The star anise is botanically known as Illicium Verum. It is dark-brown in color with eigth petal-like segments. It has a sweetish licorice taste. Besides, its culinary uses, star anise also have health benefits. Here are some of them:

• In traditional Chinese medicine, star anise is prescribed as a digestive aid, promoting reproductive health in women and for lactating mothers to increase breast-milk secretion.
• The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of star anise are useful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and dry cough. For this reason, some cough mixtures contain star anise extracts.
• Star anise can also be used for its sedating properties to ensure a good sleep.
• The oil of star anise is useful in providing relief from rheumatic pain and lower back pain.
• Star anise can also be used as a natural breath freshener.
• Shikimic acid, a compound present in star anise is used for preparing drugs for curing influenza or the flu virus.
• Linalool, a compound present in star anise contains antioxidant properties that are very good for one’s overall health.