Of all the household spices that lay claim to curative and medicinal properties, star anise has perhaps been the most hardworking. Not only has it been used for centuries to aid digestion, cure colic and ease the symptoms of rheumatism, but more recently it has been widely exploited in treating influenza - bird flu in particular. Star anise contains the shikimic acid used to create the anti-flu medicine Tamiflu, which has been used extensively around the world since the first outbreak of the H5N1 strain of avian flu in 1997. So widely was it used, in fact, that in 2005 there was a global shortage of star anise before scientists found a way of producing shikimic acid artificially, although it is still estimated that up to 90 per cent of star anise is still used to produce Tamiflu.
When it comes to home remedies, however, caution must be exercised. While Chinese star anise is safe when used to make herbal tea, Japanese star anise has been known to induce vomiting, seizures and severe cases of the jitters. In fact, the highly toxic Japanese variety contains anisatin and sikimitoxin, which can inflame the kidneys and the digestive organs. No wonder the Japanese burn their star anise as incense. But how do you tell the difference between the two? The answer is with great difficulty. Both Japanese and Chinese star anise are identical in appearance, yet the Japanese variety has a milder fragrance than its Chinese counterpart, and is thought to smell more like cardamom seeds than aniseed.
The familiar flavour and bouquet of Chinese star anise makes it a key ingredient in six-spice powder (along with cinnamon, ginger root, cloves, fennel seeds and peppercorns), which is used to bring many Chinese recipes to life. Indeed, the star shaped spice with eight points is the fruit of an evergreen magnolia tree native to China. The fruits are picked before they are ripe and then dried in the sun, which is when they acquire their characteristic rusty brown colour. It is better to buy star anise whole rather than in ground form - it retains its distinctive flavour for longer this way, and the attractive stars can be used as a garnish.
While star anise is synonymous with Chinese cuisine, it's also cultivated extensively in India, where it features in another ubiquitous powdered spice blend, garam masala. In Vietnam, it's used in the popular soup noodle dish "pho", and in Thailand it's ground and boiled up with cloves, vanilla pods, orange blossom water, cinnamon and black tea leaves to make Thai iced tea. Make yourself a few gallons of the stuff, get comfy on the settee under your duvet and crank up the TV for the day. Frankly, we can't think of a better way to ward off the dreaded flu.
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
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German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Persuasion
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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.