Medicinal Benefit of Anise

• Scientific name: Pimpinella anisum
• Family: Apiaceae
• Origin: Eastern Mediterranean region and southwest Asia
• Part used: bulb, leaves, seeds and the roots.
• Medicinal properties: carminative, antispasmodic, expectorant

Anise is plant that grows up to eighteen inches in height; it is a popular culinary herb that is used extensively as a flavoring in different dishes. It is mostly used for dishes that have a touch of sweetness or a bit of spice. Its flowers are small, yellowish white, whereas the leaves are feather shaped. The fruit of anise is flat, oval seeds and grayish to brown in color. It is this part that has a wide variety of medicinal as well as culinary uses.

Nutrient content: The vitamins, the B complex (B1, B2), C, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, iron, aromatic essences.

Medicinal Benefits:

• Anise has long been known as an aphrodisiac.
• Anise tea aids digestion, it is also helpful for problems like flatulence, colic and bloating that comes from gas. Drink a 1 cup after meal.
• Anise can help relieve menstrual cramps.
• Anise seed can help to stimulate the pancreas, it is responsible for regulating insulin and some hormones. When the pancreas is functioning well you will lower your risk for diabetes and other hormonal problems.
• Anise oil can help relieve cough and cold because it acts as an expectorant.
• Anise can help relax the body therefore preventing insomnia.
• Anise is a mild anti-parasitic.
• Anise leaves can help relieve toothache.
• Anise oil is used to treat lice and scabies.

Preparation and Dosage:

• Infusion: Place 1 tsp of anise seed in 250 ml boiled water for 30 seconds. Drink 1 cup every after meal.
• Decoction: The decoction is made from 30 gm. of roots boiled in one liter of water for 20-30 minutes. Drink 1 cup every after meal.

Other Uses: Anise essential oil is use as an aromatic therapy you can also take whole seeds and place them in a sachet to flood your senses of the light fragrance. The seeds are also added to oral hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash in order to enhance their flavor and effectiveness.