Anise

Anise - Pimpinella anisum

• Introduction
• Anise Properties
• Anise - Chemical Compounds/Constituents
• Anise - As a Treatment For
• Anise - Side Effects & Cautions
• Anise Preparations

Introduction

 Anise or Aniseed, less commonly anís (stressed on the first syllable) (Pimpinella anisum) is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to the eastern Mediterranean region and southwest Asia. It is a herbaceous annual plant growing to 50 cm tall. The leaves at the base of the plant are simple, 2-5 cm long and shallowly lobed, while leaves higher on the stems are feathery pinnate, divided into numerous leaflets. The flowers are white, 3 mm diameter, produced in dense umbels. The fruit is an oblong dry schizocarp, 3-5 mm long.

Pimpinella species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the lime-speck pug and wormwood pug.

Anise Properties

• antibacterial
• antiemetic
• antimicrobial
• antiseptic
• antispasmodic
• antiviral
• aromatic
• breath freshener
• cardiac
• carminative
• diaphoretic
• digestive
• diuretic
• estrogenic
• expectorant
• galactagogue
• insecticide
• laxative
• muscle relaxant
• parasiticide
• parturieny
• pectoral
• stimulant
• stomachic

Anise - Chemical Compounds/Constituents

• anisic (ldehyde)
• alpha-pinene
• anethole
• creosol
• dianethole
• photoanethole

 Anise - As a Treatment For

• Anemia - promotes digestion, which may help improve anemia due to inefficient absorption of iron
• Asthma - the constituents creosol and alpha-pinene help certain respiratory ailments and asthma by loosening bronchial secretions.
• Bad Breath - anise has been used for thousands of years to freshen the breath.  Boil a few teaspoons of the seeds then drink as a tea or to gargle with.
• Breastfeeding Problems - anise is helpful in promoting lactation.  In a study in which cows were sprayed with the essence they produced significantly more milk than cows that were not.
• Bronchitis - used as an expectorant and essential oil of anise may be inhaled through the nose to help ease breathing.
• Colds & Flu - it functions as an expectorant for getting rid of phlegm and in large doses it also has some antiviral properties.  Steep several teaspoons of the crushed seeds in boiling waters for 10-15 minutes for tea.
• Colic - Drinking anise tea or using essential oil can alleviate gas.
• Cough - as an expectorant for loosening phlegm and as a cough suppressant. Steep several teaspoons of the crushed seeds in boiling waters for 10-15 minutes for tea.
• Croup - used to alleviate a persistent cough in a child
• Emphysema - help to ease breathing and relieve nasal congestion , soothe mucous membranes.
• Erection Problems - anise contains several compounds which are estrogenic, although when used, some men reported androgenic effects as well.  Anise also has a reputation for increasing male libido.
• Gas -  relieve gas, gas pains, and flatulence
• Inhibited Sexual Desire in Women - anise is high in anethole, a compound with similar effects to estrogen and may help increase female libido.
• Menopause - due to its estrogenic properties, anise can help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
• Morning Sickness- anise can help alleviate morning sickness during pregnancy

Anise - Side Effects & Cautions

Anise is generally considered safe for use for adults, children and even nursing mothers.  Keep in mind that the essential oil should be used very sparingly as it is highly concentrated (see preparations below). 

As with anything, watch for allergic reactions and if you have any adverse reactions immediately discontinue use and contact you health care provider. 

Anise Preparations

Anise is generally prepared as a tea.  Mix 1-2 teaspoons of crushed anise seed into boiling water and steep 10-15 minutes.  Usual dosage is one cup in the morning and one in the evening.

You can also find anise as an essential oil.  As with any essential oil, use very cautiously.  Essential oils are extremely concentrated.  Usually just a drop or two is more than sufficient for an adult dosage.