Star anise, what is it? Utility, benefits and how to use

Star anise is an aromatic medicinal plant that can be used in cooking and also for external use as skin.

Star anise is a plant of Chinese and Vietnamese origin, used to enhance cooking. Its medicinal properties contain high healing power. Therefore, if your interest is cooking and maintaining your health, anise is the best option to add to your food.

This small, star-shaped plant is a source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins A and C, fiber, calcium, magnesium and even copper. Imagine all of this acting inside the organism. For this, there are several recipes that guarantee flavor and all the action of these properties on the body.

However, there is another species of anise in Japan, very similar to star anise, with ingredients that are not beneficial for health. A Illicium japonica It is quite toxic. So, don’t forget to check where the product came from, if you want to use it.

Benefits of star anise

In principle, in addition to being very nutritious, star anise is used for various purposes. Therefore, you just need to know its benefits to better apply it to your needs. Finally, identify what you are feeling and the functions of the plant, and define how you want to use it, at what times and how you will do so.

Treats seafood poisoning

Star anise can be used if there is any unwanted reaction when eating seafood. Believe it or not, there are many types of poisoning, be it food, medication or accidental, due to substances that were not ingested. Poisoning from food coming from the sea is serious, because there are animals with heavy toxins in the body.

This is where, above all, the action of star anise comes in, because it cleanses the body. Certainly, in a situation of intoxication, you can have reactions such as vomiting and diarrhea, leading to serious dehydration and loss of nutrients. The plant therefore helps not only with cleansing, but also with replenishing these vitamins.

Star anise in digestion

Due to its richness in fiber, the medicinal plant also stimulates, through its aroma, the production of digestive enzymes. These small substances establish the function of absorbing nutrients during digestion, which is why they are important.

Star anise for breastfeeding

Anethole is a compound present in the plant that is responsible for generating aroma and flavor. In addition to the pleasant smells, the compound is also linked to the production of breast milk and is a predominant substance in anise. Therefore, for mothers with newborns, the medicinal plant is highly recommended to keep production up.

Anti-bacterial

Its antibacterial properties are present in the formulas of mouthwashes and toothpastes. In addition to the mouth, anise can also be used to treat wounds, thanks to this same antibacterial property. It positively influences the reconstruction of injured skin, healing and, especially, in inflammatory cases.

Anise is good for the skin

This natural remedy is a rich source of volatile oils. Therefore, it is directly related to skin hydration. Daily application can also act as an antioxidant, delaying skin aging.

Way of use

In principle, star anise recipes are very easy to make. The content can be used either for tea consumption or as part of food; and for external use, such as baths, application to the skin, for example. Therefore, we have put together some recipes for you to try at home and start including it in your routine.

Star anise tea

• 1 teaspoon of star anise
• 1 liter of water

Preparation mode

First, heat the water until it bubbles. Once you reach this point, add the anise and cover the pan with a lid. So, after 10 minutes of infusion, serve the tea in a glass container. So, just sweeten to taste.

Star anise cream

• 2 cups of fresh cream
• 5 broken anise stars (and more to decorate)
• 2 cups of sugar (tea)
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 cups of sugar (tea)
• 1 cup (tea) of water

Preparation mode

Pour the cream into the pan along with the anise and leave until it bubbles. Then strain the cream to remove the plant and add the eggs, sugar and cornstarch. Then, stir well, over low heat, until it thickens. Reserve.

Then, in another pan, add the water and sugar. Leave on low heat until a syrup forms. Then, distribute the cream in small bowls and pour the syrup on top. It is ready for consumption.

Anise bath

Finally, the bath is simple to prepare. If you have a bathtub at home, pour water at a pleasant temperature and add the star anise. However, if you don’t have a bathtub, do it in a bucket and bathe with a mug.

For more recipes read Teas for flu – 7 natural recipes to end the disease

Sources: Ana Maria Braga, Conquiste sua Vida, Blog Minerva, PFarma, Beauty and Health, Things da Roça, Green Me, eCycle, Blog Minerva 2, Tua Saúde

Image sources: Didactic garden, Cia do MAr, Bio Blog, Magazine Luiza, Things da Roça, Casas Clique, Nutriela, Ana Maria Braga, Nutricia