Star Anise Is Different From Anise
Star anise, also called "Badian Khatai", is not like aniseed. It is a fruit of a tiny evergreen tree belonging to the magnolia group (Illicium verum). The unripe green fruit is harvested and dried to resemble a tough, nut-brown seed.
Due to its strong licorice-like scent, star anise is a crucial component of the Chinese five spices, a blend of four other spices: fennel, cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns, and cloves. This versatile spice complements a wide range of foods, from roast duck to spicy almonds, and may even stand in for pumpkin pie spice in the kitchen.
Star Anise Benefits
1. Immunity Booster
A) Strong Antiviral Agent
Powerful antiviral effects may be found in a chemical called shikimic acid. It is one of the main active ingredients of Tamiflu, a popular medicine used to treat influenza.
Star anise advantages have become the major source of shikimic acid used in the production of pharmaceuticals.
As the global health crisis caused by the influenza epidemic worsens, demand for star anise has risen.
B) Powerful Antibacterial Agent
Another important advantage of star anise is its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria linked to a wide variety of common diseases.
A study has shown that star anise oil is as effective as antibiotics against a wide range of antibiotic-resistant harmful microbes. A breakthrough in the development of new antibiotics might benefit greatly from this.
Bioactive components of star anise have shown to be effective in treating urinary tract infections caused by specific bacteria, according to in vitro research.
C) Potent Anti-Fungal
The beneficial flavonoid anethole is plentiful in star anise. This element is responsible for the spice's fragrance and has potent antifungal capabilities.
This element is responsible for the spice's fragrance and has potent antifungal capabilities. Research suggests that trans-anethole, produced from star anise, may inhibit the development of dangerous fungi in some food crops.
The terpene linalool, along with other bioactive compounds in star anise oil, has been demonstrated to suppress biofilm and cell wall growth in pathogenic fungi in test tubes.
2. Promote Skin Health
Star anise has a high antioxidant content and may be used to prevent oxidative stress in the skin and other tissues by detoxifying.
To keep your skin appearing younger and healthy, star anise may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, increase skin smoothness, and minimize scars and acne.
If you want to know more about skin-care routines, check out our Skin Care topics.
3. Respiratory Health Support
4. Brain Health Improvement
As we become older, the brain's activity and ability to do tasks slow down. Star anise is an all-natural drug that improves cognitive function. High levels of antioxidants found in this food herb increase oxygen and nutrients delivered to the brain's most active regions.
Moreover, Star anise is used as a brain stimulant in traditional Chinese medicine to improve attention and concentration.
Furthermore, Star anise is said to improve focus, provide restful sleep, and defend the nervous system. It's also been linked to arousal-inducing properties.
5. Improve Lactation
Star anise is a fantastic nutritional remedy for lactating women. It should come as no surprise that nursing mothers seek comfort while feeding their infants. However, there are several elements that might make this procedure difficult or even unpleasant for them.
If you're having any discomfort or pain during lactating, try some star anise. It also helps prevent mastitis and other infections of the breast tissue by lowering inflammation.
It is also said to assist the liver to perform its function normally so that the mother and baby remain healthy both during and after the pregnancy.
6. Prevent Digestive Issues
Star anise's essential oils are useful for calming stomach aches. Having anti-inflammatory capabilities, they may aid in the treatment of ulcers and reduce the frequency of acid reflux.
If you struggle with bloating or pain due to gas buildup in your stomach or intestines, adding some star anise to your diet may relieve this pain.
7. Anti-diabetic Properties of Star Anise
High blood sugar levels are a leading cause of diabetes, a potentially fatal condition. Excessive blood sugar levels are linked to a variety of major health issues, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, visual loss, and nerve damage.
Star anise's polyphenols may have anti-diabetic effects, according to a 2018 fungal cells investigation. These natural substances from plants contribute to blood pressure regulation and circulatory support.
8. Sedative Effect of Star Anise Oil
Anise star oil has a relaxing influence which can be used to treat stress, anxiety, and depression.
Hysteria, convulsions, and epileptic seizures are just some of the conditions that this oil may help with. The oil's calming odor comes from the nerolidol in it, while the alpha-pinene helps with anxiety.
9. Potential Anti-diarrheal
The effects of the combination of star anise and chamomile on the digestive system were investigated in animal research.
The research suggested that there may be a method to reduce how loose the stools are and how often they need to be evacuated.
The research, therefore, shows the possible use of the chamomile and star anise combination for diarrhea. To assure such effects, additional research on humans is necessary.
10. Potential Anti-caner
Consuming star anise may provide extra benefits that may protect from cancer. The human body has numerous natural methods to cope with oxidants.
Star anise may have an impact on diseases like cancer that are carried on by oxidative stress and nicotine since it may have anti-cancer effects.
It could have an impact on the defective DNA that causes cancer and the spread of cancer cells.
How To Use Star Anise
1. Star Anise In Recipes
Adding star anise spice to Braising, soups, stews, and pickling dishes will make these dishes very beneficial. The well-known pho dish from Vietnam often contains star anise. In the process of making candies, star anise might be handy. Star anise is a popular seasoning for turkeys and pork ribs in Europe, as well as for baking and tea flavoring.
2. Star Anise Tea
Mixing str anise sticks or Pods with any other drinkable herb such as green tea, ginger, cumin, or lemon, is usually of great benefit.
Star Anise Side Effects And Risks
Star anise is generally safe but occasionally dangerous. There is some data that shows star anise consumption may result in blisters, scaling, and swelling, Moreover, Anise has the potential to induce allergic responses in the digestive tract, the respiratory system, and the skin.
References
5. Singletary, Keith W. "Anise: Potential Health Benefits." Nutrition Today 57.2 (2022): 96-109.
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