Botanical Name: Illicium Verum

Member of the Schisandraceae family.

Used as a culinary and medicinal herb.

Star Anise are evergreen trees that are native to southern China and northern Vietnam.

Flavor and smell is similar to licorice.

Historical Uses, Folklore & Customs:

Star Anise has historically been used as an expectorant, stimulant, and to treat indigestion and rheumatism.

Chinese Folklore tells us that finding a Star Anise with more than 8 points is good luck and they were used as protection from the Evil Eye.

While not the same plant, Japanese Star Anise* is very similar and is a sacred herb in Japanese culture. They plant the trees around temples and holy burial sites. It is believed that planting Star Anise in these areas will provide them with protection. The bark of the tree is ground into incense and is used to banish negative spirits in the temple.

*Japanese Star Anise is very toxic and should never be consumed.

Use Star Anise in workings relating to:

Good Fortune, Luck, Psychic Powers, Protection, Cleansing, Drawing Love

Chinese Star Anise can be used as an incense or to make herbal tea. It can also be used to make a pendulum used for divination.

For all of our kitchen witch friends, add Star Anise to your homemade curries to bring some luck to your friends and family. Star Anise is a very versatile spice, used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is one of the spices used in Chinese 5 Spice powder and Indian Garam Masala. Add the pods whole and remove before serving for the best flavor infusion.

Psychic Black Tea:

This black tea is infused with Chinese Star Anise and Cinnamon for a boost of psychic awareness. In addition to it’s metaphysical benefits, this tea is also just delicious and perfect to sip on the porch during long winter nights.

Ingredients:

Chinese Star Anise (2-3 depending on your taste)

Cinnamon Stick

Black Tea - Loose Leaf or a Tea Bag will work

2 Cups Water

Sweetener of Choice or a dash of milk

Boil the Star Anise and cinnamon for several minutes. Remove from heat and add tea. Steep for 3-5 minutes. Add a splash of milk (I prefer vanilla almond milk) or sweetener if you like your tea creamy or sweet.



Star Anise also makes a great herbal incense to burn when you are trying to build your psychic powers. 

Please use incense safely. Charcoal discs and burning bowls can become VERY hot. Do not leave a smoldering charcoal disc unattended. Keep the bowl on a heat safe surface away from flammable items. Always be sure that the herbs you are burning are safe to burn. 

Information in this article is for entertainment purposes only. If you have a medical condition consult your doctor. We are not attempting to diagnose, treat or cure any ailments. Star Anise should not be fed to infants. Always be sure that you are consuming Chinese Star Anise as Japanese Star Anise is toxic.