Magical and Medicinal Uses of Star Anise

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Powers: Divination, Healing, Luck, Protection, Psychic Powers
Magical Uses and History: Star Anise, not to be confused with anise seed, is native to Southern China and northern Vietnam and did not make it to Europe until the 17th century. This means that while star anise has a long and rich history in Eastern medicine and occult practices, it's relatively new to European witchcraft. In traditional Chinese medicine, star anise is classified as a warming yang and therefore is used to dispel cold and regulate the flow of Qi that has been disrupted by pain or the common cold. It was also believed to ward off evil and bring good luck to anyone who found the spice with more than eight pods in a single star. These beliefs followed star anise to Europe, where its star shape and medicinal uses quickly associated it with protection and healing. It was used to treat a number of ailments, including cough, colic, digestive upset, and respiratory infections. In modern witchcraft, star anise is said to resemble the five-pointed pentagram making it a powerful protective symbol. As such, it can be hung in the home, carried on your person, or used in spells and rituals, whole or burned, for protection, or used in healing spells and rituals.

Star anise, unlike anise seed, has a sweeter, milder flavor, which likely lends to its association with sweetness and good fortune. It was often carried for good luck or kept in a wallet or purse to draw money toward the owner. As such, it can be used to sweeten spells, bring good fortune, attract money, or generally empower spells.

Finally, star anise is associated with divination and astral travel. The origins of this are unclear, but star anise is often burned, simmered, or diffused to enhance psychic awareness, promote prophetic dreams, or reach an altered state of consciousness prior to hedge riding or other astral travel. The smoke can be used for scrying and the seeds are sometimes used as a pendulum.

Star Anise can be used in a number of spells including:

    Protection Spells

    Healing Spells

    Dream Magic

    Divination

    Luck Magic

    Money Spells

    

Medicinal Uses: There are several varieties of star anise, such as yellow anise, swamp star anise, and Japanese star anise, that are toxic. For that reason, be mindful of what you are purchasing and only purchase food-grade star anise from a reputable source. Star anise contains shikimic acid, a chemical compound that is the primary precursor of Tamiflu, and flavonoid anethole. This makes star anise naturally antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal, and therefore it can be used to treat mild flus, colds, bacterial infections, and fungal infections. Star anise is also an expectorant and therefore can be used to treat respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and coughs by helping to remove mucus and congestion. It also aids in digestion, reduces gas, prevents and heals stomach ulcers, and soothes an upset stomach by reducing stomach acid secretion.

Preparation and Dosage: Internally, star anise can be taken as an infusion or tincture. To create an infusion combine 3-4 star anise pods with 1 cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 times a day. Star anise combines well with cinnamon and honey for treating both respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. As a tincture, take 1-2 milliliters up to 3 times a day.

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