Anise is a plant that has a long history in terms of culinary issues and in its medicinal form. Both root and leaves are used for medicinal purposes , in turn, its oil and its seed are of great value.
The benefits of anise are many, and range from helping the digestive system, lowering blood sugar, helping to increase breast milk, among many others that we will present in the following article, where we will also highlight its properties.
Health benefits of anise tea
This herb has been an important component over time by various cultures, thanks to its various health benefits , in fact anise has been used for new forms of use. Below are the main benefits of anise tea:
1. It favors the digestive system
Studies carried out by the Dr Antoni Esteve Foundation , in Barcelona, Spain, comment that anise tea greatly favors the secretion of gastric juices , this makes you obtain a slow and adequate digestion. So this herb serves as an adjuvant to relieve disorders such as gas . (1)
Note: In this study they also mention that this herb in its infusion or tea mode prevents meteorism and abdominal flatulence.
2. Contributes to proper brain function
A report carried out by Infomed (Cuban health network) establishes that anise tea improves neurological deficits , as well as cerebral flow in affected areas of the brain, it also increases the level of cerebral concentration and makes you sleep more pleasant. (2) .
Note: Anise tea is also used for mental fatigue, anxiety, stress and to reduce the level of homocysteine (an amino acid used by the body to make proteins).
3. Lowers blood sugar
Studies carried out by the Technical University of the North in Ecuador, indicate that the consumption of anise tea avoids suffering from diabetes , since it has a hypoglycemic effect, which helps to reduce sugar levels. This occurs thanks to alpha-glucosidase, a component that prevents the intestinal absorption of sugars. (3)
4. Combat respiratory conditions
Its calming and expectorant properties are beneficial when it comes to calming respiratory conditions such as asthma, colds or bronchial disorders.
Note: This has been verified through research carried out by MUNISTGO (Municipality of Santiago, Chile) where they assert that anise tea is effective for this class of viral conditions. (4) .
5. Relieves menstrual cramps
The infusion of anise tea acts as an anti-inflammatory , in turn it has a sedative effect, this makes it used to relieve almost any discomfort that exists. So when it comes to fighting your menstrual cramps it is ideal.
Tip: By making a tea with anise and ginger seeds you will have a perfect ally to reduce menstrual spasms.
6. Reduces headache
Due to its high analgesic level , the anise tea seed calms severe headaches, thanks to its high degree of stress and anxiety control, also helping greatly to calm nervous system conditions.
7. Increases the production of breast milk
Within the moderate consumption of anise seed, this would be compatible with lactation (5) . That is why its consumption is recommended but in low doses.
Important: Eating it excessively could decrease milk production and cause toxicity, since it is neurotoxic, which causes seizures.
8. Reduces bad breath
Reducing halitosis , or what is the same, bad breath, is one of the great qualities that is obtained by drinking aniseed tea, therefore it also takes care of the digestive system, thus avoiding this discomfort in the mouth.
9. Promotes skin health
Due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties , the use of anise tea on the skin is beneficial, in fact you can use it as a natural remedy, it favors the production of collagen, this helps to maintain smooth and clean skin.
To highlight: Using it in excess can cause skin poisoning.
10. Reduces nerves and anxiety
Illicium verum , (star anise) is of great help to keep you calmer if you suffer from stress or anxiety, due to its relaxing substances, which serve as analgesics.
Anise tea properties
Once the benefits of anise tea are known, it is important to know the properties that make it an excellent ally for health.
And it is that this powerful element of nature has incredible anti- inflammatory, expectorant, digestive, analgesic and relaxing properties. In addition, it also has many nutrients that we mention below:
vitamins
Anise tea contains various vitamins such as vitamin C, B6 and Riboflavin (vitamin B12). (6)
To highlight: An interesting fact is that prolonged consumption of anise seeds in their unprocessed form is poisonous to the body.
minerals
As for the minerals in anise tea, it contains multiple of them , such as sodium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. All necessary for the human body. (7)
How to prepare and consume anise tea?
Those who are consumers of anise tea are pleased with a very effective home remedy to treat digestive problems, as well as take care of their health and strengthen the immune system. For that reason, below we share the recipe for how to make this infusion so you can take advantage of all its benefits.
Ingredients
- anise seeds
- Hot water
Preparation and consumption
- Place water in a pot on the fire, when it boils, add the star or star anise.
- Let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes on low heat.
- Strain the liquid and enjoy the anise infusion.
Key Findings
- Anise tea is a drink with multiple health benefits.
- Both root and leaves of anise are used for medicinal purposes , in turn the oil and its seed are of great value.
- Anise tea is beneficial to avoid suffering from diabetes , since it has a hypoglycemic effect, which helps to lower sugar levels.
- The infusion of anise acts as an anti-inflammatory, in turn it has a sedative effect, this makes it used to relieve almost any discomfort that exists.
- The anise tea seed calms severe headaches , thanks to its high degree of stress and anxiety control.
- Anise tea protects against the flu, is a good expectorant, protects against bacteria, improves digestion, helps to fall asleep and is an excellent ally to avoid irritable bowel syndrome.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.