Star Anise
Healing essence of star anise Anti-cancer Native to China, star anise is used to flavor confectionery and is a component of Chinese “five spice” powder. Among other medicinal uses, it is used as a treatment for arthritis and colic. It is also chewed to sweeten the breath. Its most important current medical use it as a provider of raw material for the production of the anti-flu drug, Tamiflu. However it is not know to have antiviral properties in its unprocessed form. Medicinal propertiesAmong the spices, star anise is one of the most potent LDL cholesterol antioxidants and so plays a valuable role in preventing the development of atherosclerosis.It also contains limonene which has anticancer properties, and linalool which possesses both anticancer and antiviral activities. Important phytonutrientsAntioxidants: Anethole, camphene, hydroquinone, myrcene, proanthocyanidins, rutin, terpineneOthers: Anisatin, anisaldehyde, cineole, limonene, linalool, trans-anethole
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