Star Anise: what is it for? Benefits, properties and more!

Star Anise is considered a spice of Asian origin, more precisely from China and Vietnam. The seeds of the plant are star-shaped, and it is from them that properties are extracted through teas, oils, culinary recipes and even its liqueur.

The flavor of the plant is very characteristic and therefore it is very sought after to integrate recipes and drinks. But does not stop there. The medicinal properties make Star Anise a great source of minerals and antioxidants, capable of preventing diseases and helping to maintain the immune system.

In this article you will know everything you need about Star Anise, such as its properties, benefits, and even how to make baths, teas and liqueur. Check out.

Star Anise is a star-shaped seed, which has several benefits for human health and can be consumed in different ways, each in order to extract a benefit.

This spice is widely cultivated on the Asian continent, more precisely in China, being relatively difficult to find in Brazil. Even so, its flavor and medicinal properties have become popular and it is increasingly possible to find dishes, oils and even medicines based on its composition.

Understand a little more about Star Anise in the following topics, such as its properties, its origin, side effects and much more.

Star Anise has medicinal properties that make this plant very rich in health benefits and widely used for disease prevention, especially in the East. Its special aroma also makes it used in cooking, especially in soups, broths, breads and seafood.

Among the special properties of Star Anise are the B Complex vitamins, xaminic acid and Anethole. All of these are chemical components capable of combating various diseases in the human body, serving as the basis for important medicines sold worldwide. Its antioxidant action is also efficient to prevent serious diseases such as cancer.

Star Anise originates from the Asian continent and is now widely cultivated in China, but it is also native to Vietnam and Siberia. Scientifically, it is known as Illicium verum, but it is also known as star anise, Chinese anise, Siberian anise, badiana or Chinese fennel.

It is important to say that there is a Japanese species that is physically very similar, the Japanese Star Anise. However, this is highly poisonous and great care must be taken to avoid confusion. In the West, marketing is not so common, and it is easier to find Star Anise in health food stores.

There is no indication that star anise has side effects when ingested, especially when used in cooking. In the case of teas and oils, the body may react with nausea or allergies if applied directly to the skin.

This happens because the active principle of Star Anise is in fact a little strong, and can even cause low blood pressure, and it is advisable to avoid activities that require a lot of attention after consumption, such as driving. However, there are no side effects other than that that can actually harm your health by consumption.

Starry anise is contraindicated for people who have sensitivity or allergies to unknown causes, as well as for pregnant women, nursing mothers, babies and children.

There are no studies proving any harm that its ingestion can cause, however, for those people who are more vulnerable by definition, it is necessary to avoid exposure. For others, there are no contraindications.

Regarding the medicinal properties of Star Anise, it is true that this plant has many benefits to human health, and, in addition to having no contraindications, it can help cure or prevent several common diseases in everyday life, in addition to to maintain immunity.

Thus, maintaining the habit of ingesting Star Anise is a great way to take care of your health in a natural way.

Below you will find an analysis of the medicinal benefits of Star Anise to better understand the properties of this healing plant, such as the fungicidal effect, natural repellent, immunity booster and much more. Check out.

Star Anise has a component called Anetol, whose effects have already been studied in the laboratory and it has been proven that it has action against various fungi. Among them, the fungus that causes candidiasis, very common among women.

In addition, Anethole also has proven effectiveness against the fungi Brotytis cinerea and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, which also cause fungal diseases. Thus, Star Anise is the source of cure for this type of contamination and therefore its fungicidal action.

The Anethole contained in Star Anise, which helps in the fight against fungi, is also efficient against bacteria that can cause diseases to human beings. Thus, infections such as urinary, skin and gastroenteritis can be fought with the properties of Star Anise.

Furthermore, it is not only Anethole that contributes to the bactericidal effect. In addition to it, Star Anise has ketone, aldehyde and anisic alcohol that also help in the fight against pathologies that can affect the immune system.

Star Anise also has antioxidant action, as well as other aromatic plants. This means that its properties prevent toxins and free radicals from settling in the human body, promoting a true cleaning that keeps health up to date.

This dynamic directly benefits the immune system, which is always healthy and ready to fight impurities and possible diseases. In the long term, the antioxidant action prevents serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

There is also scientific evidence that the effect of Star Anise is capable of repelling insects, that is, that it has insecticidal action and works as a natural repellent.

For this, the most suitable is the essential oil, which has a high concentration of Star Anise components and, if diluted in other oils, such as coconut oil or almond oil, can be passed directly on the skin to avoid mosquitoes and other insects.

Regarding the fight against gases, there is no scientific evidence that Star Anise actually has medicinal effects, however, this is a truth that is widespread in popular culture.

Thus, after heavy meals, the ideal is to have a cup of Star Anise tea, as it prevents the accumulation of gases, constipation and facilitates digestion.

Star Anise is where shikimic acid is also extracted, the basis of the composition of the Tamiflu pill, marketed worldwide to combat flu and respiratory system diseases, more specifically against Influenza A and B viruses.

Therefore, the use of Star Anise is also very efficient against respiratory diseases, having been pointed out as a preventive way during the Covid-19 pandemic to contain the damage caused by the Coronavirus.

Also due to the effect of the ximinic acid contained in Star Anise, consumption of the plant is able to offer an analgesic effect of Star Anise. Therefore, he is indicated for flu, colds and respiratory diseases in general.

It is important to understand, however, that consumption must occur within the first 48 hours of infection. After this period, it is likely that the disease has already evolved and Star Anise does not have sufficient concentration to contain the evolution. Even so, consultation with a doctor is not waived, Star Anise only serves as a palliative in this case.

Another benefit of Star Anise is that it also benefits brain cells, also doing good for the health of this important organ. This is because Star Anise has a large amount of B Complex vitamins, which act directly on brain cells.

Thus, the constant consumption of Star Anise, in addition to helping the body’s immunity in general, also increases the vitality of the brain, guaranteeing a long and healthy life for this important vital organ, avoiding degenerative neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

In addition to all the medicinal properties of Star Anise, which directly benefit human health, this powerful plant is also indicated to improve breath. Thus, when consuming tea or any beverage and even food with Star Anise, there is a significant improvement in mouth odors.

This happens precisely because of its antioxidant effect and its fragrant aroma, which already prevents the deposit of toxins from the mouth and releases its composition in a pleasant way.

The most common and easiest way to ingest Star Anise is through plant tea. In addition to its medicinal properties, tea also has a very pleasant taste, which can be enhanced with lemon, honey and other spices, making it ideal for a break between meals.

Next, you follow the important steps to make Star Anise tea, such as the ingredients, how to make it and the indications. Check out.

The purest way to ingest Star Anise to benefit from its properties is through tea. Thus, tea is indicated to increase immunity and protect against diseases such as colds and flu, to fight fungal diseases such as candidiasis and other medicinal properties, such as respiratory diseases.

Tea still helps in skin care and has a flavor that favors breath after consumption.

To make Star Anise tea, you will need 2g of Star Anise for every 250ml of water. If you need more tea, just multiply the amounts.

You can also use other ingredients like lemon, honey, and even pieces of fruit like apples or berries to enhance the flavor of the tea.

After boiling the water, you must turn off the heat and place the star anise in the container, letting it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. It is important to keep this container covered to avoid heat loss and speed up the process.

You can also put a piece of lemon or a teaspoon of honey to enhance the flavor of the tea, as well as various fruits such as apples, oranges, and whatever you prefer. In that…