Where does star anise come from?
star anise is the fruit of the Chinese star anise (Illicium verum). It comes in the form of an eight-pointed star that contains seeds. It is commonly called “star anise”. The fruits are harvested green, before being dried in the sun. Harvests take place twice a year, in April and October. They then take on a brown color. Star anise is used in cooking, in herbal tea, but also in essential oil. Its use is particularly very common for the preparation of gingerbread. Star anise is often used in drinks, especially in certain alcohols. Liqueurs and aperitifs contain it, including anisette or absinthe.
What are the benefits of star anise?
Star anise has many virtues:
- Facilitate digestion. It relieves stomach aches (antispasmodic action), bloating, flatulence and aerophagia (carminative action). It is also choleretic (it promotes the secretion of bile by the liver). It would also calm the gastro.
- She also has expectorant properties which make it effective against cough fat, colds, flu and bronchitis or even asthma.
- Star anise can be used to prevent bad breath (halitosis).
- It has virtues to calm the stress and the‘anxietyas well as to facilitate sleep.
- It also fights hot flashes related to menopause.
- Effective against skin problems, star anise is recommended to calm the skin, when prepared as a decoction.
How to use star anise?
Star anise can be used in tisane by infusing 3 g of dried fruit in boiling water for 10 to 15 min. One to two stars are enough to prepare this infusion.
It is also possible to prepare a decoction, by pouring 3 g of dried fruit into a cup of cold water to boil for 3 min, then leave to infuse for 10 min. It is possible to drink a cup a day to benefit from its properties against bloating and digestive disorders.
Star anise can also be used in the form ofessential oil for inhalation. A few drops can be poured into boiling water, before covering your head to inhale the steam (remember to close your eyes).
In addition, it is possible to grind the star anise by passing it through a blender using a sturdy food processor. Star anise can also be replaced bygreen anise (to be used with more caution).
What are the contraindications of star anise?
Consuming star anise can be toxic and cause seizures when misused. It is therefore necessary to take breaks between shots. Under no circumstances should the treatment be exceeded for fifteen days. In case of intolerance, you must immediately stop taking.
In addition, infants should not consume it. Star anise is also not recommended for pregnant women.
In the slightest doubt, it is advised to consult a doctor before consuming star anise.
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