Experts claim herb with awkward nickname will 'work wonders' for bloating issues

Bloating is a nightmare to deal with.

When devouring a delicious meal, the last thing we want to think about is tummy pain or an unusually enlarged stomach. However, a herbalist claims that one particular spice may be the solution to easing this discomfort - and it's got a rather strange name.

Taking to TikTok, Christian Drapeau also said the herb tastes a lot like liquorice and can be used to make a surprising type of tea. "So, what I am holding here is Star anise," he said (@stemcellchristian). "Now, as a French man, the first time I talked about this I called it 'star anus' and I got a very interesting reaction...

"It's pretty delicious it tastes like liquorice. You take two or three of those, you boil that into what, eight, 12 ounces of water and you drink it, you can add a little bit of sweetener." The unusual star-shaped spices are a product of the Chinese tree Illicium verum and have been used within traditional medicine practices for many years.

Research suggests they are packed with a number of bioactive compounds, including linalool and quercetin, which both have anti-inflammatory properties. Anethole is another too, which has also been used to relieve painful symptoms among those experiencing IBS - irritable bowel syndrome.

Christian added: "It is absolutely delicious and it's amazing to reduce bloating and gas formation."

Despite its perks, star anise should still be taken with caution. The spice is often very toxic for infants and is known to trigger severe allergic reactions in some people. The herbalist continued: "Other than that, if you don't take too much, don't take it for extended periods of time... But if you take it for a few months it's no issue, very good to eliminate gas."

If you don't fancy the liquorice-tasting spice, fear not. The NHS recommends various other remedies that can help with bloating. Exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water and eating foods high in fibre are among them.

Meanwhile, it's important to avoid drinking too many fizzy drinks or too much alcohol or caffeine. Cabbage, beans and lentils are famous for causing gas and bloating too.

See a full list of NHS recommended remedies below:

• Replace larger meals with smaller, more frequent meals

• Massage your stomach to release trapped wind

• Drink lots of water

• Exercise regularly

• Chew with your mouth shut to avoid swallowing air

• Avoid too many fizzy drinks, alcohol and caffeine

• Avoid processed or fatty foods, in addition to too much cabbage, beans or lentils

What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below