WHAT IS STAR ANISE?
Star anise is used mainly as a spice but it is also known to have numerous important health benefits. It is a star shaped fruit belonging to a plant native to China called illicium verum.
Star anise is not related to the European anise plants but it has a similar anise or licorice like flavor. It can be used in cooking as a spice or used in a tea.
Star anise contains plenty of important minerals and vitamins including Vitamins A and C as well as small amounts of B vitamins. It also contains calcium and phosphorus but in terms of its medicinal value, perhaps its most important compound is shikimic acid.
Shikimic acid is used as an ingredient in Tamiflu-the influenza medication which has also been used in the battle against swine flu.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF STAR ANISE
1) ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
It is essential that we get as many natural antioxidants into our bodies as possible and star anise is an excellent source of antioxidants thanks to the presence of linalool and Vitamin C. The reason that we need antioxidants is that they help protect us from cellular damage which is caused by exposure to free radicals and environmental toxins.
These free radicals can cause premature aging, as well as putting you in more danger of serious disease like heart disease or cancer.
2) ANTIFUNGAL USES
One of star anise's most impressive benefits is its ability to deal with fungal infections and common yeast infections such as candida albicans. Candida is a naturally occurring fungus which is found in the throat, mouth, intestines and genitals.
This yeast usually causes no problems but unfortunately the balance of microbes can become disturbed when your immune system is weakened for some reason. When this occurs, a candida overgrowth occurs leading to a serious infection called candidiasis.
The potentially good news is that researchers in South Korea have demonstrated that star anise extracts and essential oils derived from the plant exhibit excellent antifungal properties in relation to Candida albicans.
3) ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES
Recent years have seen an increase in bacterial which exhibit increasing resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics. This crisis has created the incentive for scientists to find new and more effective antimicrobial treatments and the search is well and truly underway.
The antibacterial abilities of many natural herbs and plants have been put under the microscope and researchers have already begun to see the antibacterial potential of star anise.
4) FOR INFLUENZA
Star anise is the best natural source of Shikimic acid which is used in the anti-flu medication Tamiflu. Shikimic acid is rare in nature-it is present in sweetgum fruit and ginkgo but occurs in far greater concentrations in star anise.
5) RHEUMATISM AND JOINT PAIN
When applied topically, star anise essential oil is an excellent treatment for rheumatism and back pain. Before using the essential oil it should be combined with a carrier oil and massaged into the affected areas.
6) IMPROVED DIGESTION
Star anise is often prepared as a tea especially in South East Asian countries and China. It is mainly used to deal with a variety of digestive complaints such as gas, abdominal cramps, indigestion, bloating and constipation. To treat any digestive condition that you may be suffering from, it is considered best to drink the tea after your meals.
7) WOMEN'S HEALTH
Star anise has traditionally been used in China to help women during pregnancy and to new mothers wanting to increase their milk production. Traditional Chinese practitioners often prescribe it for pregnant women.
It is used to bolster their immune system and stave off illness during this important time. Researchers have also found that star anise had an estrogenic effect owing to a compound called anethole which helps to modulate hormonal functions in women.
8) SLEEP DISORDERS
According to traditional use and anecdotal evidence, star anise may have mild sedative properties which can help your nerves to settle down and also ensure a good night's sleep. If you are having difficulty getting to sleep, try a cup of soothing star anise tea before going to bed.
9) COUGHS
Star anise tea is an excellent natural remedy to ease a cough and soothe your sore throat. Simply follow the tea instructions below and drink up to three times each day.
HOW TO USE STAR ANISE
If you would like to start reaping the benefits of star anise there are several ways to incorporate it into your healthy diet. It can be added to your meals as a spice or made into a tea.
AS A COOKING SPICE
Star anise can be found as one of five spices used in Chinese 5 spice powder. You can make your own
delicious five spice powder by grinding your star anise and mixing it with the other 4 spices – cloves, fennel seeds, cinnamon and Sichuan pepper.
When used alone, star anise is used to sweeten and flavor soups, stews and various other dishes. Be careful not to use too much as the unmistakable flavor can become overpowering. A piece or two should be sufficient or you can use a pinch or two of powdered star anise instead.
Star anise is also regularly used as an ingredient in sweet dishes like puddings and pastries. Be adventurous and experiment a bit if you enjoy the flavor.
STAR ANISE TEA
Star anise is often used to make a soothing and healing tea. Star anise tea is an excellent remedy for various digestive issues, coughs and sore throats. It is usually made with the seeds.
To make star anise tea follow these simple instructions:
• Boil your water and pour it into a teapot.
• Add 2 star anise seed pods for each cup of water then allow it to seep for up to 15 minutes.
• Strain the tea into a cup and add some honey to taste.
• Drink after each meal if you are trying to deal with a digestive problem or a cough.
STAR ANISE SEED
In Hoodoo Folk Magic, Spell-Craft, and Occultism
ANISE SEED is best known for its use as a flavoring, but in magical practice, it is said to Increase Psychic Abilities and ward off the Evil Eye . As an Apotropaic Charm, a pinch of ANISE SEED is wrapped in a white handkerchief and carried in the pocket. As an aid in the perception of Psychic Phenomena, the inducement of Spiritual Trances, and the promotion of Prophetic Visions of the Future, some folks make up a mojo bag with ANISE SEED, Althaea Leaf, Acacia, Calendula, and Star Anise and keep it beneath the pillow where they sleep. Others brew crushed ANISE SEED in water to drink as a tea before commencing spiritual practices or add it to resin incenses such as Myrrh or Dragon's Blood and burn it while making invocations.
Article Written by: Advisor Robin
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