Warning about ingesting teas and health products containing Star Anise

As a precautionary measure, Health Canada is advising Canadian consumers not to ingest herbal teas or health products containing the herb “star anise” unless they are confident that it is Chinese star anise (Illicium verum Hook. f).

Consumers should verify that their product contains Chinese star anise. Otherwise, consumers should avoid using the following products:

– blended herbal teas containing the herb “star anise”

– bulk star anise for the purpose of brewing teas

– therapeutic and natural health products (such as medicinal herbal teas or homeopathic medicines) containing star anise

There have been reports in the U.S. and Europe of adverse reactions associated with consumption of blended teas containing “star anise” and with the consumption of teas brewed solely from “star anise.” In some of the cases, herbal tea was being used as a treatment for infant colic. Adverse reactions ranged from mild nausea to convulsions and seizures, and in all cases, symptoms were temporary. To date, there have been no reports of adverse reactions in Canada associated with products containing star anise, nor evidence that any foods or health products sold in Canada, contain toxic varieties of star anise.

Consumers who ingest one of the potentially toxic varieties of star anise may suffer an adverse reaction and should consult a physician if this occurs.

There is more than one type of star anise. Chinese star anise does not represent a health and safety concern and has a long history of safe use in foods. The dried seed pods of Chinese star anise can be found in certain spice mixtures and cooking pastes used in foods, in some herbal tea blends, and in certain therapeutic and natural health products. Other species of star anise, such as Japanese star anise, are used for decorative and aromatic purposes but are not considered safe for human consumption and can be toxic if enough is ingested.

It is important to note that this advisory does not apply to an unrelated herb commonly known as ‘anise’ (Pimpinella anisum). Anise does not represent a health and safety concern in foods and has a long history of safe use.

With respect to health products containing star anise, Health Canada is requesting evidence from the manufacturers of these products to show that the star anise ingredient is the correct variety (Chinese star anise) and that it does not pose a risk to health. Health Canada will keep Canadians informed of any developments related to this issue.

For natural health products, consumers and health care professionals may report any adverse reactions by contacting Health Canada toll-free by telephone (866) 234-2345 or fax (866) 678-6789.

For foods, any adverse reactions suspected as being associated with star anise may be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Food Safety Concern Line. Call the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s general toll-free number 1-800-442-2342 to obtain the Concern Line number for your province.

Consumers who identify that they have the toxic species of star anise should return the product to the point of purchase. Retailers should contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675 if they have any questions about disposal of the product.

New Childhood Development Book

The first five years of a child’s life are filled with a wide range of psychological, emotional, and physical changes that can be exciting but overwhelming. But this doesn’t have to be a time of confusion or uncertainty. In its new book, “The Wonder Years”, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers the information parents need to help their children flourish during these formative years.

“The Wonder Years” features more than 500 full-color photographs, diagrams, illustrations, and timelines. The book is uniquely arranged by developmental milestones and the related skills that children learn in each area-instead of just chronologically by child’s age-to give caregivers the bigger picture of what to expect, how to foster their child’s progress, and how to make the most of this amazing time. It includes the most up-to-date findings on child development in the following chapters:

- Movement - Everything from the early stages of head movement to sitting, crawling and eventually, walking are covered, complete with activities to foster your child’s athletic abilities.

- Fine motor skills - When will you know if your child is right or left handed? When do they first start to reach for objects? These and other topics-as well as how to encourage the artist in your child are explained in-depth.

- Sensory development - The five senses and the development at all stages-responding to one’s own name, developing taste preferences, and distinguishing between colors to name a few-are discussed.

- Mental growth - Here’s a “behind the scenes look” at your child’s brain and how this important organ affects everything.

- Social and emotional growth - From bonding and colic, to playing make-believe and developing attachments with other children, caregivers are given a comprehensive overview of their child’s emotional health.

- Bowel and bladder development - Parents are given the answers to tell when their child is ready to toilet train and how to help them in this physical-and emotional-milestone.

“The Wonder Years” also includes fun parent-child activities to boost emotional and mental growth-such as how to foster the artist in your child and games beyond peek-a-boo. The book indicates to caregivers when help may be needed in a certain area of development, along with advice on how to consult a specialist when concerns do arise. From heredity, gender, and environmental surroundings, “The Wonder Years” details the multitude of factors that can affect all aspects of a child’s development.

The book is edited by Tanya Remer Altmann, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician in private practice and clinical instructor at the University of California, Los Angeles. It is available on http://www.aap.org and in bookstores.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
141 Northwest Point Blvd, PO Box 927
Elk Grove Village, IL 60009-0927
United States
http://www.aap.org/