benefits of star anise

Only those who are suffering from gas know what a relief it is to get rid of it. Gas is not funny at all. It is a very serious ailment and must be treated in a timely manner. It gives rise to indigestion flatulence acute chest pain stomach aches muscular cramps and pains rheumatism in the long run heaviness hypertension and even problems like hair loss and reduction of eyesight if it becomes chronic. Anise essential oil promotes the removal of gases and as a digestive it does not let it form as indigestion is the cause of excess gas.

The warming effect of this oil on the respiratory and the circulatory systems makes it a cordial. This property helps counter colds the deposition of phlegm and problems like rheumatism and arthritis.

This oil of anise is very effective in clearing congestion in the lungs and the respiratory tracts for conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

This property of anise and anise essential oil is very commonly used to promote digestion. It has been an old practice to chew Anise seeds to serve desserts containing Anise or to have a glass of warm water with few drops of anise essential oil in it to aid digestion especially after a heavy meal or a feast.

This oil is really remarkable as an expectorant and this property earned it an impressive reputation. It loosens mucus or phlegm deposited in the lungs and respiratory tracts and gives relief from cough heaviness in the chest breathing troubles asthma bronchitis congestion and other respiratory disorders. Due to the presence of this essential oil in the seeds the seeds are used for smoking to loosen catarrh or phlegm.

The essential oil of anise is toxic to insects and smaller animals therefore its smell keeps insects away. For this reason this oil can be employed to drive away insects by using it in fumigants vaporizers and sprays.

It is used as a sedative for anxiety nervous afflictions depression anger and stress as well as for symptoms such as insomnia due to its tranquilizing and relaxing effects. This effect is particularly visible when it is used in higher dosages since in very small doses it acts as a stimulant. However the utmost care should be taken while administering it in heavy doses keeping in view its narcotic effects.

The stimulating property of anise essential oil can benefit us in the following ways. It can stimulate circulation and give relief from rheumatism and arthritis stimulate secretion of enzymes and hormones thus boosting the whole metabolism and finally it can stimulate the nervous system and the brain to make us more active and alert.

This is yet another aspect of its insecticidal property. It can kill worms found in the intestines. This property can be particularly beneficial for children as they are most commonly afflicted with intestinal worms.

In heavy doses it has narcotic effects and slows down respiration and circulation. It is poisonous to certain small animals and birds and therefore children should not be given high doses. Furthermore it may cause irritation to certain skin types. It is best to avoid it during pregnancy. It may also aggravate certain types of cancers caused due to its effect on the estrogen hormone.