Star anise (sanque)

star anise (sanque)An important ingredient in cooking asado dishes, the scientific name of star anise is Illicium verum. The origins are China and Vietnam. In herbology, star anise is used as a remedy for colic and rheumatism.

There is, however, a variety known as Japanese star anise which is toxic and good for ornamental purposes only. In physical appearance, they do not look much different. Following reported illnesses associated with star anise tea, ranging from Òserious neurological effects, such as seizures, to vomiting, jitteriness and rapid eye movementÓ, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a generic warning last year against teas brewed from star anise. There is no current information as to the status of this warning, i.e., from which type of star anise the ÒculpritÓ tea was brewed.

Oh, well, I use Philippine grown star anise. And I only drink green tea.


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October 12, 2004  Print This Post   
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