For many of us, as we age, it’s important for us to be more conscious of what we allow into our bodies. Overall health and wellness have proven extremely necessary as we attempt to ward off conditions that can cause severe health scares and limit our time with family. In today’s climate, the pandemic has taught us how precious every moment we are able to spend with loved ones is.
That’s why it’s important to increase our familiarity with herbs and spices that are not just tasteful in our dishes but are also exceptionally good for our health. Star Anise is one of those spices. In this post, we’ll look at what star anise is and share the many health benefits it brings.
What is Star Anise?
Star Anise is a spice that comes from the fruit Illicium Verum, an evergreen shrub from China. It’s named for the star-shaped pods from which the spice seeds are harvested and has a flavor similar to licorice.
Star Anise dates back 3,000 years and makes up the popular “five-spice” powder mix used in China. In addition to enhancing sweet and savory dishes, Star Anise also has a long history in traditional oriental medicine. It also has many health benefits.
Health Benefits of Star Anise
Star Anise has many active compounds that contribute to an extensive list of health benefits. These benefits lead to the following health improvements:
- Boosts Appearance of Skin
- Improves the Immune System
- Supports Respiratory Health
- Helps Improve Sleep
- Improves Circulation
- Fights Fungus
- Aids Digestion
- Effects Hormones
- Minimizes Risk of Cancer
- Helps With Diabetes
- Promotes Bone Health
Boosts Appearance of Skin
Star Anise has a high level of antioxidants that help promote the elimination of free radicals throughout the body. That helps to minimize the appearance of wrinkles on the skin, boosts skin elasticity, and covers up old scars and blemishes. Your skin will look young and vibrant.
Improves the Immune System
In today’s pandemic, it’s always good to know a product you can take that will improve the immune system. Star Anise is such a product. Star Anise has been used to treat stomach bacterial infections. But it’s mostly known for being effective against a number of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. That makes it a very important product in the pharmaceutical industry.
Supports Respiratory Health
Star Anise helps support respiratory health and may just be the cure for a cough, sore throat, or early signs of flu. It may be able to sort out the inflammation and neutralize the underlying infection before symptoms get worse.
Helps Improve Sleep
It’s been found that Star Anise has sedative properties that help to stimulate the release of certain neurotransmitters that induce relaxation and sleep. That makes the spice a good remedy for anyone who has insomnia or who regularly has trouble sleeping.
Improves Circulation
A teaspoon of Star Anise contains 13% of your daily recommended amount of iron. This will help boost red blood cells production, which increases energy levels by promoting circulation and proper oxygenation of the body’s extremities.
Fights Fungus
Fights FungusStar Anise has powerful anti-fungal properties and is a remedy for Athlete’s foot, ringworm, Candida, and similar strains.
Aids Digestion
Eating Star Anise fruits after meals have proven effective in helping food to properly digest. It also helps relieve bloating and excess flatulence and easing cramping. It also improves the bacterial balance in the gut for high nutrient uptake efficiency.
Effects Hormones
Star Anise has been proven to impact the balancing nature of both women and men. Star Anise can provide an energy boost and increase the sex drive in men and regulate menstrual cycles, control mood swings, and other hormone-driven side effects of menstruation in women.
Minimizes Risk of Cancer
Star Anise has a diverse range of antioxidants that affect oxidative stress in the body. Its immune-supporting properties help to lower the risk of mutagenic effects that lead to cancer cells and the formation of tumors in the body.
Helps With Diabetes
Star Anise has been proven to normalize blood sugar levels. The spice is low on the glycemic index with a good amount of powerful antioxidants that affect blood sugar levels.
Promotes Bone Health
The antioxidants in Star Anise have been known to improve organ and tissue function, including bone function. Star Anise is a good source of calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and vitamin K, which all contribute to strengthening our bones.
How To Use Star Anise
Star Anise can be used in different ways, either as a ground or the whole form. It’s used in other spice mixes, like five-spice powder. That is a popular blend in many cultures. The unique licorice flavor of the spice makes it a welcome addition to both sweet and savory dishes. It’s effective in soups, broths, sauces, and curries. Hot tea is also a popular way the spice can be used. The tea is brewed around the world and is trusted as a quick remedy for several respiratory conditions, including gastrointestinal distress, and hormonal imbalances.
Dr. Casey Sinclair, D.C. is a leading holistic healthcare doctor trained in functional medicine. He has extended his reach around the world by co-founding Family Health Advocacy, a health advocacy group lead by doctors and health professionals providing resources and education on global health matters. He has been fortunate to act as health a consultant to some of the largest companies in North America and as a professional speaker he’s had the privilege of speaking to thousands of people. Dr. Casey is an advocate for people suffering with chronic pain and fibromyalgia and has authored a book on the subject.