STAR ANISE

Star anise (Illicium verum), aka badian, Chinese star anise, star anise seed, star aniseed and star of anise, has a history that dates back more than 2,000 years. A native to South China and northeast Vietnam, it was first documented in China for medicinal and culinary purposes before spreading across Asia and eventually to Europe and other parts of the world through trade routes like the Silk Road. Today, Vietnam and southern China remain the primary producers of high-quality star anise.

Its use expanded in the 17th century when it gained popularity in the Middle East and Europe, where it was incorporated into spices and herbal remedies.

Health benefits
• Anti-epileptic and anti-hysteric: narcotic and sedative effect
• Rheumatism
• Antispasmodic: cramps, coughs, aches, diarrhoea, nervous afflictions and convulsions
• Aperient: mild purgative properties, but is safe to use. It is not hard on the stomach and liver and does not leave you exhausted and fatigued. helps clear motions and cures constipation, gas and indigestion
• Carminative: inhibits the formation of promotes the removal of gas, colic
• Decongestant and expectorant: lungs - asthma, bronchitis, coughs, phlegm
• Digestive aid
• Anxiety, nervous afflictions, depression, anger, stress, insomnia
• Stimulant: circulation (gives relief from rheumatism and arthritis), secretion of enzymes and hormones, nervous system, brain
• Vermifuge: intestinal worms

Warning: It has narcotic effects and slows down respiration and circulation. It is poisonous to certain small animals and birds and therefore children should not be given high doses.