Star anise too can be found as Chinese anise or Badian. It is a spice that was found in the regions of China and Vietnam. It is used mainly to treat gas, indigestion, treat diarrhea and eliminate toxins through urine.
Star anise it is not used much in the kitchen, it can be a perfect ally to add to our infusions now that the cold has arrived. We tell you what they are its greatest characteristics and the benefits it brings us.
Properties of star anise
This type of anise belongs to another family different from that of green anise or common. Of course, it contains the same active principle so its properties are very similar.
- Helps our digestions: Improves our digestions, stimulates stomach secretions, it is recommended that people who suffer from hyposecretory dyspepsia and loss of appetite consume it.
- Promotes the expulsion of gases. This reduces abdominal bloating, the belly relaxes and flatulence disappears. In addition, it prevents cramps and abdominals caused by poor digestion.
- Reduces fluid retention. This removes toxins from the body and accumulated fluids in the legs and arms.
- It has antispasmodic properties. This means that it prevents the appearance of intestinal colic.
- It is a powerful expectorant. Reduces coughs, bronchitis and helps clear mucus from the digestive tract. On the other hand, it is beneficial for all those who suffer from asthma.
- Stimulates menstruation.
- Acts as a natural pain reliever. By containing ethanol and caryophyllene, it relieves pain such as rheumatism.
- Can be used topically, as it is a good antimicrobial. Heals skin conditions and treats open wounds or irritations.
Benefits of star anise
Among the properties we can see what are the benefits that anise can bring us.
- It facilitates the digestion of our meals, after a copious meal we can take an anise infusion so as not to have heartburn and help stomach secretions to digestion.
- Relieves the ailment caused by bronchitis, asthma or the flu.
- Regulates menstruation.
- Enhances sexual desire.
- Relieves colic in babies, before giving anise it is essential consult with the pediatrician.
- Whet your appetite and increases the desire to eat.
- It facilitates breathing.
- Activate the blood circulation.
- Relieves cough.
- It is good for the pains produced by rheumatism.
- Promotes the production of breastmilk.
Side effects and contraindications of star anise
We have always commented on it, consume any food in excess can be harmful For our body, in this case, the massive intake of star anise does not pose any serious risk to health, only for those people who are allergic.
People who are allergic suffer from the following symptoms: muscle spasms, confusion, and drowsiness.
The poisoning risks occur when we abuse the product, this time it would be drink anise infusions and also use it in the form of pure essential oil on our skin. If we only take infusions, the risk decreases considerably since in anise there is not so much concentration of its active principles.
Its consumption is not recommended for pregnant women and less in cases of hyperestrogenism. Although some lactating women do take anise as it helps the secretion of breast milk, it is preferable not to consume it for the safety of the baby.
Anise can be found in the form of alcoholic beverage, It is a drink with many degrees of alcohol, which makes it not suitable for alcoholics or minors. Must consume it responsibly.
Anise can be found in any supermarket, its consumption is made in the form of an infusion, for this we would only have to boil a cup of water and two to three stars. Depending on the taste of each one more quantity or other spices can be added.