In 2020, before we knew very much about COVID, a friend, named Ken attended his grandmother’s funeral in Houston, visited with his extensive family as many had traveled from their respective homes to attend the funeral. 

When Ken returned to his home in N. Carolina, he began to experience COVID symptoms.  He had traveled by plane, visited many family members, and had attended a funeral gathering.  Any one of these events could have been the source of his symptoms. 

Ken experienced flu-like symptoms, weakness and various other COVID symptoms for 2 months.  He tried various herbs and supplements to boost his immune system—he was better but still not quite well.  Until… he noticed remarkable improvement in his health after drinking a tea made of Star Anise. 

I've recommended this tea to several clients and friends who were unable to get relief from cold, flu and COVID symptoms, everyone expressed having results similar to Ken's--improvement from symptoms.

Here’s the recipe:  In one liter of boiling water, add about 7 of the Star Anise Seed Pods and let steep for about 10 minutes to make a stout tea. 

Enjoy a cup of hot Star Anise tea and feel improvement in your health!   

Star Anise in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have used star anise in their treatments for many years. There are considerable healing properties to this pretty seed pattern which smells like licorice.  It has antifungal and antibacterial properties, supports heart health and balances blood sugar levels. But perhaps its highest and most important medicinal component is the lesser-known chemical compound called shikimic acid.  Shikimic acid is a compound with strong antiviral capabilities and used for pharmaceutical product development. As the influenza pandemic continues to mount as a threat to global health, the demand for star anise is on the rise. Shikimic acid is an ingredient in Tamiflu, a medication used to treat influenza, and has helped treat swine flu. Star anise can be found as a whole seed pod, a powder and an essential oil.

Star Anise  is available from Amazon, who can deliver it to your door. Just make sure it comes from China.  Avoid Star Anise from Japan, however, as it’s a different product, unfortunately, with the exact same name and is toxic!

Star Anise Benefits

Powerful Antioxidant

Every day, our bodies battle cell-damaging free radicals.  Free radicals can cause serious illness and premature aging, but Star anise extract is a great source of the antioxidants vitamin C and linalool.

Antifungal Remedy

Star anise extract effectively fights fungal infections, particularly yeast, the parasitic fungi and  Candida albicans.  When the immune system is compromised, these microbes can cause a serious infection called candidiasis. Research shows that chemical compounds in star anise extract can treat candidiasis.

Star Anise for Heart Health

Star anise has many antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress in the heart, promoting a healthier cardiovascular system. Star anise extract helps regulate weight, blood pressure and fat levels in the bloodstream and prevents plaque buildup in arteries. Star Anise shows promise as a natural protector against serious cardiovascular illnesses.

Natural Antibiotic

Researchers have found multiple chemical compounds in star anise that are effective against almost 70 different types of drug-resistant bacteria. It shows promise as a future antibiotic.

Flu Fighter

Shikimic acid doesn’t commonly occur in nature. Small amounts do occur in sweetgum fruit and gingko, but star anise contains much higher concentrations. Research has found that shikimic acid combined with the plant-derived antioxidant quercetin shows strong immunomodulatory effects.

Star Anise for Pain Relief

Star anise essential oil can effectively treat rheumatism and painful joints, including back pain. Note that mixing it with a carrier oil before application is important.

Digestive Aid

Star anise tea is popular in China and other Asian countries to treat digestive upsets, including indigestion, bloating, stomach cramps and constipation.

Menstrual Pain Reliever

Many women experience mild to severe forms of menstrual pain. However, star anise’s antispasmodic and pain-relieving properties can help. Studies have shown that a blend of star anise, saffron and celery seed can reduce the pain, discomfort and duration of menstrual cramps.

Mother’s Helper

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have long prescribed star anise to pregnant women and new mothers. It may help strengthen the immune system and increase milk production. In addition, the estrogen-like compound anethole can help regulate hormonal imbalances.

Sleep Improver

Many have used star anise to settle nerves at the end of the day. Anecdotal evidence suggests it may have a mild sedative effect, which can help you get a better night’s sleep.

Cough Controller

Star anise is an effective natural remedy to soothe coughs and sore throats. It may also relieve bronchitis and even asthma.

Enjoy a delightful hot cup of Star Anise Tea, for relief from cold and flu symptoms while supporting your immune system to function at its best!

This information does not constitute any ‘professional’ medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.