A global spice, anise is widely used to treat digestive ailments such as abdominal cramps, bloating, belching, constipation, gas, indigestion and stomach aches. In China, the herb is often consumed after meals to help gas and bloating caused by food. Anise is believed to activate the body’s digestive enzymes, which help digest heavy foods such as meat and fats. Some of the other health benefits of star anise include: Treating the Flu – Star anise contains a substance known as sicimic acid, which is extracted and used to make the antiviral drug Tamiflu. This drug has been widely used to treat swine flu in recent years and is often used in flu outbreaks around the world. Mucus expulsion – Not only does anise prevent the flu, it also helps keep the lungs clear of mucus. Due to its expectorant properties, the herb promotes the liquefaction of mucus thickness, which makes it easier to eliminate. Adding anise to a hot drink and drink while you are sick with a cold or flu will speed up the healing process and help soothe painful coughs. Enhancing Women’s Health – In Chinese medicine, anise has enjoyed a reputation for promoting female genital health, increasing breast milk secretion and improving libido. Although there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, the herb has been used for these purposes in China for at least 1,000 years. Improves appetite – Due to the stimulant action of the herb for the digestive system, it has also been used as an appetite enhancer for many decades in Asia. Drinking anise tea is believed to help increase decreased appetite, especially when the problem is related to illness or stress.
There are no reviews yet.