Benefits of Star Anise
It's easy to recognize a whole star anise because this dried fruit looks like a star with between five to twelve points. The most common is eight points. Anise star is also known as Badian anise, Chinese anise, and also Indian anise.
Within the pods are anise star seeds which are used in homeopathy to prepare tinctures. But the aroma, flavor and medicinal benefits come from the dried fruit or pod which contains an essential oil called anethole and 1,4-cineole or eucalyptol. Star anise oil has antibacterial, carminative, stomachic, expectorant and diuretic properties and some other healing benefits.
This spice which is used in many dishes in South East Asian countries is from the illicium verum plant. Anise star has a licorice-like aroma similar to aniseed. But the fragrance and taste is stronger. The outer covering or dried skin is tough.
Because of its carminative and stomachic effects, the oil of anise star is beneficial for the stomach. It helps prevent the formation of intestinal gas and help stimulate digestion and it is used as a remedy to treat gastric.
This strong aromatic spice is also used as a remedy to provide relief to low back pain or lumbago and also rheumatism.
Its antibacterial and antifungal property is helpful in treating asthma, dry cough and bronchitis. You can find the extract added to some cough mixtures because of its expectorant effect and also to add flavor. It may also produce a sedative effect and can help induce sleep.
One of the plant compounds present is shikimic acid. This compound is said to be able to prevent or slow down the spread of the influenza or flu virus. During the swine flu pandemic, this spice was a hot item. Another compound present is linalool which produces antioxidant and antiviral properties. It has the potential to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
It is also chewed as a breath mint to mask bad breath especially after meals. The added benefit of chewing or drinking the tea after a meal is it may prevent bloating and belching.
In 2003, the USFDA that Japanese anise star should not be consumed because it contains a toxic substance called sikimitoxin. So be sure to check its origin when you purchase this spice.
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