Star anise in urdu meaning Badiyan ka Phool contains an amazing aromatic flavor and is used as a secret ingredient in Asian cuisine. It is a sweet spice that gives a depth of taste.
This spice is native to China and Vietnam, and a star-shaped spice derived from an Asian evergreen tree, illicium verum.
Chinese also use this spice as an ingredient in many dishes. It is also used in cocktails, braised meats, and herbal tea.
You may not know about Badiyan ka Phool benefits for your overall health besides its amazing aroma. People use this spice in dishes, but it also helps to treat health conditions with its medicinal properties.
People often confuse the star anise with anise, but both are different.
Let’s learn more to find the difference.
What is Star Anise or Badiyan ka Phool?
Star anise or Badiyan ka Phool is derived from the illicium verum (Chinese Evergreen Tree).
It looks like a star and hard, nut-brown seed. It has around 6 to 10 points, and every point contains one seed that is small in size.
It’s time to get into depth about its benefits and medicinal properties.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Badiyan ka Phool
Star anise is gaining popularity for its medicinal properties that give a boost to your overall health. I personally call herbs and spices, like badiyan ka Phool, turmeric, dhamasa booti and daar cheeni as heroes of health as they do not contain any serious side effects, but has the following properties;
1. Contains Bioactive Compounds
You need proper nutrition to stay healthy and enjoy the quality of life.
Researchers are working to find more about its nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. But it is confirmed that it has powerful bioactive compounds that play an important role in your health.
Badiyan ka Phool provides enough amount of flavonoids and polyphenols. It also contains many other beneficial compounds that can help you stay active and healthy, such as limonene, linalool, anethole, gallic acid, shikimic acid, and quercetin.
These compounds lead to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Such active compounds increase their medicinal capacity.
2. Act as an Antibacterial Agent
It does not only provide aroma but is also able to reduce the growth of bacteria. You can also use its extract as an antibiotic. If the bacteria is the causing factor of urinary tract infection, this spice can help to treat such infection. According to a study, star anise also reduces the growth of E.coli.
But there is more research required to explore more about its antibacterial properties for human health.
3. Rich in Antifungal Properties
Star anise possesses antifungal properties that also contribute to treating fungal infections. The extract of Badiyan ka Phool or the star anise essential oil is used as a medicine to stop the growth of fungus by professionals.
It contains compounds like flavonoids and anethole that inhibit fungal infection. But you cannot rely completely on its use to treat fungal infections but combine it along with other treatments.
4. Promote Skin Health
Vitamin A promotes skin healing process and protects your skin against acne breakouts like other topical treatment for acne. Well, Badiyan ka Phool is a great source of vitamin A that prevents skin damage and enhances your skin health.
If your skin is sensitive, do not apply its oil directly on your face but first, discuss with your skin specialist.
Your skin needs hydration as your body does. One of Badiyan ka Phool benefits include its moisturizing and hydrating effect for your skin. It maintains the natural oil of your skin and prevents wrinkles formation.
5. Manages Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a silent killer, but you can control it by eating a healthy diet. Badiyan ka Phool has been used in medicine to manage hypertension.
The nutrients in its extract or essential oil, like calcium and potassium, can help to relax blood vessels and result in lowering blood pressure.
6. Deals with Cancer
Some of the research also supports that star anise or Badiyan ka Phool contains anti-cancer properties and helps to treat the tumor.
People with obesity issues and poor nutrition may develop cancer or any other chronic disease. The causing factors of cancer include the free radicals in your body. But good nutrition like vitamins A and C protects your body against free radicals and also fights off toxins.
7. Treats Flu and Cold
Kahwas or teas are common in Pakistan to reduce the symptoms of influenza and cold. You can enjoy star anise kahwa by adding more spices and enjoy its beneficial aroma with its sweet spice taste. It contains antibacterial properties that fight off infections and help to reduce the symptoms of a cold.
There is no direct cure for cold and flu, but yes, you can use herbs and spices to shorten the illness period.
But you should add it to your diet after consulting your doctor, as it may contain some side effects, such as:
Badiyan ka Phool Side Effects
There is no such serious potential risk of using star anise, but yes, you may be allergic to this spice. You should avoid buying Japanese star anise spice as it contains potent neurotoxins that may cause nausea, seizures, etc. Chinese star anise is a perfect choice for you as it does not possess any intoxication.
If you are pregnant or planning to give the spice to an infant, avoid it as it may cause severe reactions.
Uses of Badiyan ka Phool are different. For example, you can make a kahwa of Badiyan ka Phool and cinnamon. It treats stomach problems and also helps to manage high blood pressure and diabetes.
If you are living with heart disease, consult with your doctor to confirm if you can combine Badiyan ka Phool along with medical treatment for more effective results.
Try its Licorice Flavor and Medicinal Properties…
It does not matter if it is your cuisine or you want to treat your health condition, Badiyan ka Phool benefits are amazing.
The powerful compounds of star anise help to fight off infections, such as bacterial and fungal infections. Make sure that you always buy a pure Chinese variety to avoid reactions.
