Star anise tea, also known as Siberian anise, true anise, Chinese anise, or badian, may be used to help manage flu symptoms, improve digestion, relieve cramps, and support immune health.
Also recommended: Star Anise: Health Benefits, Uses & How to Make Star Anise Tea tuasaude.com/en/aniseThese benefits are linked to the presence of bioactive compounds in star anise, such as shikimic acid, anethole, and anisaldehyde, which have antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, carminative, and analgesic properties.
What star anise tea is used for
The main uses and potential benefits of star anise tea include:
1. Helping with flu relief
Star anise tea contains shikimic acid, a compound with antiviral properties used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce oseltamivir, the active ingredient in Tamiflu. This medication is used to prevent and treat infections caused by influenza A and B viruses, which are responsible for the flu.
2. Improving digestion
With carminative and anti-inflammatory properties, star anise tea can be consumed after meals to support digestion and reduce excess gas in the stomach and intestines.
3. Relieving cramps
Shikimic acid in star anise tea may have natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects that help ease intestinal and menstrual cramps.
4. Fighting fungal infections
Star anise tea may help fight and inhibit the growth of fungi such as Candida albicans, Botrytis cinerea, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, due to its high anethole content, a natural compound with antimicrobial and antifungal action.
5. Supporting the immune system
The anethole in star anise tea has anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce the production or release of inflammatory substances like prostaglandins and cytokines, helping to strengthen immune function.
6. Inhibiting bacterial growth
Star anise tea contains anethole, anisaldehyde, and anise alcohol, all of which have antibacterial effects. These compounds may help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, which are known to cause infections such as gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.
Does star anise tea help with weight loss?
There is currently no scientific evidence showing that star anise tea promotes weight loss. This tea does not increase energy expenditure or fat burning.
Read more about weight loss teas and how they can be prepared.
How to make star anise tea
To prepare star anise tea, dried star anise should be used.
Ingredients:
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1 teaspoon of ground star anise
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250 mL (about 1 cup) of water
Instructions:
Bring the water to a boil in a pot. Remove from heat, add the star anise, cover the pot, and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink. Up to 3 cups per day can be consumed.
Can people with high blood pressure drink star anise tea?
Yes, people with high blood pressure can drink star anise tea, as this spice does not affect the contraction or relaxation of blood vessels.
However, there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of star anise tea for treating high blood pressure.
Possible side effects
There are few studies assessing the side effects of star anise tea, but consuming large amounts may cause contact dermatitis or nausea.
Who should not consume it
Star anise tea is not recommended for people with hyperestrogenism or sensitivity to this spice.
It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or for children, as there are no studies evaluating the medium- or long-term safety of this tea in these populations.