Content
Star anise, also known as anise star, is a spice that is made from the fruit of an Asian tree species calledIlicium verum. This spice is usually easily found in dry form in supermarkets.
Although it is widely used in cooking to impart a sweet taste to some preparations, star anise also has several health benefits due to its components, especially anethole, which appears to be the substance present in the highest concentration.
Star anise is sometimes confused with green anise, which is fennel, but these are completely different medicinal plants. Learn more about green anise, also known as fennel.
Some of the main proven health benefits of star anise are:
1. Fighting yeast infections
Because it is rich in anethole, star anise has a strong action against various types of microorganisms, including fungi. According to laboratory studies, the star anise extract is able to inhibit the growth of fungi as Candida Albicans, Brotytis cinerea andColletotrichum gloeosporioides.
2. Eliminate bacterial infections
In addition to its function against fungi, star anise anethole also prevents the growth of bacteria. So far, action against bacteria has been identified Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coliin the laboratory. These bacteria are responsible for various types of infections, such as gastroenteritis, urinary tract infection or skin infection.
In addition to anethole, studies indicate that other substances present in star anise may also contribute to its antibacterial action, such as anisic aldehyde, anisic ketone or anisic alcohol.
3. Strengthen the immune system
Like most aromatic plants, star anise has good antioxidant action due to the presence of phenolic compounds in its composition. Although some investigations have identified that the antioxidant power of star anise appears to be lower than that of other aromatic plants, this action continues to help strengthen the immune system, since it eliminates free radicals that hinder the correct functioning of the body.
In addition, the antioxidant action has also been linked to decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and even of developing cancer.
4. Help with the treatment of flu
Star anise is a natural deposit of xiquímico acid, a substance that is used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce the antiviral medicine oseltamivir, better known as Tamiflu. This remedy is used to prevent and treat infections by the Influenza A and B viruses, which are responsible for the flu.
5. Eliminate and repel insects
According to some investigations made with the essential oil of star anise, it was identified that the spice has an insecticidal and repellent action against some types of insects. In the laboratory, its action against "fruit flies", Germanic cockroaches, beetles and even small snails was confirmed.
6. Facilitate digestion and fight gases
Although there are no scientific studies that confirm the digestive action of star anise, several reports of popular use point this spice as an excellent natural way to facilitate digestion, especially after very heavy and fatty meals.
In addition, star anise also appears to have a carminative action, which helps to prevent the accumulation of gases in the stomach and intestine.
Check out the benefits of other aromatic spices, such as cloves or cinnamon, for example.
How to use star anise
The most popular way to use star anise is to include dried fruit in some culinary preparations, as it is a very versatile spice that can be used to prepare sweet or savory dishes.
However, star anise can also be used in the form of essential oil, which can be purchased in some natural stores, or in the form of tea. To make tea, follow the step by step:
Ingredients
- 2 grams of star anise;
- 250 ml of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Place the star anise in the boiling water and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Then remove the star anise, let it warm and drink it 2 to 3 times a day. To improve or change the flavor, a slice of lemon can also be added, for example.
If star anise is used to improve digestion, it is recommended to drink tea immediately after a meal.
Possible side effects
Star anise is considered safe, especially when used in the preparation of dishes. In the case of tea, there are still few studies that evaluate its side effects. Still, some people seem to report some nausea after ingesting large amounts. In the case of essential oil, if applied directly to the skin, it can cause skin irritation.
When not to be used
Star anise is contraindicated for people with hypersensitivity, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children.