STAR OF WONDER
It’s beginning to look a lot like…… Ssh! Let’s not even go there! Honestly. the Grinch in me is appalled by how early it starts, but the Mum in me now recognises that there’s absolutely nothing I can do. It’s started already! I’ll have to keep my bah humbugging to myself!
HOWEVER, it does mean that one of my favourite spices can get a little look in- Star Anise. It’s just so beautiful, what’s not to like about it? It has an aniseed-y, liquorice-y flavour but it is just prettier than either of them. It’s a warm, pungent herb perfect for Autumn and Winter, and has so many uses. It’s been used in Chinese, Malay, Vietnamese and Indian (Ayurvedic) cooking for thousands of years, and adds a real depth of flavour to soups, broths and so on as well as a little kick to cakes (a bit like ginger or cinnamon). However, my favourite use for star anise is in a warm, spiced bedtime milk. It tastes great with cinnamon, nutmeg and honey in a warm milk of your choice. It’s also one of the spices used in many mulled wine recipes (less Ayurvedic of course, but delicious and heart-warming all the same!).
If you’re someone who is deeply affected by the cold (freezing cold extremeties, that cold-to-the-bone feeling), try making your own chai latte, hold it with both hands, inhale the scent and look (I mean really look) at just how simple and beautiful the star anise seed is. We are all that beautiful and simple- I promise you, we are!
On top of being warming, it has antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and is great for removing phlegm, clearing up respiratory issues rife this time of year (thanks kids) and also reducing bloating and gas.
It is especially good for women who are on let’s say days 2-3 of their periods, or women who are experiencing perimenopausal stomach-area discomfort.
It’s used in lots of oils and fragrances for this time of year, and it’s calming yet heavy, pungent aroma really lends itself to curling up on the sofa. If you’re on your period or experiencing menopausal symptoms, then curling up on the sofa is a good idea. Even better, do it without your phone and whilst thinking about your coolest ever moments!