About the Star Anise (mine comes from Vietnam), FWIW I wanted to share that at first I was throwing away the infused flowers. And then I thought, let's see how much reuse we can do, because at this rate, it's a budget.
For 4 flowers peeled into petals for 2 large mugs in the evening, I'm up to three reuses with the same Anise flower petals: once used, I dry them again until the next day, and frankly, the taste and colour are the same after 3 uses. I'll try for a fourth tonight, although I think going over 3 times might be the limit...