Star anise (in English, Star Anise) is a type of star-shaped spice, taken from an evergreen Asian tree called the true Lysum tree (Lllicium Veroum), and it is a common spice used in Chinese cuisine and has a taste similar to licorice, and there are many benefits to this The type of spice we will learn about in detail in this article.

Benefits of star anise

There are a large number of benefits of this type of anise, including the following:

1. Nutrition

It is free of calories, fat, carbs, and sodium, and is a rich source of botanical compounds that promote a healthy body.

2. Fights free radicals

It is a rich source of antioxidants because it contains a chemical called linalool, and antioxidants contribute to fighting free radicals that may cause cellular damage, and be the cause of several diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

3. Resistance to fungal infection

Star anise contributes to fighting a common type of fungal infection that affects the skin called candidiasis, which appears on various areas of the body in the form of white spots, and these fungi cause an effect on the surface of the skin, mouth, throat and genitals.

4. Influenza treatment

This type of anise contains shikimic acid, which is a component that has effective anti-retroviral properties and is mainly used in the composition of one of the famous medicines for the treatment of influenza, and although it is used in the treatment of influenza, there is a need for more research to use it primarily in the treatment of other viral infections. that infect humans.

5. Helping rheumatoid arthritis patients

The oil extracted from these herbs can be used by massage to relieve pain for people with rheumatoid arthritis and lower back pain.

6. Improve digestion

Star anise tea is used in China, other Southeast Asian countries, and the USA after meals, for its ability to treat digestive problems such as bloating, stomach cramps, gas, indigestion, and constipation. It also stimulates digestive enzymes.

7. Overcoming sleep problems

Star anise has sedative properties, which contributes to better sleep for those who have difficulty falling asleep.

Benefits of star anise for women

There are a number of benefits specifically for women, including:

1. Pregnant star anise

The oil extracted from star anise contains thymol, which contributes to enhancing the health of the immune system, and because pregnant women in particular are more susceptible to infections such as colds, water can be drunk and mixed with a little of this extract for prevention.

2. Milk production for breastfeeding women

Studies have proven that the oil extracted from star anise helps increase milk supply for breastfeeding women.

3. Promote sexual health

Star anise contains anethole, which contributes to controlling the level of estrogen in a woman’s body, which positively affects her sexual health.

4. Benefits of star anise for the skin

This type of anise contains a different number of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals that cause skin damage, which contributes to reducing the appearance of wrinkles, treating old scars and maintaining a fresh appearance of the skin.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER; There is no strong scientific evidence to fully prove these benefits and effectiveness of this type of anise in treatment, and more research is needed to prove it, so you should consult your doctor before using it, especially if you suffer from a certain health problem.

star anise uses

• It is usually combined when cooking with other spices such as cloves, coriander, cardamom and cinnamon.
• It can be used as a whole pill or powder.
• Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisines use this type of curry to prepare various soups and meals.
• China used to add this herb with water in the belief that it could cure ailments related to the respiratory system, nausea, constipation, and problems related to digestion.
• Some also use it in the preparation of desserts such as baked fruit, pies and muffins.

Star anise side effects

There are two types of star anise, the Chinese type, which is safe for most people and may cause an allergic reaction, and there is a Japanese type that warns against its use because it causes serious physical symptoms such as epileptic seizures, hallucinations and nausea, and the following are some of the damages resulting from its excessive use:

1. Interaction with some medicines

Excessive use of this type of anise leads to the possibility of interacting with some medicines that are used to treat cancer or regulate hormones in the body.

2. Effect on hormones

Anise generally affects the regulation of hormones in the body, especially the level of estrogen, which may result in mood swings or affect other functions in the body.

3. Allergy

The body’s allergic reaction to the use of star anise varies, it may cause slight itching or may cause stomach upset and infections.

The difference between star anise and regular anise

Star anise and common anise come from different types of trees. The flavor of star anise is stronger than that of regular anise. Asian cuisine tends to use star anise, and the seeds of common anise are used in Mediterranean countries to make various types of herbal teas and bread as well.

After learning about the benefits of star anise, you can, dear reader, try it in a small proportion in food or drink to avoid an allergy to it.