Journey of Star Anise
What is Star Anise?
Star anise is a herb also known as chakra phool a native to southwest China and Vietnam , with scientific name Illicium verum Hook. f (Austrobaileyales: Schisandraceae) used as a spice in China and Asia . Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China (2002), considers it both as food and medicine implying its low or non-toxic effects on humans (1) .
Star anise : From Herb Star to Shield star
When the pandemic of flu and influenza came, Tamiflu became the saviours of many. But who made tamiflu both preventive and curative medicine for influenza? It was shikimic acid extracted from Star anise(2,3) that protected us from these influenza viruses. Though pharmacies later came up with one more source of shikimic acid i.e. E coli , but star anise beyond doubt saved many and still remains the first choice , providing a natural shield against these deadly everchanging viruses.
Since ancient times the oil produced from star anise containing thymol, terpineol and anethole, which were used for treating cough and flu (4). Though shikimic acid is believed to be the one acting against influenza virus but its combination with another compound called quercetin commonly found in kale, blueberries, red wine and green tea is supposed to be acting better than tamiflu also (5). Antiviral activities are observed against herpes simplex virus 1 as well (6). Ingesting star anise may also help relieve cough and sore throat (7).
Star anise : A Multiple Benefit Star
Protection against viruses is just one benefit of star anise, but this twinkly earth star have some other benefits also which come along with the package such as it acts as a
Preventer : Star anise is rich in antioxidants(8), vitamin A and C thus preventing progress of chronic diseases(9) like ageing and diabetes.
Protector : Help reduce cancer risk(10) by its action on free radicals.
Fighter : Star anise extracts and essential oils have antifungal( 11, 12) abilities, especially against Candida albicans, a common yeast infection. It has antibacterial properties. Four antimicrobial compounds derived from the spice were effective against nearly 70 strains of drug-resistant bacteria(13).
Palliator : Improve digestion and Star anise tea may help alleviate digestive complaints like gas, abdominal cramps, indigestion, bloating and constipation (7).
Pacifier : Spice has mild sedative properties that may aid in calming nerves and ease sleep disorders(7)
How to use Star Anise ?
Star anise is sweet and licorice-like and tastes well with coriander, cinnamon, cardamom and clove. It’s considered a key ingredient in five-spice powder, a spice mixture used in Chinese cuisine that also includes cloves, Chinese cinnamon, fennel seeds and Sichuan pepper, and is also sometimes added to other spice mixes like garam masala. It’s even a secret ingredient in some baked goods and desserts.
Personally, not being a very big fan of using garam masalas in my daily meals, i mainly use whole pods of star anise while making lentils.When i started adding these pods (1-2) once or twice a week , i noticed less susceptibility of my husband landing up with those nasty cold episodes and he is one of those people who starts sneezing with even slight variation of temepatures. I also know a friend of mine who uses star anise water ( adding 2-4 pods in 1 ltr of water, boil and then use) in every cold episode and it works wonders for her.
You may brew a soothing cup of hot star anise tea with 1 or 2 pods in boiling water or It can be ground up and used as a spice or used whole to deepen the flavor and aroma of soup, stew, coffee or broth. Star anise oil is commonly used as a natural preservative. Here are Some recipes with star anise :
Star Anise : Pandora Box
In nature if we can find medicines we have poisons as well thus nature gives us japanese star anise which is poisonous and chinese star anise which act as a medicine. But ,
“ ONE MAN MEDICINE CAN BE OTHER MAN POISON”
So, If you fall under these groups, refrain from using the oil or consuming high amounts of star anise altogether:
Children below 5 years old (14)
Pregnant women
People with endometriosis or estrogen-dependent cancers
While there's information citing star anise's potential in increasing breastmilk production, talk to your physician before using the essential oil or consuming high doses of this spice. It's said that star anise, as well as other herbs like yarrow, chickweed and buckthorn, may pass through breastmilk and affect your infant(7) One study found that after star anise tea was given to young infants to relieve colic, neurological troubles occurred, with symptoms such as tremors, spasms and vomiting which was mostly believed to be adultered with japenese star anise(15). So, always consult your physician before consuming high doses of these spices and also be aware of the source and adultration.