Surely you have ever used the star anise. It is a spice that has been used to reduce gas produced in the stomach, to improve digestion, to treat diarrhea and as a diuretic. Its scientific name is Illicium verum and is originally from China and Vietnam. It is also known by the name of Chinese star anise and we cannot confuse it with Japanese star anise. In Europe it was introduced in the seventeenth century.
In this article we are going to tell you about the medicinal properties and the main characteristics of star anise.
Key features
It is a fruit of a tree that belongs to the Magnoliáceas family. If the conditions are right, this tree can reach up to five meters in height. It is cultivated mainly in China and Japan. It has a star shape, hence its name, up to its tips, although some specimens can be seen with up to twelve. Its color is brown and the stars should be allowed to mature first before being collected and put to dry.
We can find the stars both whole and ground on the market. Its flavor is quite bitter if we compare it with green anise or common anise. There are people who know it by the name of star anise or badian. Star anise has been used by traditional Chinese medicine to treat all digestive disorders. Mainly, it was used to reduce gas produced in the stomach, improve digestion, treat diarrhea and as a diuretic. Some also used it to treat headaches and stimulate vitality.
Properties of star anise
Although it belongs to a different family of green anise, it contains the same active principle and its properties are similar. We are going to analyze all the properties that star anise has:
- Carminatives. This property is what makes the digestive system can expel the gases that accumulate and produce abdominal bloating. There are many people who tend to have a swollen belly or quite annoying flatulence. With these properties we can reduce abdominal cramps that occur during poor digestion.
- Digestive and eupeptic. Help to perform digestion correctly. It is recommended to use in people with loss of appetite.
- Stimulants and diuretics. In ancient times, there were people who employed it to rejuvenate vitality. Being a natural stimulant, it helps us to eliminate fluid retention and causes the elimination of toxins.
- Antispasmodics. Antispasmodic properties help treat pain caused by intestinal colic.
- Expectorants. For people who have a persistent cough, illnesses such as bronchitis, or too much mucus in the digestive tract, such as asthma, using star anise can alleviate all symptoms.
- Emenagogue. This property can be beneficial for women, as it stimulates menstruation.
- Analgesic. Another of the effects to relieve pain such as rheumatics are mainly due to the existence of active principles such as anethole and caryophyllene.
- antimicrobial. Star anise is also used to treat external problems. For example, it can be used to treat skin infections, as long as there are no open wounds or skin irritations.
Benefits of star anise
We have already seen the properties of star anise. Now we are going to focus on some of its benefits. In the western world, a less expensive substitute for common anise is increasingly being used. It is also used in confectionery and in the production of liqueurs such as Galliano liqueur or French Pastis liqueur.
Star anise has long been used as a form of preparation of a tea that will serve as a remedy against colic and rheumatism. When you finish the infusion, the seeds are chewed to facilitate digestion. Additionally, star anise oil can be used effectively to treat mild cases of acne.
Another benefit that it can have is that it can be used in some cases of pediculosis or scabies since it can be toxic with some insects.
Side effects and contraindications
Consuming star anise in adequate amounts does not pose a health risk, only to people who are allergic to it. However, if ingested in larger amounts than recommended, the active substance anethole can cause symptoms ranging from muscle spasms to mental confusion and drowsiness. These symptoms are due to the effect or narcotic that the active principle has and that manifests itself if the concentrations are higher than recommended.
There is a risk of poisoning from excessive consumption when used for internal use in the form of pure essential oils. If it is taken through infusions or ground powder, it is more difficult to become intoxicated, since the toxicity of these anisees is much lower. The use of star anise is contraindicated during pregnancy and in cases of hyperestrogenism. It is not at all advisable to use this product during lactation since, despite promoting maternal secretion, it cannot be considered as a safe plant for the baby.
To recognize star anise in a natural way, we must see that it is a shrub or perennial that measures between 2 and 5 meters in height. They have lanceolate leaves similar to those of the laurel. The flowers have green and yellowish leaves with pink pigments. The fruit is star-shaped, hence its name. What is edible in the fruit is what is used for medicinal purposes and as a condiment in cooking, especially oriental cuisine.
The benefits are proven in adults. For babies and young children, this plant can have too concentrated properties and can be negative for them. Although, in the past it was used to reduce colic due to debits, before using it it is preferable to consult with your pediatrician.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about star anise and its medicinal properties.