Suggested Dosing
No proven safe or effective standard dose
Typical Dosing Guideline
Tea
- 1 cup PO qDay
- 0.5-1 g ground seed boiled in 150 mL water for 120 min, strain
Ground
- 3 g/day PO
Essential Oil
- 300 mg/day PO
Inhaled
- Products with 5-10% of essential oil have been inhaled
Suggested Uses
Respiratory infections and inflammation, the flu (influenza), swine flu, avian flu, gastrointestinal upset, flatulence, loss of appetite, infant colic, cough, and bronchitis
Efficacy
More studies are needed to rate efficacy
Star Anise is used to make the active ingredient in oseltamivir (Tamiflu), but no proven antiviral activity of its own
Adverse Effects
None major
Warnings
Cautions
Do not confuse with the similar, but smaller poisonous Japanese star anise
May develop sensitivity after repeated use
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: N/A
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of Action
Loosens phlegm, thereby relieving cough & bronchitis; also has antispasmodic effect on intestines
