Anise is an aromatic and herbaceous plant; because of this, it is most familiar to find anise as a seasoning in cooking. But flavoring isn't the only thing anise brings to the table, it also brings a range of health benefits which could drastically increase your quality of life. Safe to use on adults and children, anise has been used to relieve colic, nausea, and indigestion. Other uses not recommended for children include countering period pain, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. Anise has also been used to treat impotence, increase breast-milk production, and treat lice and scabies.
History & Folklore
Anise has been a valued and revered medicinal herb for hundreds of years. During the Ottoman Period (15751-1878 CE) the plague and cholera were on the rise and solutions needed to be found to treat these illnesses. It was then discovered by historians, in the records of Cyprus hospital monastery, that anise had been used to treat the same illnesses.
Habitat & Cultivation
An annual growing up to 24 inches tall, Anise has similar looks to parsley and coriander: an erect stem, wispy leaves with crinkled edges, sprigs of tiny yellow flowers, and ridged seeds. Anise prefers well-drained, light, and fertile soils as are the soils in its native North Africa, western Asia, and the eastern Mediterranean. Anise is widely cultivated for its seeds in autumn; they hold much of the medicinal value and flavor food.
Uses
Digestive Remedy with a combination of parts anise has the ability to reduce gas, bloating, digestion, and nausea; when given to infants and children it relieves colic, and indigestion
Involuntary Muscle Spasm Relief with antispasmodic properties, anise seeds can alleviate period pain, asthma, whooping cough, and bronchitis
Other Uses increasing breast-milk production, treating impotence and frigidity, and treating lice and scabies
Parts used
Seeds
Essential Oil
Key Actions
Estrogenic
Antispasmodic
Expectorant
Insecticide
Antifungal
Constituents
Volatile Oil (70-90% anethole, methylchavicol, and other terpenes)
Furanocoumarins
Flavonoids
Fatty acids
Phenylpropanoids
Steroids
Proteins
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 248-49.
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