Their taste is also not noticeably different, especially when they’re mixed. In fact, a test-tube study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Science showed that anethole was able to kill off a strain of bacteria known to cause cholera, a condition that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. There are other poisonous types too, like the Illicium floridanum which grows in the Southeast United States. Vanilla Extract, Yacon Syrup Benefits For Weight Loss & Diabetes Debunked, Benefits of Algae Oil For Cooking vs. Olive Oil & Avocado, 10 Frankincense Oil Uses & Bizarre Benefits. Because some believe the star anise can be used to treat baby colic (infantile colic), which is defined as crying for more than 3 hours each day. Does Starbucks chai tea have star anise? Anise has been associated with a number of health benefits and has been shown to help maintain blood sugar, reduce the growth of fungus and bacteria, decrease symptoms of depression and menopause, and even protect against stomach ulcers. Which Curcumin Supplement Has The Best Absorption? It makes up 80 to 90% of the star anise essential oil extract. Determining what the chemical composition of the Chinese variety was proved to be quite difficult (23): “Microscopic examination of the samples did not prove suitable for a definitive determination of L. anisatum adulteration due to inherent variation observed in the hundreds of L. verum fruits examined.”. If left untreated long-term, high blood sugar can eventually lead to nerve damage, kidney failure and even blindness. You could dump bleach on a tumor in a test tube and kill it, but obviously that doesn’t mean bleach is an an anti-cancer treatment. Menopause is a condition caused by a natural decline in hormones as women get older. • As mentioned, the neurotoxin anisatin (in the Japanese type) is known to cause epileptic seizures and apparently the frequency of them occurring can be high. In fact, just one tablespoon of whole anise seed contains approximately: (9). Health benefits of Star Anise. Star anise is famed not only for its distinct flavor and culinary applications but also for its medicinal benefits. Keep in mind that USDA certified organic spices are not irradiated. Plus if these spices are washed, dried, and irradiated, the safrole degrades significantly (13). More recently, researchers have uncovered a host of health benefits associated with anise seed, including improved blood sugar levels, decreased menopause symptoms and even protection against stomach ulcers. Stomach ulcers are painful sores that form on the lining of the stomach. In addition to the above nutrients, anise seed also contains a small amount of zinc, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Anise and fennel are terms often used interchangeably, but although they share some similarities in taste and health benefits, anise and fennel are two completely different plants. Ranked as one of the top herbs and spices for healing, anise seed is a nutritional powerhouse when it comes to your health. Anise oil may also aid in the treatment of postpartum depression. This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician. Microsporum canis is a fungal infection which infects cats. Anise and fennel are terms often used interchangeably, but although they share some similarities in taste and health benefits, anise and fennel are two completely different plants. In cases where the seasoning is removed before serving, star anise is easier to use because it is at least one inch across (2.5 cm.) Though to be clear, shikimic acid on its own is not antiviral. True anise, an herb in the parsley family, produces small seeds with a potent, licorice-like flavor. You don’t eat the outer shell of the Chinese star anise. The plant can grow to be over three feet tall and produces white flowers as well as an oblong fruit known as anise seed. On the other, possibly serious side effects to weigh. It has been known for at least two decades that the antimicrobial, as well as antifungal activities, are largely due to a compound in the seed called anethole (5). Star anise is notable for its role in Chinese five spice seasoning. Two of the most common are frequent vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) Come November, people all over the U.S. who plan on hosting Thanksgiving ... As Thanksgiving rolls around, most of us eagerly await the holiday staples, ... Fenugreek is considered one of the oldest medicinal plants, and its health-promoting ... Ahh, Thanksgiving. We say indirect because on its own it’s not an antiviral, but it is used to make something that is. Finally, keep in mind that anise is safe for pets but should be used only in moderation. If you experience food allergy symptoms, such as itching, swelling or hives, after eating anise, discontinue use immediately and consult with your doctor. For example, a recent 2017 study measured the effectiveness of anise oil on depression in 120 patients with irritable bowel syndrome. In a laboratory experiment using a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), it was said that the cell cultures treated with various spice extracts “showed inhibitory activity against nicotine-induced cell migration” (9). • Anise vs. Fennel. Anise is also often confused with star anise, a spice with a similar aromatic flavor. Helps Prevent Constipation. If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware. Each of the star’s eight arms has a seed inside and those are the parts you eat. (3), Meanwhile, anethole, one of the active compounds found in anise seed, has also been shown to reduce the growth of bacteria. Photos taken by Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa (15). Why were they giving this to their baby? How much safrole there is in spices is so low, it’s not considered to cause cancer. There is a big difference between these two types. The ORAC value of star anise is 11,300. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. Historically, anise was used as a spice and flavoring for everything from soups to cakes. What Are Cherries Good For? Does Sambucol Black Elderberry Really Work For Colds & Flu? (1). The good news is that this powerful ingredient is easy to find in the spice aisle of most grocery stores and can even be purchased through some online retailers as well. Dietary use of sassafras is still permitted, but it first must go through processing to remove the safrole. Anise seed can be used whole or ground in cookies, cakes, candies or drinks. Most have zero research. Anise oil, on the other hand, can be diffused, applied to the skin or even used in baking. This is because, like fennel, they both contain anethole, an organic compound that is responsible for their distinct flavor and odor. Because of their similarities in flavor, however, ground star anise may be used in place of anise seed in certain recipes. In addition to killing off pathogenic strains of bacteria, some research … So those alternative medicine folks peddling a star anise flu remedy are just plain wrong. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Some recipes for Indian curries use it. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff.