How Much Anise Can I Drink Safely?

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Anise has been used for medicinal purposes for over 4,000 years, with historical texts from ancient Egypt detailing its use as a diuretic and digestive aid. Today, many still enjoy anise for its licorice-like flavor and potential health benefits, but it's important to understand how much anise can I drink safely to avoid side effects.

Quick Summary

Clarification on safe consumption levels for anise, distinguishing between culinary use and medicinal doses. It outlines typical daily intake for anise tea and other forms, highlighting potential risks and interactions to ensure safe usage.

Key Points

Moderate Tea Intake: Moderate consumption of anise seed tea is generally considered safe for most healthy adults, using crushed seeds per cup.
Distinguish from Star Anise: Be cautious not to confuse true anise (Pimpinella anisum) with star anise (Illicium verum), which can be contaminated with poisonous Japanese star anise.
Higher Doses are Medicinal: Therapeutic use of anise powder or extracts should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to increased potency and risk.
Check for Interactions: Anise can potentially interact with birth control pills, estrogen treatments, and certain antidepressants; always consult a doctor if you are on medication.
Avoid During Pregnancy/Lactation: Medicinal amounts of anise are generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and all use should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Hormone-Sensitive Precautions: Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as certain cancers, should approach anise use with caution due to its estrogen-like properties.

Anise, derived from the Pimpinella anisum plant, is a spice cherished globally for its distinctive sweet, licorice-like taste. While widely recognized in baked goods, candies, and liqueurs, its use as an herbal remedy has a long history. However, as with any herbal product, dosage is key to a positive experience. This guide will explore the nuances of safe anise consumption, covering teas, extracts, and medicinal applications, while also addressing critical safety concerns.

Understanding Anise vs. Star Anise

Before delving into consumption guidelines, it is crucial to differentiate between two common spices that are often confused: anise (Pimpinella anisum) and star anise (Illicium verum). Though both share a similar flavor profile due to the compound anethole, they are from different plant families and have different safety profiles. In particular, star anise can be contaminated with toxic Japanese star anise, which can cause serious side effects like vomiting and seizures. For this reason, unless chemical purity can be assured, herbal teas made from star anise should be approached with caution. The following guidelines pertain specifically to the safer, true anise.

Daily Intake for Anise Tea

For most healthy adults, enjoying anise tea is a low-risk way to incorporate the spice into their diet. The typical recommendations for a standard tea are based on using anise seeds:

For General Wellness: Most sources suggest a moderate daily consumption of anise seed tea for general wellness. To prepare, simply add crushed anise seeds to one cup of boiling water, let it steep for 10 minutes, and then strain.
For Short-Term Relief: For specific, short-term uses like soothing indigestion, some sources suggest a higher daily intake for a limited time. The German Commission E has also approved anise for relieving indigestion and coughs.

Important Considerations for Tea Consumption

Steeping Technique: When making tea, it is best to crush the seeds slightly to release their volatile oils, which contain the beneficial compounds. The tea should be steeped and not boiled for too long, as excessive boiling can cause some of the volatile oils to evaporate.
Moderation is Key: While it's easy to add extra seeds for a stronger flavor, moderation is recommended. Even for herbal teas, consuming too much of any potent herb can lead to adverse effects.

Recommended Usage for Medicinal Purposes

Beyond simple tea, anise is also used in concentrated forms for specific health conditions. These should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider due to their potency and potential for side effects and drug interactions.

Anise Seed Powder: Clinical studies have explored the use of specific amounts of anise powder for conditions like menopausal symptoms and postpartum depression. The use of anise powder in larger amounts for healthy adults has been considered in some contexts, but this should only be done under professional supervision.
Anise Oil: This is a very concentrated form of anise and carries a higher risk of adverse effects if used improperly. Anise oil may interact with a variety of medications and should not be ingested without a doctor's recommendation. Ingestion of concentrated oil has resulted in severe reactions.
Anise Extract: Studies have utilized specific daily amounts of anise extract over periods of time. Again, this is typically for therapeutic use and not for casual consumption.

Comparison Table: Anise Usage by Form


Form of Anise	Typical Usage for General Consumption	Considerations
Anise Seed Tea	Moderate daily consumption	Safe for moderate, regular consumption. Higher intake may be used for short-term relief, for a limited time.
Anise Seed Powder	Specific amounts used in studies for medicinal purposes	Best for short-term, medically supervised use. Larger amounts in healthy adults require caution and professional supervision.
Anise Oil	Specific amounts used in studies for medicinal purposes	Most potent form; requires medical guidance. Potential for severe adverse reactions if not used properly.
Anise Extract	Specific amounts used in studies for medicinal purposes	High potency; should be used under professional supervision.

Potential Side Effects and Interactions

Even with moderate consumption, some individuals may experience side effects or negative reactions to anise, including allergic responses affecting the skin, respiratory tract, or gastrointestinal tract. Anise may also interact with certain medications and medical conditions, primarily due to its estrogen-like properties.

Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Those with breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids should approach anise use with caution, as its phytoestrogen content could potentially affect these conditions.
Medication Interactions: Anise can potentially interact with birth control pills, estrogen medications, and Tamoxifen, a drug used for certain types of cancer. It is also known to interact with caffeine, certain antidepressants, and diazepam.
Blood Sugar Levels: Anise has been shown to potentially lower blood sugar levels and should be used with caution by those on diabetes medications. It is often recommended to discontinue its use before any scheduled surgery.

Special Populations: Pregnancy, Lactation, and Children

The consumption of anise in medicinal amounts is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. While it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in food-level amounts, larger doses may not be safe and are not well-studied. There are also concerns with certain herbal teas for infants. It is essential for pregnant or nursing individuals and parents of young children to consult a healthcare provider before using any anise product beyond typical food seasoning.

Conclusion: Responsible Anise Consumption

Understanding how much anise can I drink involves recognizing the difference between culinary enjoyment and therapeutic use. For most healthy adults, a moderate amount of anise seed tea per day is a safe and pleasant way to enjoy its flavor and potential mild benefits. However, when considering higher, medicinal amounts of powders, extracts, or oils, professional medical guidance is not just recommended but necessary. Paying attention to potential interactions, especially with hormone-sensitive conditions and medications, ensures a positive and safe experience. Always start with a small amount to assess your body's reaction and err on the side of caution with this potent herb.

Visit WebMD for more detailed information on anise uses and interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for most healthy adults, moderate consumption of anise seed tea per day is considered safe. However, moderation is key, and consumption should be limited to typical food amounts unless advised otherwise by a doctor.

Some traditional uses suggest that anise tea has calming properties that may help with sleep, and it is sometimes consumed before bed to promote relaxation. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have a persistent sleep disorder.

Anise and star anise are from different plant families but share a similar flavor. Star anise tea carries a risk of contamination with poisonous Japanese star anise, so only use pure anise (Pimpinella anisum) to avoid this danger.

Only use anise in amounts typically found in food when pregnant or breastfeeding. Medicinal amounts are not recommended, and consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before use due to insufficient safety information for these populations.

Yes, anise may interact with certain medications, including birth control pills, estrogen medications, certain antidepressants, and diabetes drugs. It is crucial to consult your doctor before consuming anise, especially in concentrated forms, if you are on medication.

Excessive consumption of anise, particularly concentrated oil, can lead to side effects like allergic reactions, vomiting, and seizures. Sticking to recommended moderate uses is the best way to avoid adverse reactions.

To prepare anise tea, add crushed anise seeds to one cup of boiling water. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes before straining and enjoying.