Star anise: benefits, infusion and contraindications

Although it is usual to confuse them, we must differentiate star anise of the green anise, since both belong to different botanical families, although they contain the same active principle and ultimately their different benefits and medicinal properties are usually quite similar.

It is true that, in recent years, some negative information has been published on contraindications and disadvantages in the consumption of star anise. And we are faced with evidence, since its use is not recommended at all in pregnant women, during breastfeeding and in young children.

It is known scientifically with the name of Illicium verum, and although it is also known as star anise, the plant itself has been baptized as badian, badianero or badiana from China.

Benefits of star anise

One of the benefits of star anise most popular and known are its digestive and stomach virtues, since it acts as:

  • Carminative: that is, it helps to reduce gas or flatulence.
  • Stomach: is a good digestive, helping in case of heavy or difficult digestion.

In addition, it is a stimulant and diuretic plant, which means that it helps reduce fluid retention, helping in turn to eliminate toxins and accumulated liquids.

Although once it was well known for relieving colic in babies, we recommend first consulting the pediatrician about its use in this regard, precisely because of its toxicity.

How to make the infusion of star anise for gases

It is one of the best-known digestive plants together with its own green anise and the chamomile, thanks above all to its different medicinal benefits when it comes to relieving heavy digestions, and gases.

However, although it was traditionally and commonly used in the past as a relief for baby colic, given its contraindications and side effects, it is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.

Regarding its most important qualities and benefits, it stands out above all for its digestive and stomach virtues, acting as a carminative (ideal in reducing gas or flatulence), and as a stomach (good digestive, useful in case of heavy or difficult digestion). It is also a diuretic and stimulating plant, so it helps when purifying our body, eliminating toxins and preventing fluid retention.

A natural and useful option when it comes to enjoying its different medicinal benefits is developing a wonderful infusion of star anise (which should not be confused with the infusion of anise, which is made with the variety of green anise).

Ingredients of the infusion of star anise for gases:

  • 2 teaspoons star anise
  • 1 cup of water

Preparation of the infusion of star anise for gases:

  1. Boil the equivalent of a cup of water in a saucepan.
  2. When the water boils, add the star anise and boil for 3 minutes.
  3. After this time, turn off the saucepan, cover and let rest another 2 minutes.
  4. Finally sneak and drink.

This infusion is ideal for the gases, advising its consumption especially after meals.

And how to make the infusion of star anise for inflammation of the colon?

On this occasion we want to focus on its virtues to reduce inflammation of the colon, known medically with the name of colitis and that can cause severe abdominal pain, gas accumulation, diarrhea, nausea and lack of appetite. We explain how to do infusion of star anise especially thought for this disorder.

Infusion ingredients:

  • 2 star anise
  • The crust of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 liter of water

Preparation of the infusion of star anise:

  1. Boil the half liter of water in a saucepan.
  2. When it begins to boil, turn off the heat, remove and add the star anise.
  3. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes.
  4. 5 minutes before the resting time is over, add the lemon rind.
  5. Filter or strain and reserve in a glass bottle in the fridge.

You can have a cup of this infusion after meals, not exceeding 3 cups a day, and only for a week.

And what about the essential oil of star anise?

There is no doubt that if there is an aroma that is certainly common both in the kitchen itself and in traditional medicine worldwide that stands out and is more characteristic, that is the star anise.

It is a plant commonly used for more than 1,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly due to the different properties containing.

Among them, it stands out for example its use as a stimulant of the digestive system, at the same time that its application for various respiratory diseases is also interesting.

For this reason, the star anise essential oil, which we are going to talk about next.

  • Extraction: The star anise essential oil It is obtained mainly steam distillation of its fruits.
  • features: It is characterized by being a yellow liquid, with a sweet and spicy aroma.
  • Effects on health: Carminative, antiseptic, stimulant and expectorant.
  • Aromatherapy and properties: Between the properties and benefits of anise essential oil, we find that: ideal in cases of cough and bronchitis, it is useful in cases of colds, useful as a stimulant of the digestive system. In addition, its application is interesting in cases of flatulence, heavy digestion, colic and spasms.

Contraindications of star anise

The consumption of pure essential oil of star anise is not advised. Also, it is not recommended in case of:

  • Children under 2 years old.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Breastfeeding.
  • Hyperestrogenism

Side effects of star anise

In adequate amounts the consumption of star anise does not pose a health risk, except in case it is consumed by people allergic to the plant or any of its components or active principles.

In consumption for long periods or in large quantities, it can cause:

  • Muscle spasms.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Mental confusion.
This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesMedicinal plants

Star anise poisoning, side effects. (December 2024)