Star Anise
Illicium verum
Magnoliaceae. Illicium verum Anise in the Magnolia family or Schisandraceae
Physical use
This beautiful star-shaped spice can be used whole in dishes, or its smooth seeds can be dried and ground into a powder. As a warming and sweet spice, it makes a tasty addition to homemade elderberry syrup. It is also a key ingredient and major flavour in Vietnamese Pho broth. Its antioxidants help protect against cellular damage. Often used during the cold and flu season, it is a common ingredient in cough and cold syrups due to its antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
Conditions
- Immune support for colds and flus
- Enhances digestion
Thermal qualities
- Warm
- Aromatic
- Sweet
Chakra
- Throat
- Sacral
Energetic use
Star anise is renowned for its ability to dispel confusion and sharpen focus, making it an invaluable companion for learners and wisdom seekers. It is used in ceremonies or for meditation to deepen intuitive senses, believed to facilitate a greater connection with the unseen, allowing insights and wisdom to flow more freely.
- Facilitate recovery and enhance overall health
- Its form mirrors the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth, offering an appreciation for the infinite loop that defines our universe and our spirits