Star Anise Tea Recipe – Indian Cold & Cough Remedy
Tarla Dalal
• Updated : Jan 08, 2026
Star anise tea is a home remedy from our kitchens. With cinnamon as its second major ingredient, this cinnamon star anise tea is a true health booster. Learn how to make Star anise tea for cold and cough.
Table of Content
Star anise is usually a part of spice powder for biryanis and pulao. But it has more medicinal purpose above it. Star anise tea has been known as a great remedy against cold, cough and flu. The main highlighting compounds of star anise are its antioxidants - quercetin and shikimic acid. They help fight the virus and bacteria by improving our immune system.
Cinnamon added along with star anise is known for its weight loss property. Pair both these ingredients with water and boil them for at least 10 minutes so that their compounds dissolve in the water. Sip on that hot star anise tea for weight loss after straining. Hot water does wonders for weight loss and to soothe the throat in case of cough and cold.
Diabetics, cancer patients, hypertensives and heart patients can all benefit from this cinnamon star anise tea. These antioxidants also help ward of free radicals in the body and thus prevent the onset of cancer.
Star Anise is rich in potent antioxidants like quercetin, linalool, and shikimic acid. These compounds help neutralize free radicals in the body, which reduces oxidative stress—a key factor in preventing cellular damage and supporting the body during recovery.
Tags
Soaking Time
0
Preparation Time
1 Mins
Cooking Time
15 Mins
Baking Time
0 Mins
Baking Temperature
0
Sprouting Time
0
Total Time
16 Mins
Makes
2 small cups
Ingredients
For Star Anise Tea
- 7 star anise (chakri phool)
- 2 sticks cinnamon (dalchini)
Method
For star anise tea
- To make star anise tea, boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan and add star anise and cinnamon to it.
- Boil for about 10 minutes, cover with a lid and let it steep for 3 minutes.
- Strain the star anise tea and serve.
Star Anise Tea, Indian Home Remedy for Cold and Cough recipe with step by step photos
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To make star anise tea, boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan. This would take around 5 minutes.
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Add star anise to it.
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Add cinnamon to it.
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Boil for about 10 minutes. The colour of the water will change.
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Cover with a lid and let it steep for 3 minutes.
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Strain using a strainer and discard the star anise and cinnamon stick.
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Serve star anise tea immediately for best results.
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Star Anise Tea - to fight flu, cold and cough.
- Star anise has many compunds like quercetin and shikimic acid which function as antioxidant and help fight against flu, cold and cough.
- These compounds get seeped into the water during boiling and resting period. Sipping on this hot tea is known to soothe the throat.
- The combination of star anise and cinnamon in this tea together can contribute in maintaining blood sugar levels too. Thus it's beneficial for diabetics as well.
- A hot cuppa of this tea early in the morning on an empty stomach is step ahead towards weight loss.
- Some research has also proven that drinking star anise tea after meals helps in digestion and prevention of bloating. The credit for this too goes to the bioactive coimpounds present in it.
- What are the main ingredients in this star anise tea recipe?
The recipe uses star anise (chakri phool) and a cinnamon stick boiled in water - How do I prepare this star anise tea?
Boil 2 cups of water, add star anise and cinnamon, boil for about 10 minutes, steep for 3 minutes, strain and serve. - What health benefits does this tea offer?
It’s traditionally used to help soothe cold and cough symptoms, thanks to antioxidants like quercetin and shikimic acid that may support immune function and throat comfort. - Can this tea help with weight loss?
Some people believe that drinking this hot tea (especially in the morning) might support weight loss due to its warming effect, though scientific evidence is limited. - Is this tea suitable for diabetics or heart patients?
According to the recipe source, it may benefit diabetics, cancer patients, hypertensives, and heart patients because of its antioxidant content, but consult your doctor if you have specific health issues. - How long does it take to make this tea?
Total time is approximately 16 minutes: about 1 minute prep + 15 minutes cooking/steeping. - How many servings does this recipe make?
It makes about 2 small cups of tea. - Can I add other ingredients like honey or ginger?
While the original recipe doesn’t include them, many people add honey, ginger, or lemon to enhance flavor and soothing effects. Note: this is a common practice with herbal teas, not detailed in the original recipe itself. - Is this tea scientifically proven to treat flu/viral infections?
There’s no strong scientific evidence that star anise tea cures influenza or viruses, even though its compounds come from sources used in some medicines; it’s more for general comfort. - Are there any safety concerns with star anise tea?
Generally safe in small amounts for most adults, but use caution if you have allergies, are pregnant, have health conditions, or if star anise could be mixed with toxic varieties — and it’s not recommended for young children.
If you liked this Star Anise Tea then also check out other recipes like:
1. Adjust Spice Strength
If you find 7 stars of star anise or 2 cinnamon sticks too strong, you can slightly reduce the quantity according to your taste. Whole spices can be potent, so tweak amounts based on how intense you want your tea’s flavour.
2. Crush Spices for More Aroma
Before boiling, you can crush the star anise slightly (break into 2–3 pieces) and lightly crack the cinnamon sticks. This helps release more aroma and beneficial compounds into the tea. (Common technique used in spiced infusions)
3. Simmer Instead of Boil Hard
Instead of a vigorous boil, simmer gently for 10–12 minutes. This extracts flavour and nutrients from the spices without making the aroma too overpowering.
4. Add a Natural Sweetener
For a more soothing drink (especially for sore throats), consider adding a teaspoon of honey after straining (don’t boil honey). Honey is a traditional addition in cold-relief teas.
5. Serve Hot for Best Effect
This tea is best enjoyed hot right after straining to help soothe the throat and maximise its traditional cold-fighting benefit.
6. Enhance With Optional Ingredients
You can optionally add a slice of fresh ginger or a few black peppercorns while boiling to boost warming properties and help further relieve congestion this is common in many herbal teas with spices. (General tea blending practice)
7. Don’t Overcook Spices
Avoid boiling the spices too long (e.g., over 15 minutes) as they can become bitter or overly spicy gentle simmering is usually sufficient.
8. Store and Reheat Safely
If making a larger batch, store cooled tea in the fridge and reheat gently before drinking this can make it convenient for sipping throughout the day. Do not boil again after refrigeration.
Nutrient values (Abbrv)per plate
| Energy | 0 Calories |
| Protein | 0.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.0 g |
| Fiber | 0.0 g |
| Fat | 0.0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
Click here to view Calories for Star Anise Tea, Indian Home Remedy for Cold and Cough
The Nutrient info is complete
Loves Food
July 3, 2020, 4:32 p.m.
Prefect Indian drink to have to fight off colds and other viruses in the air.
Tarla Dalal
July 3, 2020, 4:32 p.m.
Thanks for the feedback.
Rekha Aggarwal
April 28, 2020, 12:32 p.m.
Don''t you think that much star anise is too much?
Rekha Aggarwal
July 9, 2019, 10:45 a.m.
Isn''t this much star anise and cinnamon too much
Tarla Dalal
July 9, 2019, 10:45 a.m.
This much star anise and cinnamon is needed to reap its benefits. When boiled in water, the spices are not so strong as otherwise when used in dry form in subzis and pulaos. Do try the recipe and share your feedback.
Rekha Aggarwal
Oct. 6, 2018, 3:12 p.m.
I think we should use the powder instead. Too much cinnamon and star anis gets wasted in this
Tarla Dalal
Oct. 6, 2018, 3:12 p.m.
Dear Rekha, This much quantity of star anise and cinnamon is needed for flavour and to get its benefits as well. This recipe has been tried. We haven''t tried using powder. However you can try and share your feedback.
Love good recipes
Oct. 4, 2018, 11:34 a.m.
perfect drink for cold and cough. thanks for the detailed explanation.
tarla dalal
Oct. 4, 2018, 11:34 a.m.
Thanks !
Wendyosbornegore
April 4, 2017, 11:46 a.m.
I enjoy the taste. Will continue to drink it. Thanks
Veneta Gent
June 15, 2016, 3:56 p.m.
It worked wonders for my cold and tasted delicious. I only used the star anise.
Mary
June 10, 2016, 4:50 p.m.
Can I pre make it for work or take it to work to reheat.
Kay
May 20, 2016, 5:09 p.m.
I like the flavour, very easy to drink sweet and pungent and pretty. It''s a cheerful tea.
Ward
Feb. 29, 2016, 10:08 a.m.
I am wanting to know does it help with cancer?
tarla dalal
Feb. 29, 2016, 10:08 a.m.
1. High Antioxidant Content Star Anise is rich in potent antioxidants like quercetin, linalool, and shikimic acid. These compounds help neutralize free radicals in the body, which reduces oxidative stress—a key factor in preventing cellular damage and supporting the body during recovery. 2. Relief from Treatment Side Effects (Nausea & Digestion) Cancer treatments like chemotherapy often cause digestive distress. Star Anise tea is a traditional remedy for:
Michelle
July 21, 2015, 4:50 p.m.
Thank you very much for posting about this recipe. I just so happened to have both these recipes sitting in my pantry - now I finally have a use for them.
Foodie #698398
Jan. 15, 2015, 9:26 a.m.
thanks a lot ??
susan
July 29, 2014, 5:29 p.m.
Is it OK to reheat this at a later time?
