What are the functions and effects of star anise?
Jul 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
In general, the effects and functions of star anise include flavoring and aroma enhancement, promoting digestion, relieving cold symptoms and pain, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, and alleviating cough and asthma. Patients with chronic diseases such as heart disease and hypertension should use star anise cautiously because it may constrict blood vessels and potentially worsen their condition. In addition, pregnant women should avoid excessive consumption of star anise to prevent adverse reactions.
Generally speaking, the effects and functions of star anise include flavoring and aroma enhancement, promoting digestion, relieving cold symptoms and pain, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, and alleviating cough and asthma. The details are as follows:
1. Flavoring and Aroma Enhancement: Star anise has a strong, pleasant aroma and is a commonly used spice. It can add a unique flavor to dishes and effectively enhance the fragrance of food while masking the fishy or unpleasant odors of ingredients, especially in braised or stewed dishes.
2. Promoting Digestion: The essential oils contained in star anise can stimulate gastrointestinal motility and increase secretion of digestive juices, helping to improve symptoms such as poor appetite and indigestion, and promoting smoother digestive function.
3. Dispelling Cold and Relieving Pain: With its warm nature, star anise helps expel cold pathogens from the body. It can help alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain caused by cold, stomach coldness, and vomiting, achieving the effect of warming internal organs, dispersing cold, and relieving pain.
4. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory: Components in star anise possess certain antibacterial properties, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of some bacteria, thus providing auxiliary benefits for inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Alleviating Cough and Asthma: In some traditional applications, star anise can help relieve coughing and wheezing caused by cold pathogens through warming the lungs and dispersing cold, thus reducing respiratory discomfort.
Patients with chronic diseases such as heart disease and hypertension should use star anise cautiously, as it may constrict blood vessels and potentially worsen their conditions. In addition, pregnant women should avoid excessive consumption of star anise to prevent adverse reactions.
