Star anise is one of the most popular medicinal spices, originating from Southeast China.
Actively used in food and tea recipes for over 3,000 years, star anise is boasting licorice flavor with mild woody undertones.
Extremely popular as an addition to tea blends in Europe, star anise found its place among the top favorite tea spices, packed with a tremendous amount of health benefits.
The phenomenal and unique flavor of this exotic spice makes any true tea stand out from the rest, coloring potent Black and Darjeeling tea with mild licorice tones with soothing effects.
Adding dry star anise to tea will increase its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties provided by the bioactive compounds such as Linalool, Gallic Acid, Anethole, Shikimic acid, Limonene, and Quercetin.
Star Anise and Anise Are Two Different Things
Star anise has nothing to do with regular anise. Besides sharing the same name, these two spices have nothing in common and taste completely different.
While star anise is a fruit of the illicium verum tree (magnolia family), common anise is a flowering plant related to dill weed and cumin.
Star anise has a star shape and an irresistible mild licorice taste, while anise is a seed with a strong licorice taste, used mostly to make liquors.
Nevertheless, both anise types are good for brewing tea, however, star anise is a much more common ingredient in tea blends than anise seed.
Star Anise Tea Benefits
Besides the generous amount of antioxidants that prevent cell damage and multiple illnesses, star anise has much more benefits for human health.
The ancient Chinese doctors were using this dry flower for a variety of physical discomforts and problems as well as a stimulant for lactating mothers.
- Star anise may increase milk production in lactating mothers thanks to anethole, a compound with a strong odor that can mimic estrogen. Its structure is similar to the structure of dopamine, and this hormone aids the secretion of prolactin.
- It can prevent constipation due to its high fiber content which can improve digestion.
- The anethole compound works as a potent mosquito repellent when ingested. Anethole is responsible for the strong aroma of this spice and when ingested through tea, it repels mosquitos from the skin.
- Star anise tea can protect you against flu. The spice contains a high amount of shikimic acid which is used to make flu and cold medicine.
- Drinking star anise helps combat fungal and yeast infections.
- Star anise tea promotes skin health. It contains Vitamin C (a crucial compound of collagen), Vitamin A (protecting skin from UV rays), and tannins (compounds that improve skin toning).
The information presented on this site is provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical advice or diagnosis provided by your physician or other medical professionals. Do not use this information to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or health condition. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your physician or healthcare provider.
Does Star Anise Tea Make You Sleep?
Star anise tea has a lot of influence in slowing down the function of neurotransmitters and hormones that cause high heart rate such as adrenaline.
By interrupting their function, star anise tea works directly on calming the body and soothing the nerves, providing mild sedative properties.
That being said, star anise tea can make you sleepy, but certainly won’t knock you down.
Can I Drink Star Anise Tea on an Empty Stomach?
A warm cuppa of star anise tea on an empty stomach will help you prepare for food digestion and prevent you from bloating.
Star anise tea is also recommended after meals and even better adding it to Green or Oolong tea.
Star Anise Cinnamon Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 star anise pieces
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tbsp of loose leaf Green tea
- 4 cups of boiling water
Preparation:
- Use half of the hot water and submerge the star anise and cinnamon in it. Infuse for 2 minutes.
- Boil the Green tea and steep it for 5-6 minutes.
- Mix the two infusions after straining the tea and spices and simmer them for another minute.
- Serve with a slice of lemon.
Drinking this tea first thing in the morning will soothe your stomach and improve digestion.
Final Word
Star anise is not the same as anise spice. The first one is a dry flower with mild licorice flavor while the second one is a dry seed with a potent aroma. However, both are good for brewing tea.
Star anise is packed with medicinal properties and its unique taste amplifies the power of any tea of your choice.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
Itsnevernotteatime.com cannot and does not contain medical/health advice. The medical/health information is provided for general and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.
