Is anise the same as star anise?

No. Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a small umbellifer seed; star anise (Illicium verum) is the dried fruit of a Chinese evergreen tree. Both contain anethole and share the licorice aroma, but they are unrelated botanically.

Is anise safe in pregnancy?

Culinary use of the seed in food and weak tea is generally considered safe. Concentrated essential oil and high-dose extracts should be avoided in pregnancy due to estrogenic activity.

How is anise tea best prepared?

Lightly crush 1 tsp seeds to release the oils, pour over 1 cup just-boiled water, cover and steep 10 minutes. Covering matters — the active compounds are volatile and will escape with the steam if left open.

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Exhibit I · The Invitation

Anise

Ānisun — sweet, aromatic seed traditionally used for digestion, breath freshening, and easing colic and cough.

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