Bhubaneswar, Sept. 3 -- The Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department on Thursday highlighted the health benefits of star anise, a spice commonly used in Odia cuisine. The Department described Star anise as a useful plant with several health benefits and shared information about its different uses.

Star Anise not only adds flavour to food but also has several medicinal properties. It helps provide relief from common stomach problems such as abdominal pain, gas, and indigestion. The spice is also said to help with cough, cold, and flu symptoms. Because of these uses, star anise has a place not only in the kitchen but also in traditional health practices.

The dried fruit of the plant is the part that is commonly used. The plant itself i...