Can You Drink Star Anise Tea Daily? Separating Fact From Fiction

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 3,000 years of use in traditional Asian medicine has made star anise a popular remedy, but questions remain about its daily consumption. With its potent compounds and distinctive licorice flavor, many wonder if it's safe to drink star anise tea daily, or if there are risks involved that should not be overlooked.

Quick Summary

This article explores the safety of daily star anise tea consumption, detailing its health benefits and the critical risks to be aware of, including the danger of poisonous Japanese star anise contamination. It also provides a clear overview of how to enjoy this tea responsibly and who should avoid it.

Key Points

Contamination is a major risk: Star anise tea can be contaminated with poisonous Japanese star anise, which is visually hard to distinguish from the safe Chinese variety.
Consult a professional: Due to limited long-term safety data, pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and those with pre-existing conditions should avoid daily intake.
Moderation is key: For most healthy adults, drinking 1–3 cups for a short period (e.g., up to two weeks) is generally acceptable, but daily, long-term use is not advised.
Source responsibly: Always buy star anise products from reputable suppliers to minimize the risk of dangerous contamination.
Potential benefits exist: The tea contains antiviral compounds like shikimic acid and can aid digestion, but these benefits do not outweigh the risks of improper use.
Watch for side effects: Excessive consumption can lead to nausea and other issues, while contaminated tea can cause severe neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Understanding Star Anise: Chinese vs. Japanese

Before considering the daily consumption of star anise tea, it is crucial to understand the distinction between Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) and its toxic look-alike, Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum). Chinese star anise is the culinary and medicinal variety, widely used in cuisines and for its potential health benefits, which include antiviral and digestive properties. In contrast, Japanese star anise is a highly poisonous plant containing neurotoxins like anisatin, which can cause severe side effects, including seizures and vomiting. The two varieties are nearly indistinguishable to the untrained eye, which has led to cases of serious poisoning due to contamination of commercial products. The US FDA has previously issued warnings about star anise teas for this very reason. This risk makes sourcing from a reputable supplier essential when drinking star anise tea.

Potential Health Benefits of Star Anise Tea

Star anise tea offers several potential health benefits, primarily due to its bioactive compounds like shikimic acid and anethole.

Supporting Immune Health

Star anise is a natural source of shikimic acid, which is a key ingredient used to manufacture the antiviral medication oseltamivir (Tamiflu). While the tea itself is not a direct substitute for medical treatment, its shikimic acid content may provide supportive properties, particularly during cold and flu season. The anethole present also has anti-inflammatory effects that may help strengthen immune function.

Aiding Digestion

Known for its carminative properties, star anise tea can help relieve digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and indigestion. It has an anti-inflammatory effect that soothes the stomach and intestines, making it a popular remedy after a heavy meal.

Fighting Fungal and Bacterial Infections

Anethole, a primary compound in star anise, possesses antimicrobial and antifungal actions. Studies have shown that star anise extract can inhibit the growth of certain fungi, such as Candida albicans, and various types of harmful bacteria, including E. coli and S. aureus.

Promoting Relaxation and Sleep

For some, the aromatic qualities of star anise tea may offer a calming effect, helping to relieve stress and promote a more restful night's sleep. It is often enjoyed as a soothing evening beverage for this reason.

The Risks of Daily Star Anise Tea Consumption

Despite its benefits, daily consumption of star anise tea is not without risks, especially if not consumed in moderation or if the product is contaminated. High doses or prolonged use can lead to side effects. The main concerns are:

Contamination with Japanese Star Anise: This is the most significant risk. Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) is highly toxic and can cause severe neurological and gastrointestinal issues, including seizures. Since visual identification is unreliable, sourcing is critical.
High-Dose Toxicity: Even pure Chinese star anise can be harmful in excessive amounts. Some research suggests neurotoxicity at very high doses or when brewed for long periods. Case studies have reported neurological symptoms from overdose, highlighting the importance of moderation.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to star anise, with symptoms ranging from skin rashes to more serious respiratory or gastrointestinal issues. Repeated use may increase sensitivity over time.
Drug Interactions: Star anise contains compounds that can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and hormonal treatments. Those on medication should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating the tea into their daily routine.

What is the Safe Amount of Star Anise Tea to Drink?

Determining a safe, standardized daily dose for star anise tea is challenging, as reliable human studies are lacking. However, some general guidelines and recommendations from herbalists can be considered for short-term, moderate use, typically not on a daily, long-term basis.

Safety Precautions and Guidelines for Star Anise Tea

Source Pure Chinese Star Anise: Always purchase star anise from reputable suppliers to minimize the risk of Japanese star anise contamination. Look for certifications or information confirming the source.
Use in Moderation: Limit consumption to 1–3 cups per day, and consider restricting this to a period of no more than two weeks. This prevents potential over-exposure to its compounds.
Avoid Excessive Steeping: Prolonged boiling can increase the concentration of compounds and potentially extract toxic elements. Steep for the recommended time of 10-15 minutes.
Consult a Professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider before using star anise, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a pre-existing medical condition.

Comparison: Star Anise Tea vs. Other Herbal Teas


Feature	Star Anise Tea	Ginger Tea	Chamomile Tea
Primary Benefit	Antiviral, digestive aid	Digestive, anti-inflammatory	Relaxation, sleep aid
Potential Risk	Contamination with toxic variety	Possible acid reflux in large doses	Allergic reactions in some individuals
Main Active Compound	Shikimic acid, Anethole	Gingerols, Shogaols	Apigenin
Flavor Profile	Sweet, licorice-like, warm	Spicy, pungent, warm	Mild, floral, slightly sweet
Best for Daily Use?	Caution advised due to toxicity risk and lack of long-term data	Generally considered safe for daily use	Widely regarded as safe for daily consumption

Conclusion: Navigating Daily Consumption

While pure Chinese star anise tea offers a range of potential health benefits, the risks associated with daily consumption, particularly contamination by its toxic Japanese counterpart, are significant. The lack of long-term safety data for regular, high-dose intake further advises caution. Instead of drinking it every day, enjoying star anise tea in moderation and for limited periods is a safer approach. Always ensure you purchase from a trusted source, and if you have any pre-existing health conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare provider first. Moderation and careful sourcing are key to enjoying this powerful spice responsibly.

Visit this page for more detailed information on herbal tea safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drinking star anise tea every day is not recommended due to a lack of long-term safety data and the risk of toxic contamination with Japanese star anise. Excessive intake could lead to side effects like nausea or, if contaminated, serious neurological issues.

While generally safe in small culinary amounts, high doses of star anise tea or consumption of contaminated products have been linked to liver and kidney toxicity, especially in infants. Always exercise caution and consult a doctor.

Star anise tea should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and infants, and people with a history of allergic reactions or hormone-sensitive conditions. Anyone on medication, particularly blood thinners, should consult a doctor first.

Yes, using pure Chinese star anise as a spice in food is generally considered safe in small amounts. The risk of toxicity is much lower compared to consuming tea, which uses a higher concentration of the extract.

Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) is the safe, edible variety, while Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) is a poisonous look-alike containing neurotoxins. The two can be difficult to tell apart visually, which is why sourcing is so important.

Star anise tea may offer potential benefits such as relieving flu symptoms due to its shikimic acid content, aiding digestion, fighting certain fungal and bacterial infections, and promoting relaxation.

Most recommendations suggest limiting consumption to 1 to 3 cups per day for short-term use, such as up to two weeks, to avoid potential adverse effects from high concentrations of its compounds.