{"id":19822,"date":"2019-01-01T01:10:40","date_gmt":"2019-01-01T06:10:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/content\/?p=20066"},"modified":"2018-12-31T11:37:09","modified_gmt":"2018-12-31T16:37:09","slug":"notes-from-the-apothecary-47","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2019\/01\/01\/notes-from-the-apothecary-47\/","title":{"rendered":"Notes from the Apothecary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Notes\nfrom the Apothecary: Star Anise<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Star\nanise is a beautiful, fragrant spice from China and Vietnam often\nused in cooking and medicine. The Latin name is illicium verum<\/em>.\nThe fruits are green and resemble star-shaped flowers when first\npicked. When they are dried, the fruits harden and turn a dark,\nreddish brown and the star shape becomes more prominent. The \u2018arms\u2019\nof the star pop open to revel smooth, shiny brown seeds. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\nwhole fruit is used as a seasoning for many different types of\ncuisine, most notably in the Chinese five spice mix which is widely\nused in Oriental cooking. The star shape makes this fruit immediately\nintriguing as a magical ingredient. The powerful, aniseed-like scent\nspeaks of mystery and wonder, whether it\u2019s rising from a specially\nseasoned morning coffee or some carefully crafted incense. Read on\nfor more information on how star anise is used in medicine and magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Apothecary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The\nfirst point in using star anise as a medicine is to ensure it is\nnever confused with Japanese star anise. Japanese star anise, or\nillicium anisatum<\/em>, is also known as the Sacred Tree and is\nhighly revered by Buddhists. The leaves are used as incense, but the\nfruits and seeds are highly toxic. Unfortunately, it\u2019s almost\nimpossible to tell the difference between dried Japanese and Chinese\nstar anise fruit. Because of this, it\u2019s important to purchase your\nstar anise from a reputable and experienced supplier. Alternatively,\nif you\u2019re able to grow your own, this is the safest way forward. If\nin doubt, do not consume, as the toxic substance anisatin causes\nsevere inflammation of the urinary and digestive tracts. Chinese star\nanise is the only edible variety and the only variety that should be\nused for medicinal purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now\nthat the dire warnings are out of the way, the good news is that\nChinese star anise is incredibly medicinally important. It\u2019s one of\nthe primary source of shikimic acid which is used in anti-influenza\ndrugs. There are many sources of shikimic acid, but star anise is so\nrelied upon that when there is a serious flu outbreak, global\nshortages of the spice tend to occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Web\nMD states that star anise is also used for a range of ailments\nincluding colic and other digestive issues, coughs, bronchitis and\ncongestion. It may be useful as a galactagogue; a substance that\npromotes the flow of breast milk. However, it should be avoided\nduring pregnancy as can affect the uterus. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mrs\nGrieve states in her Modern Herbal that the oil from Chinese star\nanise is identical to oil of anise, from the unrelated anise plant.\nThis is why the two plants have such a similar taste. Many animals\nare highly attracted to anise oil. Hunt saboteurs have been known to\nuse it to throw hounds off the trail of a pursued fox or hare, and it\nhas historically been used in mouse traps as bait. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Witch\u2019s Kitchen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In\nThe Green Wiccan Herbal<\/em> by Silja, star anise is one of the 52\nherbs she focuses on as important tools of magic. The author states\nthat star anise is an herb of the element of air. This means it would\n make a beautiful addition to the eastern point of an altar or sacred\nspace, and an ideal ingredient for any incense. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Star\nanise is associated with the planet Jupiter, associated with\nexpansion and luck (Practical Planetary Magick, David Rankine and\nSorita d\u2019Este)<\/em>. Jupiter has historically been known as\nbeneficent and positive, meaning plants associated with it, such as\nstar anise, can be used for magic with a positive leaning. Jupiter is\nalso associated with law and ethics, meaning it can be connected to\njustice and doing the right thing. Use star anise to gain success in\nbusiness ventures or new projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Star anise is also linked to Apollo and Hermes, making it a tool of poetry, music, traveling and communication. Music and poetry can, of course, be tools for communication, which makes me wonder if this is one of star anise\u2019s strongest traits. Perhaps a witch could use star anise to find different ways to deliver a difficult message, or to open up about something they\u2019re having a hard time expressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silja\nlinks this plant to magic for consecration and purification, which\ncan be done via incense or scattering the seeds. The author also\nstates the spice can be used for breaking curses and removing\nnegativity, particularly when used in food. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home and Hearth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Press\na whole star anise into a green or gold candle. Use a blob of melted\nwax to stick it there, or ensure the candle is soft before you do\nthis. Any time you need to do something regarding prosperity or\nwealth, light the candle and meditate on the flame for a moment. This\ncould be a visit to the bank, a job interview, a business meeting or\neven a yard sale. The star anise combined with the coloured candle\nmagic will boost your chances at success and prosperity. (Paraphrased\nfrom The Green Wiccan Herbal<\/em> by Silja.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nKitchen\nwitches should add star anise into their recipes for a boost of\nhumour and joviality in their lives. Indian cookery is great for\nthis. My favourite is a biryani; a fragrant rice dish with whole star\nanise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\nNever Knew\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\nLatin name for Chinese star anise, illicium verum<\/em>, originates\nfrom illicio<\/em> which means \u2018alluring\u2019. This refers to the\nirresistible scent of the fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Image\ncredits: guangxi – star anise farm in china 2005 by fuzheado via\nWikimedia\nCommons<\/a>, licensed under the Creative\nCommons<\/a> Attribution-Share\nAlike 2.0 Generic license<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

***<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About\nthe Author:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mabh\nSavage<\/strong> is\na Pagan author, poet and musician, as well as a freelance journalist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She\nis the author of <\/em>A\nModern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors<\/strong><\/em><\/a>\nand <\/em>Pagan\nPortals \u2013 Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pagan Portals – Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Notes from the Apothecary: Star Anise Star anise is a beautiful, fragrant spice from China and Vietnam often used in cooking and medicine. The Latin name is illicium verum. The fruits are green and resemble star-shaped flowers when first picked. When they are dried, the fruits harden and turn a dark, reddish brown and the star shape becomes more prominent. The \u2018arms\u2019 of the star pop open to revel smooth, shiny brown seeds. The whole fruit is used as a seasoning for many different types of cuisine, most notably in the Chinese five spice mix which is widely used in Oriental cooking. The star shape makes this fruit immediately intriguing as a magical ingredient. The powerful, aniseed-like scent speaks of mystery and wonder, whether it\u2019s rising from a specially seasoned morning coffee or some carefully crafted incense. Read on for more information on how star anise is used in medicine and magic. The Apothecary The first point in using star anise as a medicine is to ensure it is never confused with Japanese star anise. Japanese star anise, or illicium anisatum, is also known as the Sacred Tree and is highly revered by Buddhists. The leaves are used as incense, but the fruits and seeds are highly toxic. Unfortunately, it\u2019s almost impossible to tell the difference between dried Japanese and Chinese star anise fruit. Because of this, it\u2019s important to purchase your star anise from a reputable and experienced supplier. Alternatively, if you\u2019re able to grow your own, this is the safest way forward. If in doubt, do not consume, as the toxic substance anisatin causes severe inflammation of the urinary and digestive tracts. Chinese star anise is the only edible variety and the only variety that should be used for medicinal purposes. Now that the dire warnings are out of the way, the good news is that Chinese star anise is incredibly medicinally important. It\u2019s one of the primary source of shikimic acid which is used in anti-influenza drugs. There are many sources of shikimic acid, but star anise is so relied upon that when there is a serious flu outbreak, global shortages of the spice tend to occur. Web MD states that star anise is also used for a range of ailments including colic and other digestive issues, coughs, bronchitis and congestion. It may be useful as a galactagogue; a substance that promotes the flow of breast milk. However, it should be avoided during pregnancy as can affect the uterus. Mrs Grieve states in her Modern Herbal that the oil from Chinese star anise is identical to oil of anise, from the unrelated anise plant. This is why the two plants have such a similar taste. Many animals are highly attracted to anise oil. Hunt saboteurs have been known to use it to throw hounds off the trail of a pursued fox or hare, and it has historically been used in mouse traps as bait. The Witch\u2019s Kitchen In The Green Wiccan Herbal by Silja, star anise is one of the 52 herbs she focuses on as important tools of magic. The author states that star anise is an herb of the element of air. This means it would make a beautiful addition to the eastern point of an altar or sacred space, and an ideal ingredient for any incense. Star anise is associated with the planet Jupiter, associated with expansion and luck (Practical Planetary Magick, David Rankine and Sorita d\u2019Este). Jupiter has historically been known as beneficent and positive, meaning plants associated with it, such as star anise, can be used for magic with a positive leaning. Jupiter is also associated with law and ethics, meaning it can be connected to justice and doing the right thing. Use star anise to gain success in business ventures or new projects. Star anise is also linked to Apollo and Hermes, making it a tool of poetry, music, traveling and communication. Music and poetry can, of course, be tools for communication, which makes me wonder if this is one of star anise\u2019s strongest traits. Perhaps a witch could use star anise to find different ways to deliver a difficult message, or to open up about something they\u2019re having a hard time expressing. Silja links this plant to magic for consecration and purification, which can be done via incense or scattering the seeds. The author also states the spice can be used for breaking curses and removing negativity, particularly when used in food. Home and Hearth Press a whole star anise into a green or gold candle. Use a blob of melted wax to stick it there, or ensure the candle is soft before you do this. Any time you need to do something regarding prosperity or wealth, light the candle and meditate on the flame for a moment. This could be a visit to the bank, a job interview, a business meeting or even a yard sale. The star anise combined with the coloured candle magic will boost your chances at success and prosperity. (Paraphrased from The Green Wiccan Herbal by Silja.) Kitchen witches should add star anise into their recipes for a boost of humour and joviality in their lives. Indian cookery is great for this. My favourite is a biryani; a fragrant rice dish with whole star anise. I Never Knew\u2026 The Latin name for Chinese star anise, illicium verum, originates from illicio which means \u2018alluring\u2019. This refers to the irresistible scent of the fruit. Image credits: guangxi – star anise farm in china 2005 by fuzheado via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license. *** About the Author: Mabh Savage is a Pagan author, poet and musician, as well as a freelance journalist. She is the author of A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors and Pagan Portals \u2013 Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways. A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors on Amazon Pagan Portals – Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways on Amazon<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":206,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19822","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19822","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/206"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19822"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19822\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19822"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19822"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}