Star Anise

Among the variety of spices beneficial for health, star anise is one of the least known and used. Nevertheless, many are familiar with its distinctive star shape. To pay tribute to the benefits of this wonderful spice, let's learn about all its properties and methods of use.

Properties of Star Anise

Star anise (not to be confused with anise) is considered a real natural antibiotic due to the presence of essential oil, which is extracted from this plant and used in medicine and herbal therapy for preparing medicines and natural remedies.

One of the characteristics that make this spice the most valuable is its carminative properties (that is, the ability to reduce gas formation in the intestines) and digestive properties. Star anise is successfully used to stimulate the appetite of people who need to recover after illness.

Star anise also helps the enzymatic activity of the liver, but, above all, it is capable of exhibiting excellent antibacterial and antiviral activity. For example, the spice has proven effective in recurrent herpes.

The spice is a good diuretic (hence recommended for those suffering from fluid retention) and an expectorant, thinning mucus and promoting its natural removal in cases of cough or bronchitis.

The most interesting active ingredient present in star anise is anethole, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

How to use in cooking and herbal medicine?

Given its bright aromatic flavor, which is somewhat reminiscent of licorice, star anise is mainly used for making liqueurs and sweets. The spice is sold in dried form and depending on what dish you are going to prepare, it can be used whole or ground.

As for liqueurs, star anise gives alcoholic drinks (Absinthe, Sambuca, Pastis) a distinctive and recognizable aroma.

Thanks to its healing properties, you can also prepare an excellent herbal tea with ginger, lemon, honey, and star anise, which is ideal for fighting cough and flu. If you suffer from digestive problems (heartburn, aerophagia), you can try herbal tea based on fennel seeds, cardamom, cumin, and star anise.

Star anise is excellent in the famous blend of Chinese cuisine - '5 spices', which also includes white pepper, fennel seeds, cloves, cinnamon, and salt.

Where to buy star anise?

Today, buying star anise is relatively easy. It can be easily found in large supermarkets, in exotic or Eastern grocery stores, as well as in shops selling organic spices and herbs. If you live in a small settlement, star anise can be easily ordered online from various specialized websites.

Contraindications

Star anise, like many other natural products, has contraindications that are particularly noticeable in the case of prolonged and uncontrolled use of the spice. Among the possible side effects are: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, or stomach pain up to actual cramps in severe cases. It is advisable to avoid consuming the spice during pregnancy and breastfeeding.