Anise, Illicium verum

Description

Star anise has many medicinal benefits. The oil is known to inhibit bacterial growth, relieve gas and indigestion, reduce oxidative stress and infections, and improve skin elasticity. Star anise is an excellent source of antioxidants thanks to the presence of linalool and Vitamin C and shikimic acid. Star anise has traditionally been used in China to help women during pregnancy and to new mothers wanting to increase their milk production. Traditional Chinese practitioners often prescribe it for pregnant women.  Researchers have also found that star anise has an estrogenic effect owing to a compound called anethole which helps to modulate hormonal functions in women during menopause.