Star anise, also known as anise star, is a spice made from the fruit of a species of Asian tree called Ilicium verum. This spice is usually easily found in dry form in supermarkets.
Although it is widely used in cooking to give a sweet taste to certain preparations, star anise also has several health benefits due to its components, in particular anetol, which appears to be the substance with the highest concentration.
- Star anise is sometimes confused with green anise.
- Which is fennel.
- But they are completely different medicinal plants.
- Learn more about green anise.
- Also known as fennel.
Some of the main health benefits of star anise are
Because it is rich in anetol, star anise has a strong action against various types of microorganisms, including fungi. According to laboratory studies, star anise extract is able to inhibit the growth of fungi such as Candida albicans, Brotytis cinerea and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.
In addition to its function against fungi, the anethol star also prevents the growth of bacteria. So far, an action against the bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli has been identified in the laboratory.
In addition to anetol, studies indicate that other substances found in star anise may also contribute to its antibacterial action, such as aniseed adehyde, anise ketone or aniseed alcohol.
Like most aromatic plants, star anise has a good antioxidant action due to the presence of phenolic compounds in its composition. Although some studies have identified that the antioxidant power of star anise appears to be less than that of other aromatic plants, this action continues to help strengthen the immune system by eliminating free radicals that hinder the proper functioning of the body.
In addition, the antioxidant action has also been linked to a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and even developing cancer.
Star anise is a natural deposit of xychemical acid, a substance used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce the antiviral drug oseltamivir, better known as Tamiflu. This remedy is used to prevent and treat influenza A and B virus infections, which are responsible for influenza.
According to some research conducted with star anise essential oil, the spice has been identified as having an insecticide and repellent action against certain types of insects. The laboratory has confirmed its action against “fruit flies”, German cockroaches, beetles and even small snails.
Although there are no scientific studies confirming the digestive action of star anise, several reports of popular use point to this spice as an excellent natural way to aid digestion, especially after very heavy meals and fats.
In addition, star anise also appears to have a carminative action, which helps prevent the accumulation of gases in the stomach and intestine.
Discover the benefits of other aromatic spices, such as cloves or cinnamon, for example.
The most popular way to use star anise is to include nuts in some culinary preparations, as it is a very versatile spice that can be used to prepare sweet or savory dishes.
However, star anise can also be used as an essential oil, which can be purchased in some natural stores, or as tea. To make tea you have to follow step by step:
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Place the star anise in boiling water and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then remove the star anise, let it heat up and drink 2 to 3 times a day. To improve or change the taste, you can also add a slice of lemon, for example.
In the case of the use of star anise to improve digestion, it is recommended to drink tea immediately after the meal.
Star anise is considered safe, especially when used in the preparation of dishes. In the case of tea, there are still few studies evaluating its side effects. However, some people seem to report nausea after ingesting large amounts. In the case of essential oil, if applied directly to the skin, it may cause skin irritation.
Star anise is counterinditive for people with hypersensitivity, pregnant women, lactation women and children.