The medicinal and culinary properties of the anise plant were already known in Egypt and Greece. However, the Arabs were the first to introduce it to Spain and Europe during the Middle Ages. Andres de Laguna, an outstanding Spanish physician and botanist of the Renaissance, who translated into Spanish and commented on the works of the great Greek physician, pharmacologist, botanist, and author Pedanius Dioscorides, said of this plant: “It corrects the corruption of bad breath, eliminating gas, and also acid belches.”
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The anise plant was also called “husbands-are-back” since those husbands leave home due to their wives’ lousy breath when the latter take anise; the former is back. That’s another application of the plant that can still be used.
Anise Plant Scientific Facts
- Other names: Anise plant, aniseed, common anise.
- French: Anis vert.
- Spanish: Anis, anis verde.
- Environment: Native to the Middle East, its cultivation has spread over all Mediterranean countries with hot climates. Spain is one of the top-ranked producers worldwide.
- Description: Anise is a plant of the Umbelliferae family, growing from 50 to 80 cm high. It has a grooved stem and whitish flowers growing in umbels. Its fruit is an oval grain with a pleasant aroma. Though anise belongs to poison parsley’s botanical family, both plants are challenging to mistake since anise has a lovely smell and peculiar features.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The fruit.
Healing Properties and Indications
Many of the anise plant’s properties are due to its essence, anethole. When isolated from the rest of the plant’s active components and then concentrated, anethole loses its healing virtues and can even become toxic (it can provoke convulsions). Anise liquors made with this essence have no medicinal properties but poisonous effects because of alcohol and anethole.
However, anise fruits, as offered by nature, practically lack any of their toxic essence effects. The fruits contain other substances besides anethole, such as phenol, malic acid, sugars, and choline. Their properties are as follows:
- On the digestive system: Anise is the archetype of plants with carminative, appetizer, digestive, and stomach-invigorating properties. It cleans fermentation and putrefaction from the intestine. With caraway, fennel, and coriander, it makes the “herbal tea of the four seeds,” of which Font Quer said no flatulence could resist. For children and babies on a milk diet, an anise infusion is beneficial for gas or diarrhea. Giving anise infusions to babies on a milk diet as a soft drink is a good habit.
- On the respiratory system, anise has expectorant properties. It promotes the elimination of bronchial mucous by making it more fluid. It is recommended for people with asthma and bronchial disorders, especially those who want to give up smoking since it acts as a proper antidote for nicotine and tar. It cleans the irritating mucus of the bronchi and promotes regeneration of the mucosal cells. Moreover, tobacco-smelling breath is eliminated, giving a fantastic aroma.
- On mammary glands, it has galactogenic properties, which means it increases milk production. Cattle breeders give the anise plant to their cows and sheep, mixing it with forage. Because anise is eliminated through the milk, breastfeeding women will help their babies by taking anise.
How to use Anise
- Infusion with a teaspoon (3g) of fruits per cup of water. Drink up to three hot cups daily, preferably after meals. They may be sweetened with honey.
- Infusion for babies on a milk diet. This infusion is prepared with 1-2 tablespoonfuls of dry fruits (3-6g) in a quarter of a liter of water (250 ml). Sweeten with a teaspoonful of sugar (babies do not tolerate honey well on a milk diet). Administer during the whole day.
- Essence: The recommended dose is 1-5 drops, two or three times a day.
- Powder: Up to two grams a day.
Frequently Asked Question
I’ve heard anise is good for digestion – how does this work?
The Anise plant contains compounds like anethole, estragole, and limonene, which have carminative properties. These can help relax the digestive tract, reducing gas, bloating, and cramping. Additionally, anise may stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, further aiding food breakdown.
Can anise help with respiratory issues like coughs and congestion?
Yes, the anise plant has traditionally been used as an expectorant. It helps loosen and thin mucus, making it easier to expel. It may have antimicrobial properties that can fight infections that contribute to respiratory problems.
Does anise have any impact on blood sugar levels?
Some studies suggest that the anise plant may have blood-sugar-lowering effects. It might enhance insulin sensitivity and increase insulin production. However, more research is needed in humans to confirm these benefits.
I’ve read anise has estrogen-like effects. What does this mean?
Certain compounds in the anise plant can mimic the actions of estrogen in the body. This might be why the plant is traditionally used to increase milk flow, ease menstrual cramps, and potentially help with menopausal symptoms.
Is it true anise has antioxidant properties?
Yes! The anise plant contains potent antioxidants like anethole and flavonoids. Antioxidants combat free radicals that can harm cells and lead to many chronic illnesses.
Can anise help with anxiety, depression, or mood issues?
Animal studies indicate that anise might influence neurotransmitter levels, leading to antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
Are there any safety concerns I should know about when using anise?
Anise is often regarded as harmless when ingested in moderate dietary quantities. However, excessive use may cause side effects like nausea or skin reactions. Certain groups should use caution:
1. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: High doses might have hormone-like effects.
2. Hormone-sensitive conditions: Talk to your doctor if you have a condition affected by hormones.
3. Medication interactions: Anise might interact with some medications and consult a healthcare professional.
What are the best ways to use anise for health benefits?
Anise seeds can be chewed, brewed into tea, ground into powder for cooking, or distilled into essential oil.
Are there studies supporting anise’s traditional uses?
Yes, increasing research supports the traditional uses of anise.
Where can I find reliable information about anise?
Reputable sources: The National Institutes of Health’s (https://www.nih.gov/) websites, medical journals, universities, or trusted health organizations.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 465,466. Print.
- National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4137549/
- Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609147/
- Phytotherapy Research Journal: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.1665
- Pharmaceutical Biology Journal: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22494526/
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
