Illicium verum, commonly known as Star anise, star aniseed, or Chinese star anise is a spice that closely looks like anise in flavor, obtained from the star-shaped pericarp of Illicium verum. It is a medium-sized native evergreen tree of northeast Vietnam and southwest China. The star shaped fruits are harvested just before ripening and are dried before use. Traditionally used as a spice and also as a healing herb, star anise appears to have medicinal properties that provide it with significant health benefits. It is important to note that you should only use the Chinese variety as there are concerns regarding the toxicity of Japanese star anise.
Star anise tastes much like a standard anise seed, but slightly bitterer, which is why some chefs use it to provide a licorice flavor for some dishes. Some people think that star anise and anise seed are the same. While both spices contain an essential oil called anethole, their similarities end here. For starters, anise seed belongs to the Apiaceae family and star anise comes from the Schisandraceae family. Anise seed is used more in Western dishes, particularly in Greek and French cuisine, since it has an intense, aromatic flavor that’s good for sauces. On the other hand, star anise is more common in Asian cooking. The spice is added whole to dishes to let its flavor infuse your cooking, or ground and added more sparingly. Star anise is actually the hard pericarp of the fruit of the star anise tree, which is scientifically known [2]as Illicium verum. Native to Southeast Asia and parts of China, this hardened fruit can be ground into a valuable powder to be used as a spice or even used whole in certain preparations and dishes. This star-shaped spice is highly desired due to its active chemical compounds, particularly those found in star anise oil. This herb also contains a compound called shikimic acid, which is a very important part of anti-influenza medications around the world. Extracting and processing this acid takes an entire year, so the cost of this herb is largely determined by the global demand for influenza medications.
However, this herb has been used for thousands of years for culinary and traditional medical applications due to its flavor, which closely resembles the more expensive aniseed, as well as its rich nutrient density. The name star anise is a combination of its shape and its similarity in flavor to aniseed. Although the plants are not related, the presence of anethole in both plants provides the distinctive licorice flavor, which makes it so popular in cooking.
There are a few different variations of star anise, some of which are toxic to consume, so caution should be taken when cultivating your own or purchasing from a new herbalist/natural healer. When used in moderation, this spice can also provide an impressive list of health benefits.
Improves Digestive System Consuming star anise infused tea stimulates the metabolic enzymes. The concoction is an excellent remedial cure for indigestion, constipation, and other digestion related problems.
Fights Fungal Infections Star anise helps in tackling a common fungal infection - Candida albicans, which is marked by overgrowth of fungus in the mouth, genital areas, throat and intestine.
Stimulant Star anise can boost the entire metabolism by stimulating circulation, and thus provide relief from rheumatism and arthritis. It is also known to stimulate the nervous system, and the brain, to make you alert and active.
Vermifuge The insecticidal property of star anise can kill worms found in the intestines. This property can be particularly beneficial for young children, who are commonly afflicted with intestinal worms.
Sedating Properties Star anise is also used for its sedating properties. A cup of soothing star anise tea before going to bed can help your nerves to settle down and also ensure a good night's sleep.
Antioxidant Star Anise contains good amounts of antioxidants and essential vitamins, such as vitamin-C and vitamin-A. The spice preparations are an excellent remedy for asthma and bronchitis cough.
Cold Relief Star Anise brewed seed water is very helpful in relieving sore throats and a running nose. Its antifungal and antibacterial abilities can help you keep flu and other viral infections at bay.
Heals Rheumatism Star anise contains numerous potent ingredients that have been linked to healing properties. Star anise oil is highly effective in healing rheumatism. It gives an instant relief from the lower backache.