The efficacy and contraindications of star anise

Star anise often appears in our dishes. It is a commonly consumed food. In many dishes, adding star anise will make it more fragrant and taste better. So what are the benefits and taboos of star anise? Many people are not very clear. Next, the editor will give you a relative introduction.

Star anise is a condiment we will take when we eat. Star anise is the fruit of the Illicium verum plant of the Magnoliaceae family. Many people know that star anise can be used to stew food, but many people don’t know that some people should not eat star anise.

Star anise is distributed in Fujian Province, Taiwan, Guangxi Province, Guangdong Province, Guizhou Province, Yunnan Province, Cambodia and other places. It grows on hillsides with warm, humid climate and loose soil. It can be grown naturally or cultivated. There are many varieties. It is mainly used to treat: abdominal pain caused by cold hernia; cold pain in the waist and knees; vomiting due to stomach cold; abdominal pain; and athlete's foot caused by dampness and cold. Star anise is not only a condiment, but also a Chinese medicinal material. Not everyone is suitable for taking it in large quantities. Star anise is a kind of spice and condiment, as well as a kind of Chinese herbal medicine that can be used as both food and medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine summarizes the effects of star anise as "aromatic and dehumidifying, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, warming the yang and dispersing cold, regulating qi and relieving pain", but its nature itself is relatively hot, so it is not suitable for people with hot constitution or those who are prone to getting angry to consume in large quantities.

Although star anise is a hot food that can add flavor to dishes, there are some taboos that need to be known. Star anise contains shikimic acid, the main ingredient in antiviral drugs, but the claim that shikimic acid can be ingested by direct stewing is still skeptical at present, because shikimic acid has undergone multiple chemical processes to obtain, and it is not directly dissolved after boiling. Therefore, it is recommended that people do not blindly follow the trend of taking it in large quantities, especially people with hot constitution, as well as the elderly and children. Eating too much star anise has side effects and will cause certain damage to your eyes. It is not suitable for short-term large-scale consumption and should be limited to 10 grams per day. However, it is hot in nature and more suitable for people with weak and cold constitution. The amount taken each time must be limited and not too much.

The above article introduces the effects and taboos of star anise. I hope everyone can consume star anise properly and effectively in daily life. It should be noted that star anise should not be eaten blindly. When you cook, you must put star anise in moderation and not too much. In addition, the selection of star anise must ensure high quality.