Star anise is a very popular spice, which provides a lot of flavor and aroma to dishes. It originates from China and is known for its medicinal properties. Star anise is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fibers and healthy fats and also has a good amount of vitamin A. Vitamin C, iron, magnesium, copper and calcium.
anise varieties
Undoubtedly, the best known is star anise, but there are more varieties and we will see them below:
Green anise (or traditional): It is the one that has been used since man is man or, rather, since the time of the pharaohs of Egypt, where this medicinal plant originates. Its main purpose is to alleviate the digestive health of the person who consumes it. Its main property is the essential oil rich in anethole. It also contains flavinoids, vitamin C and is rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus or magnesium, among others.
Star anise (Chinese anise): It has been used in traditional medicine in its country of origin, China, to treat digestive problems. It is the one that has the highest quality of all, its flavor is sweet and has light touches of liquorice. It has digestive, carminative, stimulant and analgesic properties, thanks to anethole, which is ideal for relieving bone pain, such as those of rheumatic people.
Japanese anise: It is not known at all because it is prohibited for human consumption, because it is very toxic and can cause urinary and digestive problems. This is because it contains anisatine, which causes inflammation in the urinary tract and kidneys. However, it is an excellent aromatic, which is why it is used as an incense.
Anise from Florence: This is known as fennel and it is native to the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to being used in gastronomy, as far as health properties are concerned, it is worth mentioning that, like the rest of the anise mentioned, it is rich in essential oil that contains anethole, fenchone and estragole, in addition to having carminative and diuretic properties.
Benefits
Good for the nervous system
Anise is not only perfect for the digestive system but also to get rid of stress and calm the nerves. We can achieve this thanks to the infusions of anise that usually leave us as new and totally relax to sleep peacefully.
Fight fungal infections
Being rich in anethole, star anise exerts a strong antimicrobial action, including fungi. According to some studies carried out in the laboratory, star anise extract is capable of inhibiting the growth of fungi such as Candida albicans, Brotytis cinerea and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. These bacteria are responsible for various types of infections, such as gastroenteritis, urinary tract infection or skin infection.
For respiratory problems
The expectorant and soothing properties of this ingredient are used in natural medicine as a complement to calm persistent coughs, colds and other discomforts of the respiratory system.
It even seems that it helps to dilute and eliminate the mucus that obstructs the respiratory tract in the face of this type of disease. It is also useful in case of flu due to its antiviral activity.
Breath
Star anise is part of the formula of various toothpastes for its antibacterial properties, so it can also be chewed to ward off germs and bad breath.
Accelerates collagen production and prevents skin aging
Another of the properties of star anise for the skin is that it contains different nutrients that accelerate the formation of collagen, which is responsible for keeping our skin young and smooth. Star anise has excellent regenerative properties thanks to its richness in: vitamin C, essential both for the production of collagen and for its strengthening, and it also has a high content of tannins (flavonoids) that also help increase the natural production of collagen already keep the skin elastic and firm.
Facilitate digestion and combat gases
Star anise has carminative and anti-inflammatory action, so it can be consumed after very heavy and fatty meals, since it is capable of facilitating digestion and preventing the accumulation of gases in the stomach and intestine.
Also, according to some studies, when star anise is consumed together with chamomile, it is possible to combat diarrhea.
anise infusions
The infusions should be prepared as follows: add an anise star (approx. 1 g), or a filter bag, to a cup of boiling water, cover, let stand for five minutes and filter. Its use is recommended after main meals or when there is a feeling of flatulence.
How much anise to put in the infusion
Infants and children under 2 years of age: 1 tablespoon (10 ml) of the infusion prepared as mentioned above, either directly or dissolved in a glass or bottle with a little water. Never exceed this dose.
Children from 2 to 6 years old: 4 tablespoons of the infusion, either directly or dissolved in a little water.
Children from 6 to 12 years: half a cup of infusion.
Adults: a cup of infusion.
culinary uses
Star anise is widely used in oriental cuisine as a condiment, particularly in China, as it is part of the ingredients of the famous five-spice powder, a mixture that combines the 5 flavors of Chinese cuisine, and whose content is the star anise, Sichuan pepper, cinnamon, cloves and fennel seeds. The flavor of star anise is the one that predominates in the mixture.
This spice has been used abundantly in the kitchen in both sweet and savory dishes, being present in the preparation of vegetables, breads, cakes, syrups and even candies. In Venezuela, star anise is commonly used in the preparation of typical Christmas dishes.
In general, anise is a good resource to complement the flavor of both desserts and roasts, there are even those who consider that this species has stimulating qualities, which makes it an important ingredient in the preparation of aphrodisiac meals
Contraindications of star anise
Star anise does not present major contraindications, but it is necessary to know that anethole, its main active ingredient, is toxic in large quantities.
This component can be bad for the liver in people who have this organ damaged. Therefore, people with alcoholism, cirrhosis or hepatitis problems should avoid consuming star anise.