The Comprehensive Benefits of Drinking Anise Water

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

For over 4,000 years, ancient Egyptians used anise as a diuretic and to treat digestive issues. Today, drinking anise water is still a popular herbal remedy, offering a range of therapeutic benefits for digestion, respiratory health, and overall wellness due to its powerful compounds.

Quick Summary

Anise water, a herbal infusion, offers multiple health benefits rooted in its rich content of antioxidants and bioactive compounds like anethole and shikimic acid. It is traditionally used to aid digestion, relieve respiratory ailments, boost immunity, and promote better sleep and skin health, making it a versatile wellness beverage.

Key Points

Supports Digestive Health: Anise water helps relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion by acting as a carminative and promoting the production of digestive enzymes.
Boosts Immunity and Fights Flu: Containing shikimic acid, an antiviral compound used in Tamiflu, anise water can help fight off flu and other viral infections.
Relieves Respiratory Ailments: Its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties help clear mucus, soothe coughs, and alleviate congestion related to colds and bronchitis.
Promotes Healthy Skin: Rich in antioxidants, drinking anise water can help combat acne, reduce inflammation, and protect against premature aging.
Encourages Better Sleep: The mild sedative effects of anise, due to compounds like linalool, help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote restful sleep.
Provides Antioxidant Protection: Anise is packed with potent antioxidants that fight free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and contribute to overall cellular health.
May Aid in Blood Sugar Management: Preliminary studies suggest that anethole, a key compound in anise, could help regulate blood sugar levels.

Anise Water: A Natural Powerhouse

Anise water is a simple yet potent herbal remedy, prepared by steeping anise seeds or star anise pods in hot water. This fragrant, licorice-flavored drink has been cherished across various cultures for centuries, not just for its taste but for its vast array of health-promoting properties. The therapeutic effects are primarily attributed to key bioactive compounds such as anethole and shikimic acid, which possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. While star anise (Illicium verum) and anise seed (Pimpinella anisum) are different plants, they share many chemical constituents, leading to similar health benefits in their water infusions.

Digestive Health Benefits

One of the most well-known and scientifically supported benefits of drinking anise water is its positive impact on the digestive system.

Relieves Bloating and Gas: Anise contains carminative properties that help to relieve intestinal gas and reduce bloating by soothing muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.
Eases Indigestion: The active compound anethole promotes the production of digestive enzymes, which can help in breaking down food more efficiently and preventing discomfort after meals.
Soothes Upset Stomach: Traditionally, anise water has been used to calm general stomach upset, including symptoms associated with conditions like IBS. Its relaxing effect on stomach muscles is key to its efficacy.

Respiratory and Immune Support

Anise water is a popular remedy for respiratory ailments, particularly during cold and flu season, and also provides a significant boost to the immune system.

Fights Viral Infections: Star anise is a major source of shikimic acid, a compound used in the production of the antiviral medication Tamiflu. Combining it with quercetin has been shown to be effective against influenza and may speed up recovery from seasonal colds.
Clears Congestion and Soothes Coughs: The expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties of anise help to clear mucus from the airways and soothe irritated throat tissues, making breathing easier. It is often used in cough mixtures and herbal remedies for bronchitis.
Boosts Overall Immunity: Rich in antioxidants like linalool and flavonoids, anise water helps to fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, strengthening the body's overall immune response.

Skin Health and Appearance

The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of anise water can also contribute to healthier, more radiant skin.

Reduces Acne: The antimicrobial compounds help fight bacteria that can cause acne breakouts and reduce related inflammation.
Fights Free Radicals: The potent antioxidants protect skin cells from environmental damage and premature aging caused by free radicals.
Improves Skin Tone: Regular consumption can help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation by potentially regulating melanin production.

Comparison of Anise Water and Other Herbal Teas


Feature	Anise Water	Chamomile Tea	Peppermint Tea
Primary Benefit	Digestive and Respiratory Health	Calming and Sleep Aid	Digestive Support, Headache Relief
Active Compounds	Anethole, Shikimic Acid	Apigenin, Chamazulene	Menthol
Antimicrobial?	Yes, highly effective	Mild properties [Search Result: Chamomile]	Yes, but mainly antibacterial [Search Result: Peppermint]
Flavor Profile	Licorice-like, sweet, warm	Floral, mild, and slightly sweet	Minty, strong, and refreshing
Best for...	Colds, flu, bloating	Stress, insomnia	Nausea, headaches, fresh breath

Promoting Better Sleep and Relaxation

Anise water's calming effects can contribute to a more restful night's sleep. Its mild sedative properties, attributed to compounds like linalool, help calm the mind and ease stress and anxiety. A warm cup of anise tea before bed can be an excellent addition to a nightly wind-down ritual, helping to combat insomnia and promote feelings of calmness.

Other Notable Benefits

Beyond its primary uses, anise water has been associated with several other health advantages:

Supports Heart Health: The antioxidant content helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to cardiovascular disease. Anise may also help improve blood circulation.
Balances Blood Sugar: Some research suggests that anethole may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving the function of insulin-producing cells, though further human studies are needed.
Alleviates Menopause Symptoms: The estrogen-mimicking effects of anise may help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes, as some preliminary studies suggest.

How to Prepare Anise Water Safely

It is crucial to use true star anise (Illicium verum) and not confuse it with the highly toxic Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum).

Simple Anise Seed Water Recipe:

Take 1 teaspoon of anise seeds.
Add to 1 cup of boiling water.
Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes.
Strain and enjoy. Up to 3 cups per day is generally considered safe.

For star anise, a few pods can be steeped instead. For enhanced flavor and benefits, add mint leaves, lemon, or a dash of honey.

Important Considerations

While anise water is generally safe for most people, some precautions should be taken. Anyone with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer or endometriosis, should use anise in moderation and consult a doctor due to its estrogen-mimicking properties. Additionally, large doses of star anise can cause serious side effects, and cases of contamination with toxic Japanese star anise have been reported, making proper sourcing vital. Anise should be consumed responsibly, and professional medical advice is recommended before using it to treat any specific condition, especially during pregnancy or for young children. You can learn more about its bioactive compounds and pharmacology from scientific resources like this review on star anise.

Conclusion

Anise water remains a time-honored herbal remedy with a multitude of potential health benefits, from soothing digestive issues and bolstering the immune system to improving respiratory and skin health. Its rich content of beneficial compounds like anethole and shikimic acid supports its traditional uses and modern applications. Whether enjoyed as a relaxing, post-meal digestive aid or as a natural support during cold season, drinking anise water offers a simple and effective way to harness the therapeutic power of this fragrant spice. For most individuals, moderate consumption can be a healthful and flavorful addition to a wellness-focused lifestyle, provided proper sourcing and mindful usage are practiced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anise water is beneficial for improving digestion, boosting the immune system, easing respiratory issues like coughs and congestion, and promoting skin health due to its potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Some studies suggest that compounds in anise may help boost metabolism and suppress appetite, which can support weight management efforts when combined with a balanced diet. It also acts as a mild diuretic, helping to flush excess fluids.

To make anise water, you can steep 1 teaspoon of crushed anise seeds in 1 cup of boiling water for about 10 minutes, or you can infuse a few star anise pods in water. Then, strain the mixture and drink.

While generally safe in moderation, some individuals may experience allergic reactions. It is crucial to ensure you are using true star anise and not the toxic Japanese star anise. High doses and consumption during pregnancy or for children should be approached with caution and medical advice.

Yes, anise water's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help fight bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation, contributing to a clearer complexion.

In some cultures, anise water has been traditionally used to support breast-feeding. However, its use during pregnancy and lactation is not well-studied, so it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider.

Yes, anise has mild sedative properties that can help promote relaxation, ease stress, and improve sleep quality when consumed as a warm tea before bedtime.