Nothing says fall like Star Anise!

Star anise is a spice made from the fruit of Chinese evergreen star anise. It is grown mainly in China and belongs to the Magnoliáceas family. The fruit looks like a star from which it got its name and has a brown colour. One of the most popular pharmacologically relevant attributes of star anise is its shikimic acid content. Shikimic acid is a compound with strong antiviral capabilities. In fact, it's one of the main active ingredients in Tamiflu, a popular medication for the treatment of influenza. The oil produced from star anise contains thymol, terpineol and anethole, which is also used for treating cough and flu. What makes the star so special is that it is extra good for the stomach + anti-viral properties. In Chinese medicine, star anise is used to treat indigestion, helps alleviate cramps and reduce nausea. Consuming star anise after meals helps relieve digestive ailments such as bloating, gas and constipation. A great herbal addition is our digestive bitters tincture, "Gut Well"💚💪🏽

⭐️Star Anise (Botanical name: Pimpinella anism, Illicium verum) is also called Chinese star anise, sweet cumin. + Used for culinary purpose as well. (In my culture, we use this in chai, and many culinary dishes)
🌳Essential Oil is distilled from dried fruit and has liquorice-like, sweet and spicy warm smell. (reminds me of a cozy fall afternoon!)🍁😍
🌳Therapeutic properties are Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Expectorant, Galactagogue, Stimulant, Stomachic. It is used for helping digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.
⚠️Toxicity: DO NOT use children under 5 or in pregnancy/breast feeding. DO NOT use for a person has a history of oestrogenic cancers or in endometriosis. Dose with care.

History of Star Anise

The star shaped fruit dates back 3000 years thriving in the climate and soil conditions of southern China and Southeast Asia. Star anise has been widely used in Chinese cooking making up the common “five-spice” powder mix. Besides enhancing sweet and savoury dishes, this fruit has a long history in traditional Oriental medicine. Many of the star anise based tonics are intended to improve digestion and protect against infection.

In 1578, British sailor Thomas Cavendish brought star shaped fruits from Philippines to Europe, unaware that they originated from southern China. Its liquorice flavour was used to enhance puddings, syrups and fruit preserves. Also, Europeans used star anise fragrant properties to produce a variety of liquors including Greek Ouzo, Italian Galliano, French Pernod and Pastis and Swiss Absinthe.

With time, the popularity of star anise spread across different regions. India and Thailand were some of the countries where this spice made permanent roots within their cuisines. Today, China produces between 80%-90% of world’s star anise. Other producers of this spice include Vietnam, India, Mexico, Turkey and Egypt.

Top Star Anise Benefits:

Antioxidant Benefits
Insect Repellant
Fights Viruses and Flu
Digestive Aid and Protection
Stops Growth of Bacteria and Fungi
May Reduce Respiratory Congestion
Improves Lactation
Eases Menopause Symptoms
Anti-Diabetic – Lowers Blood Sugar
Promotes Bone Health
Heart Health – Regulates Blood Pressure and Circulation
Protects Liver – Detoxifies the Body
Relieves Pain and Inflammation
Anti-Cancer Agent
Brain Health and Combat Neurological Disorders
Improves Sleep
Skin Care
**Number of powerful phytonutrients (flavonoids, lignans, terpenes and phenylpropanoids) such as anethole, limonene, linalool, quercetin, alpha-pipene, beta-pipene and nerolidol have been identified in star anise. Research shown many of these compounds to be potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial and mighty free radical scavengers.