Star anise

This is an automatic translation

Star anise is an evergreen tropical tree native to Southeast Asia that can reach 10 meters in height. It has oval, glossy and thick leaves that resemble those of the magnolia. From its large white flowers a structure is generated characterized by 8 lobes arranged in a star, inside which the fruits (erroneously called seeds) reside.

As an aromatic plant it is used in the East to flavor meat dishes, while in the West it is used in desserts or in the production of liqueurs.

The essential oil of star anise is obtained mainly from the fruits by steam distillation (Illicium Verum Fruit Oil) and is presented as a liquid with yellowish hues with an intense and penetrating aroma. Its main component is anethole. This essential oil is widely used as an ingredient for toothpastes, as it is used as a sanitizer for the oral cavity, on this occasion it is often also associated with other balsamic essential oils.

In herbal medicine it is widely used to promote digestion, so much so that it is present together with fennel, coriander and cumin in the legendary recipe of the Chinese emperor Huang Ti.

Suffumigi di Anise together with juniper and basil are considered a remedy to fight bacterial infections and clear the respiratory tract. It can be used to perfume and aromatize the environment; it can also be found in skin care products.

It is important not to expose yourself to the sun after applying cosmetic products to the skin with this ingredient because it is photosensitizing.