benefits of star anise

Anise is an annual herb from the family of Umbelliferae the family of plants like carrot fennel and parsnip. It has light green colored leafs and small white flowers. The plant requires a warm climate with a long frost free period.

The anise seeds have been used since ancient times for their content of aromatic essential oil in traditional medicine for cosmetics alcoholic beverages like anisette arrack ouzo and raki and in cooking.The ripe seeds of anise contain about 2.5% of fragrant oil that is responsible for most of the beneficial effect associated with them. The oil consists mostly of antheole and its derivatives like diantheole and photoantheole.

Anise oil is not without side effects as large quantities used internally can cause nausea and vomiting seizures and even pulmonary edema. This is why pure anise oil should not be used internally as pulmonary edema has occurred after ingestion of such a small quantity as 1 5ml pure anise oil.

Star anise is the world s greatest source of the shikimic acid compound which is also found in ginkgo ginger fennel and sweetgum fruit and is used by pharmaceutical companies to produce the anti flu medication Tamiflu. The shikimic acid combines with other components in star anise to act as a neuraminidase inhibitor which blocks an enzyme that facilitates the replication of viral particles from body cells.

Star anise also gets its distinctive sweet licorice flavor from a chemical compound called anethole. The anethole is helpful for digestion and improves symptoms of colic in babies and irritable bowel syndrome in adults. It is thought to activate enzymes within the body to improve the digestive process of proteins and fats. In this way it reduces gas and bloating and improves nutritional absorption.

The combination of compounds including diantheole and photoantheole in star anise also promote lactation in nursing mothers. They also increase libido and help reduce symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. However this herb should not be used during pregnancy due to its effect on female hormone levels and the potential for complications.

Star Anise Essential Oil has an aroma similar to black licorice. Star Anise Oil can be useful in diffuser and inhaler blends intended to help ease bronchitis colds and the flu.Star Anise Oil may also be helpful in aromatherapy blends that are intended to help digestion and muscular aches or pains.

Star anise is prescribed as a digestive aid and to help cure colic in babies. More recently Shikimic Acid extracted from star anise is one of the chief ingredients in the antiviral Tamiflu drug used to fight avian influenza.

Star anise is available in packages in Asian supermarkets. When purchasing star anise, look for whole pieces that arent broken. At home, store star anise in a sealed container in a cool dark place. Properly stored, star anise will last for several months. Discard once the flavor fades.star anise is usually added whole (not broken into pieces) and discarded before serving. Occasionally, you may find stir fry recipes calling for ground star anise.

Anise will get rid of oily skin improve your memory calm a cough produce breast milk and serve as a natural antacid in place of either Tums or Rolaids for heartburn and indigestion. Simply bring a quart (~liter) of water to a boil add 7 teaspoons of dried Anise. Reduce heat and simmer to about one and a half pints strain and add four teaspoons each of honey and Glycerin (used to preserve syrup tea). Take two teaspoons of this syrup every few hours to relieve hacking coughs; two tablespoons three times daily to enhance memory. As a tea omit honey and glycerin drink two cups once or twice daily for skin problems lactation and stomach problems.