Culinary:
Star anise is a key ingredient in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisines. It is used whole or ground to flavor dishes such as soups, stews, braises, and desserts. It is a common spice in spice blends like Chinese five-spice powder.
Beverages:
It is used to flavor beverages like chai tea, mulled wine, and various liqueurs.
Medicinal:
In traditional medicine, star anise is believed to aid digestion, alleviate coughs, and support respiratory health.