You might be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of someone coming down with unexpected heart problems in the last year or two. As always, prevention is priority, so I’ve been studying something called shikimic acid. It’s a plant substance that’s known for reducing platelet aggregation (a fancy name for blood clotting.)
There are a few foods in the plant kingdom that contain significant levels of shikimic acid, and the best source is STAR ANISE, a seed-type herb that is often used in Chinese cooking. Star anise contains many medicinal compounds that contribute to its long list of health benefits.
The Journal of Medical Virology shows that taking shikimic acid in combination with quercetin, even at low doses, is a potent way to improve innate immune function.
On the topic of quercetin... the second plant food that I’m taking full advantage of right now is NINGXIA RED. It’s a wolfberry-citrus superfruit juice that helps maintain healthy blood cells and cardiovascular function.
One of the ingredients, aronia berries (also known as black chokecherries) are known for their significant amounts of antioxidant compounds, including quercetin. Quercetin, in its natural whole food form, is incredibly effective in moderating the body’s response to inflammation.
We drink an ounce of NingXia Red daily, and have recently started drinking star anise tea once or twice a week — or more as needed.
To make 4 cups of star anise tea:
5-6 star anise pods (organic is best)
1” piece of fresh ginger, sliced
1 T. honey (or more to taste)
2-3 drops lemon essential oil
Steep star anise and ginger in 32 ounces of hot water for 30 minutes. Strain out solids. Add honey and lemon oil; serve and enjoy hot or cold! Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Drink up! Our Creator has already given us everything we need to stay healthy. Let’s learn how to use it and enjoy it in our daily lives!
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