Why is star anise sweet?

Illicium verum is the fruit of plants, which is sweet in itself. The fruit is picked in autumn and winter, and it is reddish brown or yellowish brown after drying, with a sweet and fragrant smell.

Illicium verum is a specialty of China, which is abundant in Guangdong and Guangxi. The color is purple-brown, octagonal and star-shaped, with sweet taste and rich aroma, which comes from volatile anisaldehyde.

Evergreen trees grow in humid, warm and semi-shady environments, and the height can reach 20 meters. Fruits are picked in autumn and winter, and are reddish brown or yellowish brown after drying. The smell is sweet and fragrant. Use whole fruit or powder. Illicium verum can be used not only as seasoning, but also as raw material for perfume, toothpaste, soap and cosmetics. In industry, it can also be used as a repellent and stimulant in medicine.

Efficacy and function of Illicium verum

1. Promote gastrointestinal peristalsis

The main component of Illicium verum is fennel oil, which can stimulate gastrointestinal nerves and blood vessels, promote the secretion of digestive juice, increase gastrointestinal peristalsis, strengthen the stomach and promote qi circulation, and help relieve spasm and pain.

Increase white blood cells

Aniline can promote the maturation of bone marrow cells and release them into peripheral blood, and has obvious effect of increasing white blood cells, mainly neutrophils, which can be used for leukopenia.