Star Anise (Organic)

The seed pods seem rather magical both due to their forming the shape of a star and the unique aniseed flavour they possess.  Most people only know star anise as a cooking spice, but it is also a healing heavyweight (fighting viruses, bacteria, fungal infections and cancer). 

This herb is native to China and has been used for over 3,000 years as a medicine and spice. Star anise (Illicium verum) is commonly used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). It has numerous medical benefits and has attracted a lot of research attention to try and explain them. It has a number of beneficial compounds: Linalool, Quercetin, Limonene, Shikimic acid, Anethole and Gallic acid. 

These active ingredients may explain some of its health benefits which include preventing DNA damage to the body and a cancer-fighting ability (it has been shown to reduce the size of tumours). 

The Shikimic acid extracted from Star Anise is used in all sorts of anti-viral pharmaceutical drugs (including Tamiflu). Although we often believe that herbs are better in their natural form – it just goes to show the healing power of this one.

According to some studies, star anise extract performs just as well as anti-biotics against a variety of drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. This is very significant since antibiotics are becoming increasingly ineffective and cause a lot of side effects since they kill our beneficial bacteria. 

Star Anise is also a potent anti-fungal agent since it contains numerous compounds that inhibit fungal growth. It really is one of the most remarkable herbs and one that we feel deserves a lot more research attention. Right now, it is being closely studied by companies looking for new drugs to sell – but what about taking it in the way nature intended?

BENEFITS

• ANTIOXIDANT
• ANTICANCER
• ANTIVIRAL
• ANTIMICROBIAL
• GUT & DIGESTION