Star Anise Milk Recipe - Frugal Mom Eh! (2024)

FAQs

What does star anise do for the body? ›

Star anise is a unique spice known for its distinct flavor and pungent, licorice-like aroma. Star anise is used to treat microbial infections, regulate blood sugar, fight cancer, and improve heart health. Star anise is a unique spice known for its distinct flavor and pungent, licorice-like aroma.

Stick to a quarter of the star anise measurement recommended in the recipe. Anise seed: This is probably the closest in flavor to star anise. It shares the black licorice flavor of star anise, but is a little softer.

Star anise is also used for increasing sexual drive (libido) and treating symptoms of “male menopause.”

Despite its name, star anise is not the same thing as aniseed. (You can learn all about aniseed here.) It's actually the fruit of a small evergreen tree in the magnolia family (Illicium verum). The green fruit is picked before it can ripen and it's dried until it resembles a hard, nut-brown seed.

Children: It is possibly unsafe for star anise to be taken by mouth in children. Serious side effects, including vomiting and seizures, have been reported in infants and adults given star anise tea. Star anise teas may be contaminated with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), which is poisonous.

For medicinal use, anise doses ranging from 600 mg to 9 grams daily have been proven effective in the treatment of conditions like depression ( 6 , 7 ). Doses of up to 20 grams per day of anise seed powder are considered safe for healthy adults ( 6 ).

Star anise (I. verum) is considered safe due to its low veranisatin content, although it may cause neurotoxicity above the maximum recommended dose (one star per 200 cc of water)2 or if it is boiled for long periods, resulting in higher concentrations.

At typical amounts in food, anise is generally considered safe. However, with excessive amounts, possible symptoms of toxicity with anise may include: Abnormal hormone levels—with potential effects on sperm count or fertility. Breathing problems from an allergic reaction or too much fluid in the lungs.

Hormone-sensitive conditions: Anise might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use anise. This includes breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and others. Surgery: Anise might lower blood sugar levels.

Testosterone, FSH, LH and PRL levels were significantly decreased in Equigan group as compared to control and SAE groups. In contrast, there was a significant increase in total testosterone, FSH, LH and PRL in co-treatment Equigan with SAE group when compared with Equigan group (Figures 1 and 2).

Does star anise expire? ›

When does star anise expire? Unopened, star anise can last up to 3-4 years in a dry and cool pantry if stored correctly, becoming less potent over time rather than spoiling. Once opened, its shelf life decreases to approximately 1 year.

In the present study, anise oil led to decrease in the level of FSH, LH, and testosterone. The androgens, as paracrine hormones, are required by the Sertoli cells in order to support sperm production (spermatogenesis).

Why is star anise so expensive? Like many spices that are considered to be high-end or "pricy", the price tag on star anise is owed to the production and harvesting processes. Star anise is hand-harvested and is limited as to where it can be grown. It is also a beloved spice around the globe and is in demand.

Star anise is generally considered safe but may be contaminated with highly toxic Japanese star anise. To ensure the purity of the spice you're buying, always double-check its source to avoid accidental intoxication.

Cloves can be used to replace star anise because they also provide a sweetness along with bitter flavors to dishes. Use less cloves than you would star anise, and they have a stronger flavor.

Aniseed and its essential oil are used in traditional therapies, for example, for relief of coughs, respiratory congestion, migraines, gastrointestinal distress, and colic; for treatment of skin infections; as a tranquilizer and aphrodisiac; and to improve lactation.

Star anise possesses certain sedative properties attributed to the magnesium content of the spice. It can stimulate the release of certain neurotransmitters that induce relaxation and sleep. It is extremely beneficial for people who have insomnia and irregular sleep patterns.

At typical amounts in food, anise is generally considered safe. However, with excessive amounts, possible symptoms of toxicity with anise may include: Abnormal hormone levels—with potential effects on sperm count or fertility. Breathing problems from an allergic reaction or too much fluid in the lungs.