Star Anise, Whole Pods

Star Anise Pods Botanical Name: Illicium verumFamily Name: Schisandraceae Star anise, the dry fruits of an aromatic evergreen shrub, are indigenous to the southeastern part of China and Vietnam. The history of anise herbs can be traced back at least 2,000 years. At maturity, the flower produces a woody fruit typically composed of 8 points and shaped like a star. Each point splits open along one seam to release a single seed packed with volatile oils. Star anise smells and tastes like licorice and could be described as having an invigorating scent. Chinese herbalists historically used star anise as a digestive aid, appetite stimulant, carminative, and expectorant. It is a major ingredient in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines as part of "five-spice powder” which is used to flavor curries, tea, pickles, coffee, candy, cough medicines, liqueurs, soft drinks, and bakery products. Burn as incense during any ritual when you are going to be divining psychic abilities and seeking increased succes