benefits of star anise

Anethole is an essential oil in star anise which gives it a licorice flavor. It is effective against some types of bacteria. Data published in the February 2002 edition of Phytotherapy Research showed the anethole isolated from star anise protective against some micro organisms. Anethole can prevent the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. E. coli spread by contamination of food primarily affects the digestive system causing vomiting and diarrhea. Staphylococcus aureus found on food and some surfaces frequently infects the skin.

The chemical compound anethole as found in star anise has anti inflammatory properties according to information presented in the July 2005 journal Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. An experiment conducted with animals showed anethole compounds as effective as the anti inflammatory drug indometacin. Anethole is also an anti oxidant and will kill fungus. The anti fungal ability of star anise is powerful

Star anise is a traditional Asian remedy for colic in babies. The article suggests parents not give any star anise even in the form of tea to infants. Adults should be careful when drinking star anise tea and make sure it does not contain the Japanese variety. When using a plant for medicinal purposes it is advisable to consult a physician.

Star anise is a type of fruit. It grows in China Japan and many other countries in Asia. Due to its sweet taste and rich fragrance it is used as a cooking ingredient for flavoring curries and for pickling. It has an aniseed like flavor odor and taste.Star anise has many uses in the kitchen and out of it as well. The fruit is used to obtain a volatile oil which is colorless or pale yellow with an anise oil like odor and aromatic taste. The fatty oil obtained from the star anise fruit is used as a raw material in the production of soap. The fatty oil extracted from its fruit is also used as an edible oil. It is also used in making perfumes. In many countries it is also used as a mouth freshener. Star anise is an important ingredient in stews and curries.

It can be applied externally for the treatment of many skin diseases. The fruit is helpful in digestion and is also used to prevent colic in babies. Star anise is also used to extract Shikimic Acid which is used for making antiviral medicines for the Tami flu and also for the prevention of avian influenza. In addition it is also used as a diuretic medicine. Star anise can also be used to cure stomach aches caused by the accumulation of intestinal gas. This versatile fruit also helps in preventing headaches and promoting good health and vitality.

Star anise seeds contain ingredients that might have activity against bacteria yeast and fungi. People try star anise for treating flu because it is a good source of shikimic acid which is used in the manufacture of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) a flu treatment. However there isn t any research showing that star anise has any activity against viruses such as the flu virus.

Western cuisines have long used anise to flavor some dishes drinks and candies and the word is used for both the species of herb and its licorice like flavor. The most powerful flavor component of the essential oil of anise anethole is found in both anise and an unrelated spice called star anise (Illicium verum) widely used in South Asian Southeast Asian and East Asian dishes. Star anise is considerably less expensive to produce and has gradually displaced Pimpinella anisum in Western markets. While formerly produced in larger quantities

Anise is used to flavor Middle Eastern arak, Colombian aguardiente, French spirits absinthe, anisette and pastis, Greek ouzo, Bulgarian mastika, Macedonian, German J?germeister, Italian sambuca, Dutch Brokmopke, Portuguese, Peruvian and Spanish an?sado, Mexican Xtabent?n and Turkish rak?. In these liquors, it is clear, but on addition of water becomes cloudy, a phenomenon known as the ouzo effect. It is believed to be one of the secret ingredients in the French liqueur Chartreuse. It is also used in some root beers, such as Virgils in the United States.

Star Anise have large dark green leaves and star shaped woody fruits that are made up of 8 separate carpels. Inside each of these carpels is a light brown seed. When steam distilled the seeds of the Star Anise have a strong liquorice like fragrance. As well as being used in perfumery the Star Anise is used as a spice to flavour foods such as baked goods chewing gum liqueurs brandies and meat products.

There is no proven safe or effective dose for star anise. Products containing 5 10% of essential oil have been inhaled. Typical doses of star anise may include one cup of tea or 0.5 1 grams of the coarsely ground seed boiled in 150 milliliters water for 120 minutes and then straining. Ground star anise has been taken in a dose of 3 grams daily. The essential oil of star anise in a dose of 300 milligrams daily has also been reported.