Does Anise Tea Make You Lose Weight? Unpacking the Science

December 25, 2025 •

5 min read

According to some animal studies, compounds found in spices like anise may possess antioxidant and anti-obesity effects, though no direct human studies confirm this. The question, does anise tea make you lose weight, requires a nuanced look beyond unsubstantiated claims, focusing instead on its potential supportive role in a holistic health regimen.

Quick Summary

Anise tea does not directly cause fat loss, but its potential benefits for digestion, bloating, and appetite control can support a healthy weight management plan.

Key Points

Limited Direct Evidence: Anise tea does not directly cause weight loss by significantly boosting metabolism or burning fat, according to current scientific evidence.
Indirect Digestive Benefits: The tea's carminative properties aid digestion and reduce bloating, which can help you feel lighter and more comfortable.
Mild Diuretic Effect: It can help reduce water retention and flush out excess fluids, leading to a temporary reduction in water weight.
Appetite Control: The flavor and potential blood sugar regulation properties of anise tea may help curb cravings and support mindful eating.
A Supportive Tool: Anise tea is a supportive supplement to a healthy lifestyle, not a replacement for a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Mind the Anise Type: Always use culinary Chinese star anise and avoid the toxic Japanese star anise.
Consult a Doctor: It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using anise tea for medicinal purposes, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing health conditions.

The Science Behind Anise and Weight Management

Many herbal remedies are touted for their weight loss properties, and anise tea is no exception. It is often cited for its ability to boost metabolism or burn fat. However, this is largely a misconception based on exaggerated claims rather than solid scientific evidence. The reality is that anise tea's role in weight management is more supportive and indirect, primarily through its effects on digestion, bloating, and appetite control.

Direct Fat Burning: A Misconception

Contrary to popular belief, there is currently no scientific evidence proving that anise tea significantly increases energy expenditure or directly promotes fat burning in humans. While animal studies, such as one published in the National Institutes of Health's database, have shown anti-obesity effects of star anise tea in rats fed a high-fat diet, these results are not conclusive for human applications. The bioactive compounds in anise, like anethole and polyphenols, primarily act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents rather than powerful thermogenic fat burners.

Indirect Support for Weight Management

For those seeking a supportive tool, anise tea offers several indirect benefits that can be valuable in a weight management plan. These benefits are centered around improving the body's natural functions rather than forcing unnatural processes.

Improved Digestion and Reduced Bloating: Anise has carminative properties, which means it helps in the expulsion of gas from the digestive system. This action can relieve bloating, indigestion, and stomach discomfort, making you feel lighter and more comfortable. A smoother digestive process also ensures that nutrients are absorbed efficiently, which is crucial for overall health.
Diuretic Effect: Anise exhibits mild diuretic qualities, meaning it can help your body flush out excess fluids. This can lead to a reduction in water weight and a temporary feeling of a smaller waistline, though it does not affect fat mass. It also assists in removing toxins from the body, contributing to overall wellness.
Appetite Control and Cravings: Some individuals find that the tea's distinct, licorice-like flavor can provide a sense of satiety, potentially curbing unhealthy cravings and supporting mindful eating. Additionally, some research suggests that compounds in anise may help regulate blood sugar levels, which is a key factor in controlling cravings and managing weight.

Anise vs. Star Anise: An Important Distinction

It is critical to distinguish between the two types of anise often used for tea, as they come from different plants and have important safety considerations. Standard anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a member of the carrot family, while star anise (Illicium verum) is the fruit of a Chinese evergreen tree. They share the main compound anethole, giving them similar flavors, but they are not interchangeable. It is imperative to always use the culinary Chinese star anise and to avoid the toxic Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum).

Comparison Table: Anise Tea vs. Other Weight-Loss Teas


Feature	Anise Tea	Green Tea	Peppermint Tea
Primary Mechanism	Aids digestion, reduces bloating, mild diuretic effect, appetite control	Contains EGCG and caffeine, which can boost metabolism and fat oxidation [Source: General Knowledge]	Aids digestion, soothes stomach, curbs appetite due to aroma [Source: General Knowledge]
Caffeine Content	Caffeine-free	Contains caffeine	Caffeine-free [Source: General Knowledge]
Other Benefits	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, respiratory relief	Rich in antioxidants, improves brain function [Source: General Knowledge]	Headache relief, improved sleep, immune support [Source: General Knowledge]
Best For	Indirect support, bloating, improving digestion	Boosting metabolism and energy levels [Source: General Knowledge]	Digestive issues, stress relief [Source: General Knowledge]

How to Incorporate Anise Tea into Your Diet

For those who wish to explore the supportive benefits of anise tea, integrating it into a daily routine is simple. It should be seen as a complement to a balanced diet and regular exercise, not a standalone solution.

Preparing Anise Tea

Making a fresh cup of anise tea is straightforward:

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon of anise seeds (Pimpinella anisum) or 1-2 star anise pods (Illicium verum), 1 cup of hot water.
Instructions:
1. Heat water to a boil and remove from the heat.
2. Add the anise seeds or star anise pods to the hot water.
3. Cover the cup and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the tea and enjoy. For added flavor, you can include a slice of lemon or a drizzle of honey.

Usage Tips

Drink a cup after meals to help with digestion and reduce bloating.
Have a warm cup in the evening to help with relaxation and potentially curb late-night snacking.
Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water, as anise tea is not a replacement for water intake.

Conclusion: A Supportive Aid, Not a Miracle Cure

In summary, does anise tea make you lose weight? The answer is no, not directly through fat burning or a metabolic boost. However, it can serve as a supportive tool in a comprehensive weight management plan by helping with digestion, alleviating bloating, and potentially managing appetite. Its diuretic and antioxidant properties also contribute to overall wellness, which is a vital part of any health journey. The key is to view anise tea as one component of a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, hydration, and exercise. Always ensure you are using culinary-grade anise or star anise and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. For more scientific information on related topics, refer to authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While anise tea is generally safe for most people in moderation, excessive consumption can lead to mild side effects such as contact dermatitis or nausea. Additionally, because anethole, a compound in anise, has mild estrogen-like activity, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or individuals with hyperestrogenism. It's also important to repeat the warning about the toxic Japanese star anise, which should never be consumed.

Final Recommendations

For those focused on weight loss, integrating anise tea can be a pleasant and helpful addition to a healthy routine. But remember, the most effective and sustainable results come from a consistent commitment to a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Anise tea, with its soothing and digestive benefits, can make that journey a little more comfortable and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anise tea contains compounds with carminative properties that help the digestive system relax and expel gas, which effectively relieves feelings of fullness and discomfort associated with bloating.

Yes, anise tea has mild diuretic qualities. It can help the body eliminate excess fluids and toxins, leading to a reduction in water weight.

Moderate daily consumption of anise tea is generally considered safe for most people. However, consuming large amounts could potentially cause side effects. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Yes, they come from different plants, although they share the compound anethole. Star anise has been the subject of some weight-related animal studies, but the potential indirect benefits for weight management are similar. Most importantly, always use culinary-grade anise and avoid the toxic Japanese star anise.

For a simple preparation, steep one teaspoon of crushed anise seeds or one to two star anise pods in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes before straining and drinking.

Possible risks include allergic reactions or nausea if consumed in large quantities. Due to its estrogen-like effects, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or people with certain hormonal conditions. Also, the risk of mistaking it for toxic Japanese star anise is a serious concern.

There is no strong scientific evidence to suggest that anise tea significantly boosts human metabolism or acts as a thermogenic agent for weight loss. Its weight management benefits are primarily indirect.

Green tea contains caffeine and EGCG, which are linked to a slight metabolic increase and fat oxidation. Anise tea, on the other hand, is caffeine-free and focuses more on improving digestion and acting as a mild diuretic. They offer different approaches to supporting weight management.