1. Description:
Illicium anisatum (also known as Japanese star anise, aniseed tree and sacred anise tree, Chinese Pinyin: Mang Cao, Simplified Chinese: 莽草, 白花八角, 芒草, 葞, 春草, 狭叶茴香, 野八角, 野茴香), is a species of perennial, flowering and poisonous evergreen in genus Illicium (Schisandraceae family). Found on stream banks, damp places, valley and open forest, the plant can grow up to 10 m tall. Illicium anisatum is used as carminative and discutient in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as migraine.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The leaves of Illicium anisatum is considered to have warm and toxic properties and to be associated with the lung and gallbladder meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Illicium Anisatum & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Reducing Inflammation, Swelling And Relieving Pain
Medicated bath with Illicium anisatum leaves can be used externally in treating chronic migraine.
Powdered Illicium anisatum leaves, Vigna umbellata seeds and bitter wine are mixed and applied externally to treat acute mastitis.
A decoction of Illicium anisatum leaves can be used as a mouth wash to relieve swollen gums.
3.2 Skin Health
Pounded Illicium anisatum leaves mixed with egg white can be applied externally to treat scrofula.
3.3 Infant Epilepsy
A decoction of Illicium anisatum leaves, Omphalia lapidescens Schroet and lard oil can be used externally to treat infant epilepsy.
4. Contraindication, Side-effects & Cautions:
Illicium anisatum has high toxicity and can only be used externally.
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.