What Does Anise Water Do? Benefits, Uses, and Safety

December 12, 2025 •

4 min read

For centuries, anise seeds have been a valued ingredient in traditional medicine across ancient Egypt, Rome, and beyond, renowned for their potent digestive and therapeutic properties. Modern interest in this licorice-flavored spice continues, with many people turning to anise-infused water for its purported health advantages.

Quick Summary

Anise water is an herbal infusion known for aiding digestion, providing antioxidant support, and soothing respiratory issues. It is made by steeping anise seeds in water and is valued for its potential health benefits when sourced and prepared safely.

Key Points

Digestive Aid: Anise water can help reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion due to its carminative properties.
Respiratory Support: Used traditionally to relieve coughs and congestion by acting as an expectorant and soothing airways.
Rich in Antioxidants: Contains compounds that combat free radicals, protecting cells from damage and supporting immune health.
Important Safety Precaution: Never give anise water to infants or young children, and be vigilant about avoiding contamination with toxic Japanese star anise.
Two Different Plants: Anise seed (Pimpinella anisum) and star anise (Illicium verum) are distinct species, though both contain the flavorful compound anethole.
Potential for Skin Benefits: Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties may assist in managing skin concerns like acne and aging.
Calming Effects: The aromatic spice may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality when consumed as a warm tea.

What is Anise Water? A Clarification

It is crucial to first clarify the difference between true anise and star anise, as these two spices, while both containing the flavor compound anethole, come from entirely different plants. Anise water is an infusion typically made from the seeds of Pimpinella anisum, a flowering plant native to the eastern Mediterranean. Star anise water, in contrast, is made from the star-shaped fruit of Illicium verum, a small evergreen tree from China and Vietnam.

The most important distinction lies in a significant safety risk: some star anise products, particularly those from Asian origins, can be contaminated with the poisonous Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), which is a potent neurotoxin. This has led to reports of serious side effects, including seizures, in infants and adults consuming contaminated tea. Therefore, when discussing anise water for consumption, it is vital to ensure you are using genuine anise seed (Pimpinella anisum) or a safely sourced star anise product. The benefits outlined below pertain primarily to the properties of true anise seed water, though there is some overlap with safely prepared star anise tea.

Key Health Benefits of Anise Water

Digestive Support

Anise has long been celebrated for its carminative properties, which can help relieve uncomfortable digestive issues. The compounds in anise can relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which in turn can help reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and indigestion. A warm cup of anise water after a heavy meal can aid in smoother digestion and provide a sense of relief.

Respiratory Relief

For centuries, anise has been used as a natural remedy for respiratory ailments. It is known to act as an expectorant, helping to loosen mucus and relieve coughs and congestion. The anti-inflammatory compounds found in anise seeds can also help soothe inflammation in the airways, promoting clearer breathing.

Antioxidant and Immune Boost

Anise seeds are rich in antioxidants, which are crucial for fighting against free radicals and protecting the body's cells from oxidative stress. Antioxidants help to strengthen the immune system and protect against infections and illnesses. Anise water also contains vital nutrients like vitamin C, contributing to its immune-boosting potential.

Additional Uses and Potential Advantages

Skin Health

Both topical and internal uses of anise have shown potential benefits for skin health. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties may help combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. By fighting free radicals, anise can also help prevent premature aging, reduce fine lines, and lighten dark spots, contributing to a more radiant complexion. Some find that it also helps with oil control and tightening pores.

Promoting Relaxation and Sleep

The calming aroma of anise is known to ease stress and promote a sense of tranquility. In traditional medicine, anise tea was used as a remedy for sleeplessness. Drinking a warm cup of anise water before bedtime can help calm the mind and relax the body, leading to better sleep quality.

Potential for Women's Health

Anise seeds contain compounds that are believed to have mild estrogen-like effects on the body. Traditionally, it was used to help regulate menstrual cycles, ease menstrual pain, and even increase breast milk production. Some research suggests that products containing anise may reduce the severity of menstrual discomfort.

How to Make Anise Water at Home

Creating a batch of anise water is a simple process. Here is a basic recipe:

Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of whole anise seeds
- 2 cups of water
- Optional: a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint
Instructions
1. Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Add the anise seeds to the boiling water.
3. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavor and compounds to infuse.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Strain the seeds from the water and pour into a cup.
6. Enjoy the water plain or with your optional additions.

Comparison: Anise Seed vs. Star Anise


Feature	Anise Seed (Pimpinella anisum)	Star Anise (Illicium verum)
Origin	Mediterranean region	China and Vietnam
Botanical Family	Apiaceae (Carrot family)	Schisandraceae
Flavor Intensity	Mellow, sweet, licorice-like	Stronger, more pungent, licorice-like
Common Uses	Baking, liqueurs, digestive teas	Chinese five-spice, savory cooking, broths
Key Concern	Generally safe for most	Potential for contamination with toxic Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum); avoid giving to infants

Important Safety Considerations and Risks

While generally safe for adult consumption in moderation, anise water is not without risks, especially when not sourced carefully. The most significant danger comes from potential contamination of star anise products with toxic Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum). This can lead to serious neurological and gastrointestinal issues, including seizures.

For this reason, anise water should never be given to infants or young children. Adults should always purchase anise seeds or star anise from reputable suppliers to ensure product purity. Individuals with known allergies to anise or related plants should also exercise caution. Additionally, high doses or prolonged use, especially of the essential oil, may have adverse effects. Always consult a healthcare provider with any concerns, particularly during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Anise Water

Anise water, particularly when made from true anise seeds, is a traditional remedy with a range of potential health benefits, from aiding digestion and soothing respiratory troubles to providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. Its use dates back thousands of years, and its properties are still valued today. The relaxing aroma and mild flavor make it a pleasant addition to a wellness routine. However, the crucial distinction between true anise and star anise, and the associated risks of contamination, means that careful sourcing and preparation are non-negotiable. By exercising caution and moderation, you can safely explore the benefits of what anise water does.

For more detailed nutritional information on anise seeds, you can visit Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is possibly unsafe and not recommended to give anise water, especially star anise tea, to infants. There have been reports of serious side effects, including vomiting and seizures, in infants who consumed it, possibly due to contamination with a toxic species.

Anise seed (Pimpinella anisum) and star anise (Illicium verum) are from two unrelated plants. While both contain the compound anethole, giving them a similar licorice-like flavor, star anise poses a risk of contamination with a toxic species and should be sourced carefully.

To make anise water, simply steep about a teaspoon of whole anise seeds in two cups of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the seeds and enjoy the infused water plain or with additions like lemon or mint.

Yes, anise water is traditionally known for its carminative properties that aid digestion. It can help reduce intestinal gas, alleviate bloating, and soothe general digestive discomfort.

While generally safe in moderation, potential side effects include allergic reactions and, in high doses, neurological effects. The most significant risk comes from potential contamination of star anise products with a poisonous species.

Some traditional and animal studies suggest that star anise water may boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. However, more human research is needed to substantiate these effects, and it should be combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Anise contains antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that can be beneficial for the skin. These properties may help reduce signs of aging, combat acne, and improve overall skin clarity.