In addition to traditional spices and spices used in everyday cooking, star anise, the second name is real almond, while it is an exotic flavor.
The article is devoted to the description of the plant and its use in cooking, home medicinal recipes.
Description and characteristics of the plant
Star anise, or star anise - a tropical evergreen tree or shrub of the Limonnik family, is closely related to common anise. It blooms with purple, light yellow, green flowers, after which star-shaped capsules with seeds of equal size are formed.
Did you know? Badian increases the shelf life of products. If it is used as a flavoring seasoning in jams and jams, then the sweet product will not evaporate for three years.
In the process of maturation, the rind of the seed crops becomes saturated brown and acquires a rigid structure. In the radial process of seed fruit is a beige seed, elongated in length. A habitat of growth in the natural environment are territories of Japan and the southeast of China. Today, the plant is actively cultivated in India, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Korea, Jamaica and the Philippines. In the countries of modern Europe and Russia, the Badian was brought in the XVI century.
Characteristics of the plant:
- possesses more pronounced aroma, than anise ordinary;
- taste - sweet with notes of light bitterness;
- breeding method - seed;
- fruits are formed in the fifth year of the plant;
- when ripe, the seed leaves change color from green to deep brown.
Useful properties of anise
The positive effect of the bayan on the human body is due to the content in it of B vitamins, ascorbic acid, vitamins PP, A. The spicy plant is rich in sugars, essential oils, micro and macro elements.
Important! As part of the essential oil of the plant is present in sufficient quantities the substance anethole, which has a strong tonic and stimulating effect on the human body. Therefore, anise stars for culinary and medicinal purposes should be consumed very dosage.
The useful properties of the plant include the following actions:
- expectorant;
- anthelmintic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- improves gastrointestinal peristalsis;
- reduces flatulence;
- stabilizes blood sugar levels;
- has a beneficial effect on women's health, normalizes lactation, eases menopause.
Application of badian
Due to the presence of unique natural compounds that are present in all parts of the "star" plant, it is in demand as a medical raw material not only in industrial pharmaceutical preparations, but also in home medical forms.
In folk medicine
The simplest and most common medicines prepared at home are tinctures based on water and alcohol, various teas.
Water infusion
This therapeutic form is used in such health problems as:
- disruption of the gallbladder and liver;
- failure in intestinal motility;
- flatulence;
- food poisoning;
- lack of appetite.
Water based infusions are not taken in courses, but one-time - during the day (until the painful symptoms disappear).
Find out also how to distinguish an anise from an anise.
Ingredients:
- star anise seeds - 1 tsp;
- boiling water - 0.35 l.
How to cook:
- In a thermos, having previously poured it from the inside with boiling water, pour the seeds of the magnolia, ground to a powder.
- Pour the right amount of boiling water, close the lid and insist for 1 hour.
- Filter the solution through a double layer of gauze.
- It should be taken three times a day for 30 minutes. before meals. A single dose is one-third of a glass.
Alcohol tincture
Badin tincture based on alcohol or alcohol-containing products has a pronounced therapeutic effect in respiratory diseases, bronchitis and sore throat.
Components:
- seeds crushed to a powdery state - 10 g;
- classic vodka (without flavoring and aromatic additives), moonshine, strength of 40° - 0.1 l.
Cooking process:
- Pour the powder from the seeds into the dishes and pour it with a slightly heated alcohol solution.
- Close the container tightly ground cork and shake several times.
- The container is placed for 20 days in a warm, dry and darkened room and the contents are shaken every 3 days without any leakage.
- After the above period, the infusion is filtered through four layers of gauze.
Reception method - 1 tsp. alcoholic infusion mixed with 1 tsp. Honey and use three times a day between meals. The course is 7-14 days.
Anthelmintic drug
This remedy is used in case of infection with pinworms.
Composition:
- star anise seed powder - 1 tbsp. l (with a slide);
- cool boiling water - 0.25 l.
The main stages of cooking:
- In a heated thermos, put the powder and pour boiling water, close the lid and shake the thermos several times (like a shaker).
- The preparation time of the therapeutic drink is until the contents of the thermos are completely cool.
The course of reception is two weeks. In the mornings and evenings on an empty stomach.
In cooking
In European countries, the fruits of the "star" are associated with a flavor additive to sweets and sweet pastries, in various home canned goods, especially in jams and jam.
Important! The aroma of the present is most harmoniously "fits" in confitures of blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, plum and apricot.
In cosmetology
The use of a spicy plant in cosmetology, in the form of decoctions and pastes, in hair and skin care procedures gives a visible good result, thanks to hydroquinone, which has the properties of rapid recovery.
However, it is classified as unsafe in the application. It is strictly forbidden to use products that contain an unsafe component to restore the complexion and hair, especially in the summer.
Possible harm and contraindications
The main contraindications to the use of spices in food, for medicinal and cosmetic purposes are allergic manifestations or other immune disorders. In addition, seeds and other parts of the plant can cause:
- burns of mucous and skin integuments;
- nausea, vomiting, excessive intestinal motility;
- high blood pressure;
- shortness of breath, palpitations;
- banned for use in the case of IVF, with the threat of miscarriage.
Did you know? Indian and Chinese culinary specialists add the plant to the baked meat and many other savory foods.
Increasingly, exotic spices and seasonings appear on the store shelves, which are still not very familiar to the average person. However, do not be afraid to experiment with new tastes and smells that can greatly enrich and diversify the daily diet. Badyan real - a spice that will not leave anyone indifferent.
