Japanese star anise

Japanese star anise is a special kind of dried plant that has a strong smell and taste. It comes from Japan, a country far away. When you look at it, it looks like a star with eight points, with a brown color.

People use Japanese star anise to make food and drinks taste better. It adds a sweet and spicy flavor to things like soup, tea, and candy. But it's not just used for the taste. It can also help with some health problems, like coughs or upset stomachs.

Just like any other food or medicine, it's important to be careful not to eat too much of it. Too much of anything can make you sick! So when using Japanese star anise, it's best to use a little bit at a time. And always ask a grown-up for help if you're not sure how to use it.