Mexican remedy for digestive and respiratory conditions, Used by Zuni and Navajo for coughs and stomach ailments

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

Modern Uses

Antimicrobial action, Digestive support, Respiratory aid, Traditional desert medicine

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

Adult Dosage

Tea: 1-2 tsp per cup 2x/day

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

Contraindications

No specific contraindications established

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

Side Effects

Mild gastrointestinal effects

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