The following article covers the benefits of star anise, how to use it, and other considerations.
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What Is Star Anise?
Star anise is used extensively in cooking.
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It’s been described as having a sweet, anise-like taste.
This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Star anise has alicoricetaste due to its star anise essential oil and other unique bioactive compounds like anethole.
How Do You Use Star Anise?
Star anise pods are added to the beef pho broth in Vietnamese cuisine.
Try sprinkling the powder form in your baked goods or using the dried star anise fruits whole insoups.
Just ensure you’re not sensitive to it or its compounds first.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Traditional medicine systems, such astraditional Chinese medicine, have employed star anise for thousands of years.
It’s also used in contemporary medicine in East Asian countries.
Researchers have more recently studied its effects in the lab and clinical studies.
The following include effects found according to science.
May Fight Viruses
One of the medicinal effects of star anise is its antiviral effects.
May Have Antibacterial Effects
Another medicinal effect of star anise is its antibacterial effects.
Positive benefits were observed.
However, the study was limited, as monitoring how the research subjects followed their regimen was challenging.
May Fight Fungal Infections
Laboratory studies have shown that star anise essential oil hasantioxidantandantifungal activities.
Further studies are needed to confirm the results.
Is Star Anise Good for Me?
While star anise can be delicious and healthful, there are a few special considerations before you use it.
It’s been studied for its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anxiety-reducing effects.
However, rigorous human clinical studies are lacking for its use in specific conditions.
Due to some safety concerns, speaking with your healthcare provider before using star anise is essential.
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