Star anise is scientifically known as Illicium verum and it is the dried, star shaped fruit. Fruits are star shaped, reddish brown consisting of 6-8 carpels arranged in a whorl. It is used to flavour vegetables, meat, and to marinate meat. It is used as a condiment for flavouring curries, confectionaries, spirits, and for pickling. It is also used in perfumery. The essential oil of star anise is used to flavour soft drinks, bakery products and liquors. The fruit is anti-bacterial, carminative, diuretic and stomachic. It is considered useful in flatulence and spasmodic.