Star Anise, Shikimic Acid, and the Comfort of Herbal Tea During Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season has arrived and  a warm cup of herbal tea can become a comforting part of your self-care routine. At Lichen + Leaf, we believe in the healing power of nature and the complex botanical science behind the herbs and spices we enjoy.

The Science Behind Star Anise and Chai

One intriguing ingredient found in our chai spice blends is star anise. This aromatic spice has a distinctive, sweet flavor and a long history of use in traditional herbal practices. It's also a source of shikimic acid, a naturally occurring compound that plays an important role in pharmaceutical science.

Shikimic acid is used as a starting material in the manufacture of oseltamivir (Tamiflu), a prescription medication used to treat influenza. Researchers have also investigated star anise and its plant compounds for potential antiviral activity.

It's an exciting connection between botanical ingredients and modern medicine. However, shikimic acid itself is not the active antiviral ingredient in Tamiflu, and drinking star anise tea has not been shown to prevent or treat influenza. A flavorful cup of chai should be enjoyed for its taste and comforting qualities, rather than as a substitute for medical treatment.

Repose + Restore: A Ritual for Rest

When you're feeling under the weather, rest and hydration are important parts of caring for yourself. Lichen + Leaf's Repose + Restore blend offers a soothing, bedtime-friendly tea ritual for evenings when you need to slow down.

Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, prepare a warm cup, and give yourself permission to rest. Although herbal tea cannot cure an illness, a comforting routine can make an otherwise difficult day feel a little gentler.

Make Room for Rest This Season

Whether you reach for the warming spices of chai or the calming ritual of Repose + Restore, Lichen + Leaf invites you to make room for small moments of care.

Enjoy your tea, listen to your body, and seek appropriate medical advice when illness strikes. Sometimes, the simplest rituals are the ones we appreciate most.

Reference: Patra JK, Das G, Bose S, Banerjee S, Vishnuprasad CN, Del Pilar Rodriguez-Torres M, Shin HS. Star anise (Illicium verum): Chemical compounds, antiviral properties, and clinical relevance. Phytother Res. 2020 Jun;34(6):1248-1267. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6614. Epub 2020 Jan 29. PMID: 31997473.