The benefits and effects of star anise are reflected in two aspects: seasoning and medicinal use

Star anise, also known as bajiao or star aniseed, is the dried ripe fruit of the star anise tree (Illicium verum), mainly produced in southern regions of China such as Guangxi and Yunnan. Its fruit usually consists of about eight small fruitlets aggregated in a star-shaped arrangement, with a rich, aromatic scent and a sweet fragrance reminiscent of licorice. It is a common spice in Chinese cooking and one of the important components of five-spice powder.

The aroma of star anise comes mainly from aromatic components such as anethole. Besides being used directly in cooking, it can also be used to extract edible flavorings, and it is widely applied in the food processing and seasoning industries. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that star anise is warm in nature and pungent-sweet in taste, with the effects of warming yang and dispelling cold, and regulating qi and relieving pain. It often appears as an ingredient in medicinal diets or in formula combinations, though such effects belong to summaries of traditional experience, and actual results vary from person to person.

In everyday cooking, star anise is mostly used in dishes such as stewed meat, braised meats, and red-braised dishes, where it can remove unpleasant odors, enhance aroma, and enrich the layers of flavor. When using it, the whole fruit is generally placed in the pot to cook together, and it can be fished out before the dish is done. The amount used should not be too much, lest the aroma be too strong and mask the original taste of the ingredients.

When purchasing, special care must be taken to distinguish the genuine product from fakes. Illicium anisatum (Japanese star anise), which resembles star anise in appearance, contains toxic components, and accidental ingestion may cause poisoning. It is advisable to buy whole fruits with a pure aroma through regular channels. In addition, star anise as a spice should be eaten in moderation, and people with sensitive constitutions or special health conditions should consult professionals before consuming it.