Anise (Aniseed) (Pimpinella anisum): Uses, Evidence and Safety
Anise or aniseed (Pimpinella anisum): traditional digestive use, thin trial evidence, EU cautions for allergy, pregnancy and children, and how it differs from toxic-risk star anise.
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Safety first: do not confuse anise with star anise, and watch for allergy
Anise (aniseed) is Pimpinella anisum. It is not star anise (Illicium verum), a different plant. A case series in Pediatrics reported neurological reactions in infants given star anise tea, said Chinese star anise had been contaminated with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum, documented to have neurologic and gastrointestinal toxicities), and concluded that star anise tea should no longer be given to infants. [1] See star anise. If a child has tremors, spasms, vomiting or other worrying symptoms after any herbal tea, call 911 in an emergency or Poison Help (US) at 1-800-222-1222. Allergic reactions to aniseed affecting the skin or breathing may occur, and the EU herbal monograph lists hypersensitivity to anise, to carrot-family plants (caraway, celery, coriander, dill, fennel) and to anethole as contraindications. [2]Overview
Anise is Pimpinella anisum L., in the carrot family (Apiaceae); GBIF lists this as the accepted name. [3] The part used is the fruit, called aniseed. It is a common flavoring for foods and drinks, but this page is about use as a herb. Related: fennel and caraway; teas are covered under teas for gas and bloating.Traditional use (not proof of benefit)
The EU treats aniseed as a traditional herbal medicinal product for mild, spasmodic digestive complaints including bloating and flatulence, and as an expectorant in cough with a cold. [2] The monograph states these uses are exclusively based upon long-standing use. [2] A 2016 trial report describes anise as a well-recognized plant in Traditional Persian Medicine sources. [4]What research shows
| Use | What the sources found | Strength of evidence | Form and population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild digestive complaints (tea) | EU: traditional use only. [2] | Traditional use only | Tea of the whole or crushed fruit |
| Functional dyspepsia | The 2023 Cochrane review of non-Chinese herbal medicines listed Pimpinella anisum among herbs that may improve symptoms versus placebo, based on one study of 107 people (low certainty). [5] | Insufficient evidence (one study) | Not specified here; adults |
| Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | A 2016 trial of 120 patients in three groups reported 75% symptom-free with enteric-coated anise oil capsules versus 35% with placebo, and the authors called for further studies. [4] | Promising but limited (single trial) | Enteric-coated anise oil capsules; adults |
| Other uses (milk supply, migraine, constipation, mood) | Proper evidence not found in the sources we relied on for milk supply, migraine, constipation or mood (we searched PubMed for anise trials). | Insufficient evidence | - |
These results do not show that anise tea or aniseed in food has the same effect as the products tested, and one-off trials need repeating by others.
Forms and why the form matters
The EU monograph covers aniseed as a herbal tea of the whole or crushed fruit for oral use. [2] The IBS trial used a capsule of anise oil with an enteric coating, a different product. [4] Essential oil bottles should not be swallowed; for oils see the Essential Oils section.Safety in more detail
- Duration: the monograph says not to take it for more than two weeks, and to see a doctor if symptoms persist. [2]
- Children: use under 12 years is not recommended. [2]
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety has not been established, and use is not recommended in the absence of sufficient data. [2] See pregnancy and breastfeeding safety.
- Genes: non-clinical studies showed a weak mutagenic potential of anethole. [2]
- Medicines: the monograph reports none in its sources; other interactions are not described in the sources we read. See how interactions work.
- Liver, kidney, bleeding, surgery: not described in the sources we read; tell your surgical team about any herbal product (supplements before surgery).
- Quality: the star anise contamination report above is the only quality concern in the sources we read, and it concerns star anise. See quality testing and certifications.
Official statements
- EMA (EU), 2013: community herbal monograph on Pimpinella anisum L., fructus (traditional use for digestive complaints and cough with a cold). [2]
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
Is anise the same as star anise?
No. They are different plants, and star anise tea has been linked to neurological reactions in infants. [1]
Does anise help digestion?
The EU recognizes a traditional use for mild digestive complaints. [2] Trial evidence is limited to single studies. [5]
Is anise safe in pregnancy?
Safety has not been established, and the EU monograph does not recommend use. [2]
Who should avoid anise?
People allergic to anise, anethole or carrot-family plants, and children under 12 for medicinal use, according to the EU monograph. [2]
How long can I use anise medicines?
Not more than two weeks, per the EU monograph. [2]
References
- Neurotoxicities in infants seen with the consumption of star anise tea. Pediatrics, 2004. PubMed record PMID 15492355. Read 2026-10-23.
- European Medicines Agency, HMPC. Community herbal monograph on Pimpinella anisum L., fructus (EMA/HMPC/321184/2012), adopted 12 November 2013. Read 2026-10-23.
- GBIF Secretariat. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy species match. Names checked through the GBIF species match service. Read 2026-10-23.
- Efficacy and safety of enteric coated capsules of anise oil to treat irritable bowel syndrome. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2016. PubMed record PMID 27815079. Read 2026-10-23.
- Non-Chinese herbal medicines for functional dyspepsia (Cochrane review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023. PubMed record PMID 37323050. Read 2026-10-23.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.