Amazing Star Anise to Enhance Immunity And Lifestyle Issues With The

Dear readers… In this blog, I have tried to provide some valid information about the commonly used spice called star anise, and its nutritional benefits as well as its risks.
 star anise
  (Image: Balcony Garden Web)

Introduction:

Star anise, scientifically called Illicium verum, is an evergreen slight, medium-sized tree from the plant family Illiciaceae. The most popular species of the Illicium genus are star anise (Illicium verum). It is cultivated in tropical areas of East Asia and Southeast Asia and has 166 varieties and 42 species. 

They all differ in habitat, physical contour, and chemical texture. It’s called phool chakri in Hindi and star anise in English. It is a hard pericarp of the star anise tree’s fruit and can be ground into a powder to be used as a spice or used whole in specific dishes and preparations.

Leading dietician and weight loss expert, Avni Kaul, shares some of the benefits your health may gain by combining star anise in your diet.

Avni says the star-shaped spice is much in demand due to its strong chemical mixes found in star anise oil. This herb also has a solution named shikimic acid, an important part of anti-influenza drugs worldwide.

There are many varieties of star anise, some of which are harmful to eat. So be careful before cultivating it on your own or buying it from a shop. When absorbed in restraint, this spice could deliver multiple health benefits.

Advantages

Useful for skin

Huge levels of several antioxidants in star anise enable the discarding of free radicals from all parts of the body, largely those that inflict oxidative strain on the skin. This could assist in lessening the sight of wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, and covering old blemishes to keep the skin youthful and robust.

Improves immunity

One of the best health benefits is that it increases the immune system. For centuries, this spice has been in practice to deal with bacterial stomach infections and germs in other body parts. This spice is significant in fighting numerous antibiotic-resistant bacterial concerns, making it profitable for the pharmaceutical industry.

Sleep problems

Numerous studies have proved that star anise retains some degree of sedative elements. It also has antioxidant levels and magnesium volume in it. This allows accelerating the release of particular neurotransmitters which boost relaxation and sleep. So, this spice is invaluable for people who have issues like insomnia or day-to-day disturbed sleep habits.

Respiratory infections

Star anise also works in promoting respiratory fitness. If you are battling a cough or an irritable throat, or suffering the early bouts of the flu, having a cup of star anise tea might diminish the inflammation rapidly. And nullify the underlying infection before further serious signs appear.

Fungal infections

This spice has effective anti-fungal properties. It is a promising natural remedy for many fungal infections, such as ringworm, Athlete’s foot, candida, and other widespread problems. An everyday dose of star anise tea could provide your immune system the necessary boost against those pathogens.

Digestion

Research indicates that star anise is a good digestive, and it should be consumed after the meal to enable good digestion. It aids in reducing bloating and high flatulence while easing spasms and assisting the bacterial ratio in the abdomen for large nutrient uptake efficiency.

Prevention of cancer

Conditions provoked by free radicals and nicotine, such as cancer, might be influenced by star anise, as star anise may contain anti-cancer properties. It may impact damaged DNA responsible for triggering cancer and stop spreading cancer cells. Still, more research is required to prove such claims. 

  (Image: Kerala Spices Online)

Nutritional Value

Nutritional                            
Component  
Value per 100 g
Total Fat 16 g
Saturated Fat  0.6 g
Sodium  16 mg
Total carbohydrate50 g
Dietary fiber   18 g
Protein                             18 g
Calcium646 mg
Iron37 mg
Potassium 1441 mg
100 g almost 359 Kcal energy

Properties

There are several potential usages that can be applied both internally as well as externally. Following are some of the probable characteristics:

  • It may be an antispasmodic (used to rid muscle cramps).
  • It may act as an expectorant (used to deal with cough).
  • It may be an antimicrobial.
  • It may act as a painkiller (soothes pain).
  • It may act like a sedative (causes sleep).
  • It may have an anticancer capacity.
  • It may act as an antidiarrheal.
  • It might work as a diuretic (which causes the kidneys to produce more urine).
  • It may have an anti-inflammatory trait.
  • It may function as an energizer (makes one feel awake, attentive, and confident).
  • It may perform as a diaphoretic (rises sweating).

How to Use?

Star anise may be utilized as a whole spice, drinking tea, essential oil, and seeds. It is adopted widely in cooking Chinese and Indian cuisines. It is a prominent element of ‘garam masala’. It is also employed in the food business as a nutritious addition. 

It is used in different dishes, drinks, desserts, and spicy soups. It is used in stocks like carrot and tomato powder, dehydrated garlic, beet, and cabbage flakes. Also, It is obtained as a seasoning portion in confectionery.

Before accepting any herbal supplements you must ask a qualified doctor. Do not suspend or dismiss a continuous therapy of modern medication with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without discussion with a competent doctor.

      (Image: Taste of Home)

Safety to Take With Star Anise:

Keep the following facts in mind:

  • It shouldn’t be offered to children as it can result in poisoning with gastrointestinal and neurological manifestations. Thus, do not give this spice to children.
  • A chemical solvent in this spice is quite toxic and may operate as an irritant if eaten up in big amounts.
  • Anise oil, when consumed at 1 to 5 ml, may incite nausea, vomiting, strokes, and pulmonary edema (high amounts of fluid in the lungs) in humans.
  • There is inadequate data on the comfortable use of it during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Better stay on the safer side or talk with your doctor about whether you can consume it during these periods.

Please do not take medicines on your own. Do not alternate or cancel any steady treatment on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the purposes of star anise?

It has many uses varying from cookery purposes to its essential oil being utilized as a perfume. It is used in preparing Chinese and Indian recipes. It’s a critical element of ‘garam masala’ and is also employed as a flavoring ingredient in confectionery.

Is star anise used in making Tamiflu?

Yes, various pharmaceutical companies use star anise which includes a chemical solvent, to make anti-influenza medicine, Tamiflu. Though, additional research is needed.

Is it wise to give star anise flavoring?

No, star anise should not be provided to infants as it can provoke contaminating gastrointestinal and neurological indications. You must take further protection and consult an Ayurvedic physician before offering herbs to children.

Can star anise be consumed during pregnancy?

Resist accepting star anise during pregnancy as there is limited data accessible on the safe usage of star anise during pregnancy.

Can I take star anise while breastfeeding?

There is inadequate knowledge on the safe usage of star anise while breastfeeding. It’s better to be on the safe side and avert star anise. Call your doctor if you want to take star anise while breastfeeding.

-Shashi Thakur

                  *******************

About The Author

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top