Table of contents:
- Benefits of lawang flowers for health
- 1. Antifungal and antibacterial
- 2. Serves as an antioxidant
- 3. Improve the health of pregnant women
- 4. Healthy digestive system
- 5. Overcoming flu and cough
- 6. Overcoming sleep disorders
The lawang flower or known as pekak is a spice originating from southern China and Vietnam. Usually, this spice is used in many cuisines, especially Asian. Plants with scientific names Illicium verum it is shaped like a star which consists of eight segments. Each segment contains a small, brown seed, the same color as the flower. In fact, there are a myriad of benefits of anise flower that is a pity to miss.
Benefits of lawang flowers for health
The lawang flower has various health benefits such as:
1. Antifungal and antibacterial
The first benefit of anise flower is that it functions as an antifungal and antibacterial agent. According to the Korean Journal of Medical Mycology, this plant extract has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. Bunga lawang is able to control certain types of fungi such as Candida albicans.
This one fungus is the most common cause of infection. Usually Candida albicans can grow uncontrollably and cause candidiasis. In addition, scientists in Taiwan also found that there were four antimicrobial compounds in the lawang flower that were effective in overcoming 70 strains of bacteria that were resistant or resistant to drugs.
2. Serves as an antioxidant
The lawang flower contains linaool essential oil and vitamin C which is a source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are natural compounds that protect body cells from free radical damage and environmental toxins such as cigarette smoke and air pollution.
Free radicals in the body accelerate the body's aging process. As a result, you are at risk for various diseases such as heart disease and cancer to premature aging of the skin. The research, published in the journal Chemico-Biological Interactions, found the fact that star anise can even reduce the development of cancer cells.
3. Improve the health of pregnant women
Besides being able to improve the overall health of the body, the flower of lawang can help overcome various diseases during pregnancy. So that this one herbal plant is safe and good for consumption during pregnancy.
In fact, breastfeeding mothers can also try the lawang flower to increase milk production. The antehole compounds in anise flower also show properties similar to the hormone estrogen which can regulate hormone function in women.
4. Healthy digestive system
The anise flower is a spice which is rich in fiber. It is not new that fiber is able to maintain a healthy digestive system such as overcoming flatulence, cramps and constipation. Fiber is able to soften and soften the stool, thereby preventing you from constipation.
Constipation left too long can develop into hemorrhoids which can cause bloody and painful bowel movements. One tablespoon of anise extract contains one gram of fiber or the equivalent of 3-4 percent of your daily needs, depending on age and gender.
5. Overcoming flu and cough
The benefits of anise flower that you might not expect are overcoming colds and coughs. This is because the lawang flower contains high shikimat acid. According to the Journal of Medical Virology, the combination of shikimat acid and the antioxidant quercetin can boost the immune system.
That way, the body is able to protect itself maximally from disease attacks, especially those caused by viruses. In addition, consuming a cup of anise extract tea three times a day helps relieve coughs and sore throats.
6. Overcoming sleep disorders
Quoted from Mercola, the lawang flower is also widely used to treat various sleep disorders. The reason is, traditional medicine found that the lawang flower has mild sedative properties that help calm nerves. Try to consume anise extract tea every day. If your sleep disorder can be resolved, the quality of your physical and mental health will improve.
