Illicium verum, commonly called star anise, is an aromatic evergreen tree bearing anise-scented and star-shaped fruit which is widely used for culinary purposes. Being one of the ingredients for the ‘five spice powder’ used in Chinese cuisine, the fruit is used as a popular flavoring in curries, teas, and pickles. It is also used to enhance the flavor of meat and its essential oil is used to flavor liquors, soft drinks, and bakery products. In addition to these culinary uses, I. verum has a long history of use as a medicinal plant in Asian countries. It is used to treat stomachache, colic, vomiting, insomnia, skin inflammation, and rheumatic pain, and is also listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Traditionally, the essential oil of star anise is used topically for rheumatism and as an anti-septic. In studies of the essential oil of I. verum, it was reported that the essential oil exhibits insecticidal, anti-oxidant, and anti-microbial properties.