This article compares and contrasts the difference between anise and star anise. By aromatherapist and garden herbalist Sharon Falsetto Chapman.
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) and star anise (Illicium verum) couldn’t be more different botanically. Yet, scent-wise they share a similar aroma and that is perhaps the reason why these two very different herbs are often confused. In this article, we’ll be looking at how to separate one from the other and learn to how to recognize anise from star anise.
Anise Botanically
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) belongs to the Apiaceae botanical family. It is an annual herbaceous herb of about three feet in height. It has simple lobed leaves at the base of the plant, culminating in feathery, pinnate leaflets at the top of the plant. Flowers are characteristic of the Apiaceae botanical family: White or yellow umbels. The fruit is commonly called aniseed.
Star Anise Botanically
Star anise (Illicium verum) belongs to the Schisandraceae botanical family. It is an evergreen tree with a range of 20 -60 feet in height. Leaves are alternate and lanceolate. Flowers are single or arranged in clusters and are yellow green in color. The fruit is star-shaped with usually eight points. Each seed pod contains a single, smooth, oval-shaped seed.
Anise and Star Anise in Scent
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is used to flavor many traditional European liquors including the French absinthe and the Greek ouzo. It’s got a classic aniseed taste. But what does that actually smell like?
The key word which links the aromas of both of these herbs and oils is licorice. There are other subtle differences in aroma between the two, but it is the predominant licorice aroma which most likely causes confusion of one being mistaken for the other. And to add to the confusion the herb licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is related to neither anise (Pimpinella anisum) or star anise (Illicium verum). It belongs to the plant family Fabaceae. But, yes, it does smell like licorice!
Therapeutic Properties
Both anise (Pimpinella anisum) and star anise (Illicium verum) produce an essential oil which is used in aromatherapy. Star anise (Illicium verum) essential oil is used for respiratory issues, with indigestion and flatulence, for muscle pain, and with immune issues such as colds. Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is used for virtually the same uses – hence adding to the confusion again!
Learn More about Herbs and Essential Oils
If Materia medica have you confused and you’re not sure what each herb or essential oil is used for, in addition to understanding their differences and similarities, join us in Botanical Aromatherapy™ school where you can find a comprehensive Materia medica library. And you can download beautiful PDF cards to print and keep. We have a complete Materia medica on star anise (Illicium verum) coming soon!
To learn more about Botanical Aromatherapy™ school and becoming a sunflower student, visit our web page to learn more.
About the Author:
The author of this article has been working in the health care industry since the 1990’s and in the aromatherapy industry since the 2000’s. She is a UK-certified aromatherapist, a NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist®, a gardener, and a certified herbalist with several years of study. She is also a botanical perfumer.
Sharon is both a published author and editor in aromatherapy, a consultant, and custom blend formulator. She is the author of Authentic Aromatherapy and the current chief editor of the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal. Sharon works from her garden studio in Sedona, Arizona, where she gardens and distills plants from her own aromatic gardens, surrounded by natural fauna and flora on an original pioneer homestead property.
