Chinese Star Anise (Illicium verum) is a common spice used in many cultures as an herbal treatment for infant colic.1,2 Often, it has been found to be contaminated with Japanese Star Anise (Illicium anisatum) or is used in high doses resulting in neurotoxicity and gastrointestinal disturbances.1,3,4 Here we present a case of a previously healthy 2-week-old male who was evaluated in the emergency department for abnormal movements, irritability, and emesis after ingestion of star anise tea for the treatment of colic.
Keywords: neonatal seizure; neurotoxicity; star anise.