Star anise: health benefits and harms

Star anise is known to many as an oriental spice, but few people know what benefits the body brings with regular use.

What is star anise and how does it look

Star anise is an exotic fruit of a tree that grows mainly in Southeast Asia and belongs to the Anisov family, the scientific name is illicium. The fruits of star anise look like a flower with narrowed petals, each of which contains a seed. Some also compare it with an eight-pointed star, from where it got its second name - stellate.

What is the difference between star anise and anise

Many people confuse these two spices, but this is not the same thing. If star anise is a dry fruit of a tree, then anise is a seed of an annual plant. Anise has been used in everyday life for a long time, added to dough, drinks. He fell in love with his fresh and at the same time sweetish aroma. However, many people know about anise due to its widespread use in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages. Well-known cancers, absinthe, sambuca, ouzo and many other alcoholic drinks contain just anise.

Star anise is often called star anise. Do not confuse these two completely different spices grown in completely different conditions. The only similarity between them is aroma. The smell is very similar, but still star anise - more spicy, and along with the sweetness there is bitterness. Star anise is often added to tea, coffee, and mulled wine. More detailed comparison:

1. These two spices grow in completely different ways. Anise is an annual that grows in a bush, similar to dill. Star anise is a big tree. After flowering, fruits appear on it that dry out and are used as a spice.
2. Taste features. There is a huge similarity between these two spices. The aroma is very similar, but in an anise star it is more pronounced.
3. The medicinal properties of these spices are also similar. Differences are, but insignificant.
4. Star anise and anise in cooking. Both spices are classified as sweet. Some types of pastries can be sprinkled with anise seeds before baking, but anise is crushed and added directly to the dough.

These two spices are interchangeable, so you can add to your meal what is at hand, this will not spoil the taste of cooking.

Composition and calorie content

Star anise - spice high-calorie. So, per 100 g of product, 337 calories are consumed. The vitamin composition is also rich, it includes vitamins of groups B, A, PP, C, rutin and choline. Star anise contains essential oils, tannin, terpenes and a large amount of protein and carbohydrates. The unique properties possessed by star anise are manifested thanks to the following minerals:

1. Potassium. Favorably affects the water-salt balance of the body, stabilizes the heartbeat, blocks the mutation of cells and improves the functioning of the brain. Potassium affects the ability to work and helps to remove excess fluid from the body.
2. Magnesium. It enhances immunity, strengthens blood vessels and capillaries.
3. Calcium. Strengthens bone and cartilage tissues, restores tooth enamel, normalizes the function of internal secretion organs, favorably affects sperm activity.
4. Phosphorus. Increases mental and physical activity.Promotes the circulation of oxygen to the brain.
5. Iron. It has a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland, prevents anemia and inflammatory processes of the liver.
6. Selenium. It prevents the development of cancer, increases the body's resistance to bacteria, and helps to eliminate toxins.
7. Zinc. Improves the production of testosterone in the blood, promotes the rejuvenation of the body. Helps in the fight against inflammatory processes of the body.
8. Manganese. It stabilizes the reproductive function, regulates protein and fat metabolism, improves the body's production of thyroxine, which has a supporting function for the thyroid gland.
9. Copper. It normalizes the work of the spleen, improves eyesight, increases mental activity and is directly involved in blood formation.

Do not forget that dry anise flowers are a source of two powerful antioxidants. They contain linalol and vitamin C, which perfectly protect the body from harmful toxins. Read more about the beneficial substances contained in anise star:

1. Atenol. A unique substance that helps in the fight against cancer and diabetes. Favorably affects the functioning of the brain.
2. Vitami S. Increases immunity and protects the body from various infections.
3. IN 1. Synthesizes amino acids and enzymes. Regulates the work of three systems at once: nervous, digestive and cardiovascular.
4. Linalol. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Useful properties of star anise

General benefit

Due to the large number of beneficial substances contained in star anise, which comprehensively support the body, it is recognized as very useful and recommended for use.

1. Star anise is widely used in the treatment of colds. It has antipyretic properties, restores respiratory functions and helps to relieve stuffy nose. It is thanks to the above properties that many medicines aimed at combating cough and tonsillitis contain star anise. In case of headaches, it is recommended to inhale the aroma of anise flowers to improve well-being. Those who regularly use this spice in cooking, but do not abuse it, are less likely to get colds.
2. The use of star anise in food helps to restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It is good to take star anise for the prevention of cancers, heart attacks, strokes and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
3. Star anise has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties due to the content of anethole in the composition.
4. Star anise favorably affects the work of the brain, improves cerebral circulation. Those who systematically consume star anise in food have a reduced risk of cerebral hemorrhage.
5. An effective star anise in the treatment of inflammation of the bladder caused by bacterial infections.

For women

Those representatives of the weaker sex who suffer from pain before and during menstruation, will appreciate anis anesthetics as an anesthetic. Tincture from the fruits of star anise also restores the broken cycle.

Few people know that star anise is a powerful aphrodisiac that can arouse sexual desire in women and increase their physiological activity.

For men

As you know, men are more prone to stress than the fairer sex. The stronger sex is experiencing everything in itself, men are less emotional, so the load on the heart is very high. Star anise strengthens the cardiovascular system, favorably affects the heart.

Also, this spice has an exciting effect. Men suffering from low potency, it is recommended to drink a decoction of star anise at least once a week.

During pregnancy

Star anise is categorically contraindicated in pregnant women because of the contained oils and a specific complex of vitamins that can provoke a miscarriage. Star anise used to be used as an abortion drug that causes bleeding.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, nutrition must be taken carefully. Some products negatively affect the production of milk and the well-being of the baby. For example, star anise should be taken at the very beginning to speed up the flow of milk. 10 g of ground star anise should be poured into a glass and pour boiling water. Insist such a decoction for long - just five minutes. Then dilute with milk in a proportion of one to ten and drink instead of tea. When milk arrives, the use of such a drug should be discontinued so as not to harm the child.

The next lactational crisis can occur in a woman when the baby is 3 months old. Often, due to stress during this period, the amount of milk is significantly reduced, then you can prepare an effective remedy from anise star and drink 2 tablespoons three times a day.

For kids

Children under five years old star anise is strictly prohibited. Only mouth rinses are allowed. Breasts, when the teeth are cut, you can sprinkle the oral cavity with a decoction of star anise.

To prepare such a decoction, you need to add an asterisk to star anise an liter of boiling water and cool. By spraying the baby's oral cavity with such a liquid, you can relieve the pain that occurs when teething. But older children are allowed to drink tea with the addition of star anise, one of the properties of which is to increase appetite.

When losing weight

Star anise is a great way to fight excess weight. When used in food, it has a good effect on metabolism and helps with the removal of toxins from the body. Also, anise star essential oil is effective in anti-cellulite massage.

To lose weight, you need to include tea with star anise and cinnamon in your diet. This drug should be drunk before meals. Star anise is useful even if you throw an asterisk in traditional black or green tea and let it brew for several minutes.

Essential oil should be used with anti-cellulite massage, which is necessary in combination with diets and physical exercises to combat excess weight. To make massage oil with star anise, you need to take the base. Almond or olive oil is perfect for her. It must be mixed with star anise oil in a ratio of 10 to 1.

Is tea with star anise useful

Thanks to the vitamin composition of the spice, tea with star anise is very useful and helps with the following ailments:

1. Colds, respiratory infections, bronchitis. If you drink tea during an illness, it will flow much easier. Tea with star anise perfectly cleanses the bronchi and has a coughing effect.
2. Colic that occurs in the intestines. Tea with star anise helps eliminate intestinal upset, abdominal pain and flatulence. Tea with star anise helps with intestinal upset.
3. Women's diseases. It happens that due to taking strong antibiotics in women, the menstrual cycle is disturbed. Tea with star anise helps restore it.
4. Weakened immunity. The drink restores a weakened immune system.

With regular intake of tea with star anise, resistance to seasonal diseases is developed. Such tea is recommended to drink to nursing mothers to increase lactation and restore the body after childbirth in general.

How to brew

Tea with star anise is delicious and very easy to brew. To do this, boil water, drop 2-3 star anise stars into a glass and pour boiling water over it. Tea should be well infused, so you should wait 10-15 minutes. After this, get star anise out of water and add honey to tea to taste. It is recommended to drink hot tea with star anise 2-3 times a day.

Fans of spices can add ground cloves or cinnamon to tea, which will make the taste of the drink more bright and spicy.

The use of star anise in folk medicine

Since ancient times, people knew that spices are effective in treatment, and used them instead of drugs. In the Middle Ages they could not be purchased anywhere, they were sold only in drugstores and cost much more than ordinary everyday products.

In folk medicine, star anise is used for indigestion, cramping, constipation.They treat the digestive system with special decoctions of this spice. Star anise root also has healing properties and is widely used in folk medicine, although only its fruits are used in cooking.

Effective healing recipes based on star anise:

1. Tincture for pain in the stomach and flatulence. Grind three stars of star anise and pour boiling water for an hour. For such an amount of spice two glasses of water are needed. You need to drink tincture half a glass, four times a day.
2. Expectorant for dry cough. Grind 10 stars of star anise, pour 100 g of vodka and put in a cool dark place for 21 days. When coughing, 1 teaspoon of tincture is mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey and taken. This fast-acting remedy will help get rid of cough in a short time.
3. Tea for quick weight loss. In a teapot, place two dry anise flowers and one cinnamon pod. Separately brew black loose tea and pour it into a teapot with spices.
4. Against a sore throat. With angina, it is useful to gargle with a decoction of star anise. 2 tablespoons of ground star anise must be poured with a glass of boiling water, cool, strain and add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Gargle at least twice a day, preferably after each meal.
5. Effective in the fight against parasites. To prepare the product, you need anise powder. 5 g pour a liter of boiling water, cool and strain. Drink one glass twice a day.
6. Miraculous cough recipe. 2 stars of star anise and 4 rosehips pour 300 ml of boiling water. Then cover and let it brew for about 10 minutes. Refill this drink with honey and drink instead of tea. For a day of frequent meals, you can get rid of the hated cough.
7. Effective for the treatment of the oral cavity. 2-3 star anise stars pour a glass of boiling water, then cover and let it brew for 30 minutes. You can add a spoonful of honey or lemon juice. Rinse the mouth after each brushing.

Star anise in cosmetology

Star anise oil is a source of vitamins and nutrients, which is why it is so widely used in cosmetology. One of the main properties of this oil is the regeneration of the skin. Promotes skin rejuvenation, gives it elasticity and smoothness. Effective masks based on an essential oil of star anise:

For very dry skin

Medium-sized potatoes, homemade milk and one drop of star anise oil are needed. Boil the potatoes until cooked and crush with the necessary amount of milk, according to the principle of making mashed potatoes, which are usually prepared for food, but without adding salt. Then add the essential oil there and mix well. Spread the mask over the entire face and leave for half an hour. After rinse with warm water. You can do this procedure 1-2 times a week. A month later, a clear result is visible.

Anti-aging mask

To make such a mask you need fat sour cream, honey and star anise. Mix all three components and apply to the face with a cotton pad. Hold the mask for 10 minutes and rinse with cool water.

For oily skin

Ingredients for the mask: tomato paste, star anise oil and almond oil - drop by drop. Mix the products and apply on the face, avoiding the area around the eyes. Wash off after 20 minutes, after the procedure, the face must be moisturized.

Hair mask for hair loss

To prepare the mask, you need dry mustard - 1 tablespoon, egg yolk and 2 drops of anise star essential oil. Mix and rub all components into the scalp, distribute the remainder along the length of the hair and do not rinse for 20-30 minutes. After the mask, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Do this procedure before each hair wash. The effect is noticeable after two months of regular use.

Fruit hair balm with star anise

To prepare an effective hair balm, which has regenerative properties, you will need a banana, apple, orange and star anise. Mash the banana and add the grated apple to it. Oranges need 4 pieces, medium size. Pour boiling water over citrus fruits and squeeze juice, then add to the fruit mixture.Grind 2 stars of star anise in a coffee grinder and add to fruit. After thorough mixing, apply the balm on the washed hair, hold for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. A vitamin-rich remedy restores damaged hair and makes them softer.

Using star anise oil can significantly improve skin condition. But they use it not only to restore the skin of the face, but also to moisturize the body. Essential oil can cause allergies, so allergy sufferers should consult a doctor before making masks at home.

Cooking Application

Star anise is quite widely used in cooking, both in general and in ground form. This spice is so versatile that it can be added to both sweet and savory dishes. Star anise add:

• in a popular Chinese seasoning called “5 Spices”;
• canned vegetables (most often pumpkins and squash);
• beverages;
• mixture of "garammasala";
• broths and stews;
• confectionery.

The use of star anise in cooking is so wide that there is nothing to count. It can be added both to the curd dessert and to the traditional jelly.

Persimmon jam with star anise

To make this amazingly tasting jam, you need the following ingredients: 6 pieces of persimmon, star anise, half a kilogram of sugar and vanilla stick. The cooking method is very simple. First you need to wash, peel the green tails and cut into medium cubes of persimmon. After that add sugar and star anise. Simmer for two hours. After removing from the stove, cool completely and again put to cook for an hour and a half. Add vanilla to taste at the end. The jam is very tender and delicious.

Home Mulled Wine

Spices and quality wine are the foundation of good mulled wine. The recipe is designed for three servings. Necessary ingredients: 700 g of semisweet red wine, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 2-3 cinnamon sticks, ginger root - a few slices, 3 star anise, several cardamom grains, 2 cloves, 2-3 sweet pepper peas, two pinches of ground nutmeg and half a lemon. Finely chop the lemon and ginger, mix sugar with cinnamon powder. Pour the wine into a saucepan and put on a slow fire, when it becomes hot - add spices, ginger and lemon. At the end add sugar mixed with cinnamon powder.

Do not bring the wine to a boil. It is necessary to remove the drink from the fire at the stage when the wine is about to boil. After removing from the heat, wrap the saucepan with mulled wine in a warm towel and let the drink brew. The towel will not let the mulled wine cool down until the spices added to the wine reveal their aromas. Pouring a drink is recommended after 10-15 minutes.

Homemade tangerine liqueur with star anise

A delicious alcoholic drink that can be easily prepared at home, having the following products: 3 tangerines, 2 star anise, 350 g sugar, 200 g vodka and half a liter of water. To start making liquor, you need to prepare tangerines - wash, rinse with boiling water and peel. Fold the tangerine skins in a separate container and pour vodka. Insist for 4 days in the refrigerator.

Tangerines without a peel need to be packed in a package and also put in the refrigerator. After 3 days, remove the tangerines from the refrigerator, cut, place in a saucepan or stewpan, cover with sugar and add star anise. You do not need to put it in the refrigerator, just leave the pan at room temperature and stir the contents periodically. The next day, add water to the tangerines, put the pan on the fire, bring to a boil and boil for 7-10 minutes. Then remove from heat and let cool completely. Then strain the syrup and add to the tangerine peel with vodka.Leave the mixture for another 2-3 days, then pour into the bottle and that's it - the liquor is ready to drink. The strength of the drink is 20 degrees.

Oven Chicken Legs

A dish that cooks very quickly and turns out delicious. For cooking you need: half a kilogram of chicken drumsticks, 150 g of soy sauce, star anise - 1 star, garlic - 3 teeth, sugar - 1 tablespoon, salt to taste, vinegar - a tablespoon, corn oil - 2 tablespoons and ground pepper. Rinse chicken drumsticks, remove any remaining feathers, if any, and place on a baking sheet. Separately mix the sauce, spices, vinegar and oil, add chopped garlic. Pour the legs with the mixture and send to the preheated oven for 25 minutes. When serving, garnish with herbs.

Most often, star anise is used in the manufacture of sweet pastries: gingerbread, cakes, pies, muffins, in China - in the preparation of dishes of pork meat, duck and beef. Also added to fish dishes and soups.

What can be replaced

In cooking, star anise is considered to be interchangeable with cinnamon, caraway seeds and anise. But the anise is most similar in smell. If there is no star anise at hand, and you plan a culinary masterpiece with its use, you can easily take anise - there is hardly anyone who will feel a huge difference in taste.

Harm and contraindications

In addition to the tremendous benefits that this miraculous plant can bring, star anise can be very harmful to the human body. It is important to know with which components you can combine star anise in order not to cause a negative reaction of the product. How can anise anise be harmful:

1. It is strictly forbidden to combine star anise with dill, as well as lingonberry leaves. This can cause dehydration.
2. People who are on a salt-free diet are also contraindicated in the use of this spice.
3. Star anise is not recommended for people suffering from diseases of the nervous system, epileptics, as well as those who have increased irritability. This spice can only worsen the condition, so it is better not to risk it. People suffering from vegetative-vascular dystonia should consult a doctor before consuming star anise.
4. Anode is contraindicated during pregnancy. He will not do any harm to a woman, but has a negative effect on the development of the fetus. Star anise can cause bleeding, and subsequently a miscarriage.
5. Allergy sufferers should be wary of this product. Allergies can manifest as rash or swelling.

Carefully use essential oil of star anise. Improper use can cause burns to the skin. To avoid this, it is necessary to mix star anise oil with other components.

How to choose and store

Choosing the right spices is not an easy matter. To choose a good star anise, you need to pay attention to its size and color. The color of the “star” should be brown with a reddish tint, and the size should be about 3-4 centimeters. Attention should be paid to the integrity of the fetus.

If the star anise is dark brown, almost black in color, this spice is not recommended. This shade indicates that it was improperly dried. It is easy to check the freshness of the spice by breaking a piece - if the aroma intensifies, then the anise is fresh, if the smell remains the same - do not buy it, it started to disappear. You should also pay attention to the fact that the dry fruits of star anise should in no case be sold with peduncles.

When choosing ground anise, you should pay attention to the color of the powder - ideally, it should be red-brown. If the color is paler or darker than indicated, there is a possibility that it was ground together with branches or it was stored for a long time without packaging and only then it was packaged.

Store star anise, both in asterisks and in milled form, best away from sunlight, in a cool place and in a hermetically sealed plastic container. Glass and wooden containers are also suitable, the main thing is that the lid fits well to the container itself. Shelf life of star anise (under the right conditions) is 12 months, but it is still better to spend the spice earlier, because fragrant seasonings quickly disappear and the smell becomes not so saturated.

Many people are used to storing spices in the refrigerator, and this is a great place to store them, but if this is not possible, you can do with a kitchen cabinet, and most importantly, do not forget about the sealed container.

Interesting facts about star anise

Spices add flavor to any dish. It is with the help of spices that every cook, like a wizard, plays with the taste of food. But before this was not the case - with the help of spices masked the aroma of spoiled products.

Star anise is a plant that is known throughout the world. In addition to the traditional use in cooking, as well as medicinal purposes, in different parts of the world it is used in different ways:

1. The Chinese use dry stars to freshen their breath. They break dry anise flowers, put a part in a mouth and throw it away after a while. Star anise effectively eliminates the smells of piquant foods, even garlic.
2. The Japanese are obsessed with incense. They found a way to use the bark of an anise tree for this purpose.
3. Star anise stars are so beautiful that Europeans manage to use them as an element of decor, especially during the Christmas holidays.
4. Previously, star anise was used in shipbuilding as a dye for wood, from which ships were made.
5. In some peoples, aniseles was used as an amulet. He was revered and even used in fumigations, when performing magical rituals.
6. Star anise is an excellent antidote to venomous snake bites. Residents of the tropics to this day effectively use it in the treatment of patients affected by snake bites.
7. Star anise is widely used in perfumes of cosmetics.

Not everyone knows that star anise destructively affects a number of insects: mosquitoes, lice, fleas, ticks, bugs and moths - categorically do not tolerate the aroma of this fresh spice.

In the Caucasus, a plant grows, which is called "wild anise", but you should be careful, it is poisonous, and you can’t eat it. Despite the slight visual similarities, it is impossible to confuse it with real star anise, as a wild plant exudes an unpleasant odor.

Since the beginning of the 2000s, shikimic acid, which is used in the manufacture of Tamiflu medicine, began to be extracted from star anise. It is effective in controlling bird flu. It is surprising that the source of the virus territorially coincides with the place of germination of anise.

It is also interesting that star anise may burn, but not burn. Reported cases of self-ignition of star anise in direct sunlight. When burning, it has a bright blue flame.

Star anise is just a find not only for the person who cooks, but also for everyone who cares about their health.

Photo star anise