The anise has great properties for health: it is expectorant, digestive, protective against some bacteria resistant to antibiotics, a flu fighter, an ally against cancer, regulates the menstrual cycle, and others that you will know below.
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a flowering plant in the Apiaceae family, native to the eastern Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia. Its flavor has similarities to some other spices, such as star anise, fennel, and licorice..
Anise plants grow best in light, fertile, well-drained soil; It was first cultivated in Egypt and the Middle East, but was brought to Europe for its medicinal value. The main use of anise in traditional European herbal medicine was for its carminative effect (reduction of flatulence).
In the 1860s, American nurse Maureen Hellstrom used anise seeds in the Civil War as a form of antiseptic. This method was later found to have caused high levels of toxicity in the blood and was discontinued shortly thereafter..
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According to a 1996 publication in the New York Medicinal Plant Encyclopedia, high-dose anise is used as an antispasmodic and antiseptic for the treatment of coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. This is because anise helps loosen phlegm from the lungs..
It is essential that we obtain as much natural antioxidants as possible, because these help us protect our body against cellular damage caused by exposure to free radicals and environmental toxins..
These free radicals can cause premature aging and increase the risk of serious diseases such as cancer or heart disease..
Due to the presence of linalool and vitamin C, anise is a great source of antioxidants.
In recent years, the number of bacteria that are resistant to common antibiotics has been increasing. This has made scientists very interested in finding new antimicrobial treatments that are more effective..
In a study from Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan, researchers found that four antimicrobial compounds derived from anise were highly effective against 70 drug-resistant strains of bacteria..
This led them to conclude that star anise compounds could be developed as an antibiotic in the future..
An Italian study published in 2011 examined the effects of shikimic acid (present in anise) on the immune system as a protector against the flu..
Researchers found that shikimic acid, combined with small amounts of quercetin, boosts immune function and helps protect the body against viral infections like the flu..
A study by the Devi Ahilya University Faculty of Biochemistry in India, conducted on rats, concluded that star anise reduces tumor burden, decreases oxidative stress and increases the level of enzymes, which is why it can be considered a powerful anticancer.
Indigestion is a common complaint for everyone. In many parts of the world, anise tea has a long and respected reputation for being able to naturally soothe an upset stomach and promote healthy digestion. This is due to its antispasmodic properties, which help to relax the overactive muscles of the intestine..
Anise also helps reduce nausea, decrease bloating and eliminate flatulence by releasing the accumulation of gases in the digestive tract..
The natural sedative properties of anise help in the reduction of sleep disorders, due to the relaxation it produces in the brain. However, the oil should be used very lightly, as it can cause side effects in high concentrations..
The Traditional Medicine Research Center of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran conducted a study on the efficacy of anise for treating intestinal disorders.
The patients were divided into three groups, one was given a placebo, another a drug indicated for this condition, and the third group some capsules with anise.
The researchers concluded that of the three, anise's mechanism of action was the most effective in treating the syndrome..
Research from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon suggests that anise oil has an antidiuretic effect.
Urinating is good as it helps the body rid itself of toxins and waste products.
The same research from the American University of Beirut, concluded that anise-based oil improves glucose levels, so it is believed that it would be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes, since they have problems absorbing blood sugar.
Due to its analgesic and antispasmodic properties, anise has traditionally been used to regulate the menstrual cycle in women and help relieve menstrual cramps..
The FDA recently issued a warning about consuming star anise infusions. It is important to bear in mind that there are different varieties of anise and that, although Chinese star anise is considered safe, it is not the same case with Japanese because it contains a toxic compound..
The reported side effects of Japanese star anise include nausea, vomiting, seizures, nervousness, and rapid eye movements. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor.
Anise can be reputed abortifacient, so its excessive use is not recommended during pregnancy.
There are no recent clinical studies that indicate what is the recommended dose of anise. However, the typical use in digestion disorders is 0.5 to 3 g of the seeds or 0.1 to 0.3 ml of the essential oil..
A serving of (100 grams) of Anise contains:
A super simple recipe to prepare, which takes approximately 1 hour and a half, between preparation and cooking. Ideal for a snack.
Ingredients:
preparation:
Preheat the oven to a temperature of 180ºC (350ºF) and place an aluminum foil on a large baking sheet.
Use the mixer and mix the flour, baking powder, yeast and salt in a medium bowl.
In another container, mix the butter and sugar and add the eggs 1 at a time, 1 minute between one and the other..
Once this is done, add the flour and baking powder to this mixture, until it becomes homogeneous.
Finally, add the teaspoon of anise and the chocolate chips, stir well until a smooth and compact dough forms..
Take the dough, stretch it and form a log or a rectangle and place it on the previously prepared baking tray. Let it cook for 30 minutes, until it is golden brown. Chill for an additional 30 minutes.
Cut the cookie pieces to the size and thickness of your preference and place them on the baking sheet again for another 15 minutes. Let them cool completely and then they will be ready to serve and enjoy..
A very healthy preparation, ideal to serve as a dessert at your meals, or at a special event. Prepares in 45 minutes and serves 8 people.
Ingredients:
preparation:
Dissolve the sugar in water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the star anise and keep the heat on for about 5 minutes. Let stand and cool.
Cut the strawberries and oranges into slices, extracting the seeds (the size of the pieces depends on your preference).
Add the star anise syrup to the fruits and it is ready to serve. You can remove the star anise to eat if you wish.
It is a very healthy preparation, a good starter for a meal, easy to prepare. It will only take 40 minutes and will serve 6 to 8 people, depending on the servings served.
Ingredients:
preparation:
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once achieved, add the onion, thyme, star anise, bay leaves and garlic.
Sauté all the ingredients until the onion is soft, which will last about 5 minutes..
Add the carrots, cover the pot and simmer the ingredients until they are soft and tender, for about 30 minutes. If you like it, remove the spices from the soup and blend it into small portions to avoid any lumps. When serving it, you can place star anise on top to decorate.
An easy recipe to make, which can be the companion of your meals. It is a bread of dark color, but that fully brings out the flavor of anise.
Ingredients:
preparation:
Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF) and prepare a tray with aluminum foil to take to the oven.
In a container, place the sugar and butter until combined and then add the eggs one by one, beating well after incorporating them.
Use a small bowl to whisk together the brandy, anise extract, and vanilla. And finally in a medium bowl add flour, baking powder and salt. Add all the ingredients, starting with the most humid. Finally add the almonds and anise seeds.
Knead the preparation and form rectangles or logs and place them on the tray. Cook in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until browning and doneness are noticeable..
Once ready, let them cool and prepare to serve.
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