Star Anise relieves colds, upset digestion and respiratory conditions

A Healing Spice Guide

Star Anise is the tenth spice to feature in my new Healing Spice Guide. 

Star Anise is a spice that grows as a small fruit from an evergreen tree originating from Southern China and Vietnam since ancient times. This elegant star-shaped spice with its bold licorice-like aroma holds a special place in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and is used to flavour European liqueurs or add flourish to fusion cuisine that blends different culinary traditions, ingredients and techniques to create unique dishes enjoyed across the world.

In the 17th century, Star Anise became popular in Europe where it was transported via Portuguese and Dutch trade routes. Initially, it was used for its medicinal properties in herbal remedies for colic, coughs and indigestion, in tonics and tinctures, and as an essential oil used for healing balms and perfumes.

Star Anise is a tree related to the Magnolia family with fruits harvested and dried for their scent, flavour and medicinal qualities. These are fast-growing evergreen trees with a ten foot spread. The leaves are lance-shaped in a pale olive green colour with cup-shaped, soft yellow blooms. The fruits are star-shaped and green when under-ripe, or brown and woody when ripe. Each is composed of six to eight carpels, within which lies a seed.

Star Anise makes an excellent hedge or stand-alone plant, although it has no tolerance for frost and cannot be grown in the colder climates. However, if you have a spot that enjoys full Sun to partial shade during the day in a warmer climate, you will have no problems, and it can be grown in full shade.

Star Anise is a culinary spice used to flavour meat and poultry dishes as well as sweet confections. It is one of the main ingredients in the traditional Chinese seasoning, Five-Spice. Its sweet scent is a perfect pairing for rich duck recipes, pork dishes and currey.

Said to be ten times sweeter than sugar due to the presence of the compound anethole, the flavour can be compared to licorice with a hint of Cinnamon and Clove. This makes it excellent for breads, cakes and pastries including the traditional Czechoslovakian bread, Vanocka, which is made around Easter and Christmas time.

I hope you enjoy the healing and immunity boosting benefits of Star Anise - a wonderful addition to natural remedies, hot drinks and herbal teas for your general good health, happiness and wellbeing.

Folklore

Star Anise when dried is the perfect shape and size for a protection amulet. It was used to take away bad energies and negative influences, to eliminate obstacles and open the way to new paths. This striking spice was said to remove the Evil Eye and take away nightmares, and served as a watertight energy cleaner.

The distinct aroma of the Star Anise was said to increase inner strength and bring out psychic powers. Its essential oils and scent made it easier to reach a state of calm meditation. Each star-shaped pod holds a narrative of healing, discovery and innovation, forming a bridge between the ancient and modern, the East and the West.

In spiritual practices, Star Anise was (and still is) used to deepen meditation and connection with the divine. The starry shape with shiny seeds nestled in their perfect pods form a symbol of divination, used to awaken intuitive gifts, enhance dreamwork and facilitate high states of consciousness and connection with high frequency guides.

Star Anise is a spice with deep roots in Asian and Middle Eastern cultures. It has been used for thousands of years not only for flavouring food but also for its healing benefits. Originally from Vietnam and China as a key ingredient for soup broths, spice blends and health remedies, Star Anise continues to be a versatile and valuable ingredient in kitchens and medicine cabinets across the globe.

Nutrition

Star Anise is loaded with natural antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols which help protect cells from everyday damage caused by stress, pollution, and aging.

Although not considered to be a significant source of food, Star Anise is rich in medicinal compounds such as shikimic acid (used to combat flu), anethole and linalool, plus antioxidants, flavonoids and minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium and copper) with antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Star Anise should be used cautiously due to its potential toxicity in high doses. Always use as directed and make sure to seek advice or do you own research when using for healing purposes.

Star Anise can be confused with Anise Seed as they have a similar flavour. They come from different plants and are used for different purposes. Anise Seed is smaller and more commonly used in European and Middle Eastern cooking.

Remedies

Star Anise is widely used in aromatherapy for its calming and soothing properties. When combined with a pure and natural carrier oil such as Jojoba Oil, it is used externally to relax the body, soothe the skin, reduce stress, promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension.

The essential oils in Star Anise provide antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects which help to improve skin health and vitality. It is also known to support healthier, youthful-looking skin by reducing inflammation and encouraging cellular renewal. You can make your own exterior skin balm by the following receipe.

Star Anise Massage Oil

Gather your ingredients, equipment and glass storage jar:

• Star Anise Pods - 5-10 whole star anise pods (fresh or dried)
• Organic Carrier Oil - 1 cup (coconut oil, cold-pressed virgin olive oil or jojoba oil work well)
• Sterlised Glass Jar with lid - Thoroughly wash jar and lid in hot soapy water and rinse well before gently drying in a pre-heated oven (140°C (275°F) or Gas Mark 1) on a baking tray for about 15-20 minutes.
• Strainer or cheesecloth - To filter out the pods from your oil before storing.
• Funnel - to transfer oil into your sterlised glass jar.

Follow these five steps to make and store your oil:

1. Crush the Star Anise Pods
   Use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to crush the pods and release the aromatic compounds.
2. Heat the Carrier Oil
   Heat the oil in a small saucepan or Bain Marie (double boiler) over low heat to extract the essential oil for about 5-10 minutes, Don't let it get too hot, as overheating will damage the beneficial properties.
3. Infuse the Oil
   Add the crushed Star Anise pods to the warm oil and continue to simmer on a low heat for a further 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the essential oils are fully absorbed by the carrier oil. If you want a stronger scent, you can keep the mixture on low heat for up to an hour.
4. Strain the Oil
   Remove from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes before straining the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into your clean glass jar. This will remove the pods and solid pieces of Star Anise to give you a pure aromatic oil.
5. Store the Oil
   Store your homemade oil in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency. The oil can last for several months when stored properly.