This star anise tea recipe for cold and cough is soo effective and heartwarming. It’s packed with medicinal benefits and great for the boosting the immune system during the winter. Star anise has been used in Chinese culture for centuries to relieve common conditions like bloating, gas, indigestion, cold and flu symptoms along with asthma.

I stock up on the ingredients for this tea every year before winter because it really helps. I also make cup of star anise milk tea whenever I’m constipated and it works like a charm. Continue reading below to learn more about the benefits of this tea and what makes it soo effective.

NOTE: Always use Chinese star anise because other types like Japanese star anise can be poisonous. Chinese star anise has up to 8 pods while other types have up to 13 pods so please be careful.

Star Anise Tea Recipe For Cold And Cough

Ingredients for 4 servings | Total time: 20 minutes

• 4 cups of water
• 5 star anise
• 1 Ceylon cinnamon stick
• 2 inch ginger root (sliced)
• 1 lemon (squeezed)
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
• a pinch of black pepper
• 8 cloves
• 1 tablespoon of raw honey

How To Make Star Anise Tea

Start by bringing the 4 cups of water to a boil and add in the ginger, cloves, star anise, turmeric, black pepper, and cinnamon stick. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes and lower the heat. Let the tea simmer for 12 minutes and cut off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and honey and strain the tea into cups. 

Star Anise Tea Nutrition Facts

Each cup of this anise tea has | 31 calories | 0.3g total fat | 0% saturated fat | 0mg cholesterol | 5mg sodium | 8.2g total carbs | 1.2g dietary fiber | 5.1g total sugars | 0.5g protein | 20mg calcium | 1mg iron | 72mg potassium | These facts are based on a 2000-calorie diet.

Storage

Transfer the rest of your tea into an airtight jar with a lid and place it in the fridge. Pour into a teacup and reheat it in the microwave when you are ready to drink it again. 

Benefits Of This Star Anise Tea

Star Anise – has anti inflammatory and anti microbial properties that helps soothe upset stomach, reduce bloating, gas, and improves digestion. It also relaxes the gastrointestinal muscles and stimulates digestive enzymes making it great for constipation. 

According to Very Well Health, star anise even has anti viral properties. Shikimic acid which is primarily found in Chinese star anise is the main ingredient in the anti-viral drug called Tamiflu. So this means that drinking star anise tea during the flu season can help with flu symptoms as well.

Cinnamon Stick – especially Ceylon cinnamon contains an active ingredient called cinnamaldehyde which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. It also helps strengthen the immune system and has been used for centuries to relieve cold and flu symptoms.

Ginger Root – contains a compound called gingerol which also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe sore throat, and support the immune system.

Lemon Juice – contains vitamin C which aids in strengthening the immune system and when combined with honey, it helps loosen up mucus and soothe sore throat.

Turmeric – has an active ingredient called curcumin which provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. When combined with other ingredients like honey and ginger, it can help with cough, sore throat, and flu symptoms. 

Black Pepper – activates curcumin in turmeric by up to 2000% so it must be added to turmeric drinks for better absorption.

Cloves – contains a compound called eugenol which provides anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Adding cloves to your tea will help fight bacteria, reduce coughing, clear out mucus and also boost the immune system.

Honey – especially raw honey contains all of the properties in the other ingredients above. It’s like a magic potion for cold and cough. Most cultures use honey alone to relieve coughing and sore throat.

Who Should Not Drink Star Anise Tea

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to star anise, do not drink this tea. Young children and infants should not be given this tea and people with hormone sensitive conditions like breast or ovarian cancer should not consume star anise.

You may also want to avoid this tea if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this recipe.

Want More Healthy Tea Recipes?

• 15 Healing DIY Cough Remedies For Adults
• Soothing Lemon Balm Tea
• Cinnamon Sore Throat Tea With Honey And Milk
• Ginger Sore Throat Tea
• Soothing Star Anise Milk Tea Recipe

Conclusion

Star anise tea is a healthy tea alternative that is great for the respiratory system. Make sure you try it this winter and let me know what you think in the comments below. You can find me on Pinterest and Facebook for more awesome remedies and wellness tips.