Anise seed: Properties, benefits, mischief, dosage, and side effects

The herbaceous anise is part of the family Apiaceae that reach heights of about three feet. Thin spindle-shaped roots create grooved stems and leaves that form feathery lobes. Between July and August, the plant produces small yellowish flowers with a sweet sweet scent. From the end of August to September, the plant provides small brown seeds also called anise. The plant is native to Egypt, Asia Minor and Greece, but is currently grown around the world under ideal conditions for growth, generally related to climate.

Anise is probably among the first recognized spices to humans. Anise is part of the family of umbelliferae (also called Apiaceae), which also includes cumin, fennel, and dill. Anise has always been used for its therapeutic virtues as well as for its culinary qualities. The Romans used anise to taste the cake they ate just after the large meals to improve the digestion of food. In fact, many cultures use flavored anise liquors that are ingested with meals because the essential oil in the anise improves digestive function, eliminates gases and relieves uncomfortable bowel cramps. As an expectorant and antispasmodic, anise tea is excellent for treating bronchial affections, cough and mucus as well as the dysfunction of the respiratory system. Because of its revitalizing impact on milk secretion, anise is also used by breastfeeding mothers to improve lactation. Finally, the antimicrobial agents of the grass make it a useful treatment against head lice.

Anis: history

The story suggests that anise has been used in agriculture in Egypt for the last 4000 years. The proof is definitely the Egyptian papyrus dating back to around 2000 BC. Anise has also been emphasized in pharaonic medical texts where it has been used as a diuretic to treat digestive problems as well as the reduction of dental pain. Hippocrates mentioned that anise is useful for cleaning the lungs. Although it can be used extensively in food, however its licorice taste has been used in medicine as a cure for stomach problems and for intestinal gas and also as a breath purifier too. The anise may have come from the Mediterranean region, but was widely used in South America. It was absolutely delivered to the New World in the 16th century by Spanish settlers. Since then, it has been used by Latin Americans as a culinary product and as a therapeutic herb. In the Middle Ages, anise was used as a gargle, coupled with honey as well as vinegar, to deal with tonsillitis. Anise was appreciated by Pliny who suggested that people keep him close to bed to avoid bad dreams or nightmares. In the 16th century, Europeans used anise to catch mice.

Benefits of anise

Scientific research has shown that anise helps prevent or even heal the following health problems:

1. Improves digestion

Anise grass is extremely therapeutic for the digestive system. As it improves the digestive features, it is an excellent treatment for digestive problems. It treats vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas problem, spasmodic flatulence as well as gastritis. In addition, it works as an appetite stimulant.

2. Cataract

Anise can be a fantastic relief for people who suffer from cataracts. For this cure, 6 grams of anise are usually used every morning and evening.

3. Insomnia

Anise tea is incredibly valuable in the management of sleep disorders, whether it is used after meals or even before going to bed. Care must be taken not to boil the anise for too long because its essential oil vaporizes; he will also lose the majority of his therapeutic qualities (in addition to acquiring a somewhat bitter taste). It is possible to add honey to the mixture as soon as the tea is quickly stirred and cooled.

4. Asthma

Anise has exceptional expectorant qualities, which is why it is excellent for managing cough and asthma.

5. Convulsions

Anise treats convulsions. It also treats seizures caused by electroshock or even pentylenetetrazole (PTZ).

6. Infections and microbial diseases

Scientific research has shown that anise extracts can stop the development and distribution of bacterial strains, viruses and fungi. It is really considered valuable in avoidance as well as the management of infections and microbial diseases.

7. Menstrual disorders

Anise is made of anethole as a main component of its essential oil, which is a phytoestrogen (an estrogenic agent). Anethole derivatives, like dianethole and photoanethole, help reduce the symptoms of the climacteric system, stimulate the secretion of breast milk, facilitate birth and promote menstruation.

8. Stimulate lactation

Anise grass can also be used to promote lactation in nursing mothers. Star anise is composed of diantheole and photoantheole which has estrogenic effects to promote lactation. In addition, because of the estrogenic effects, star anise has been used to stimulate libido as well as to treat the signs of PMS. Although star anise is a good idea, breastfeeding mothers need to consult their doctor just before using it. In addition, this particular herb should not be used during pregnancy.

9. Lice

Anise is used topically as an insecticide against small pests such as lice, mites and vermin.

10. Used as an expectorant

Anise seeds improve respiratory health. They have a moderate expectorant property so they are often used in lozenges as well as in cough mixtures. Similarly, anise oil really helps to remove phlegm from the lungs and throat. In addition, it is useful for the treatment of colds, asthma, bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia and sinusitis.

11. Remedy for the skin

Star anise oil is also used to treat skin disorders. Historically, the oil has been used topically to treat moderate types of acne. In addition, star anise oil is toxic to many insects, and has been used to treat scabies as well as lice infections. Although star anise may help treat some skin conditions, never use pure star anise oil on the skin as this can cause serious discomfort. The oil should always be diluted with lotion to reduce the risk of discomfort.

12. Respiratory health

The anise seed works as an ideal expectorant for the body. It helps to remove phlegm from the throat and lungs. In addition, it is also an effective herb for the treatment of asthma. She is really a component of cough medicine. In addition, it is beneficial for the treatment of various other problems of the respiratory system. Bronchitis, sinusitis, influenza and pneumonia can also be cured with the help of anise seeds.

13. Oral health

One of the health benefits of anise seed is that it helps maintain oral health. Its antimicrobial and antibacterial characteristics transform it into an ideal component for mouthwashing. It helps fight the problem of bad breath as well as perioral swelling too. These types of seeds are commonly used in homemade mouthwash recipes. A gentle infusion of anise seeds creates a good eye drops.

14. Baby health

The use of anise seeds for infants is also extremely popular. Anise treats severe stomach pain and hiccups in infants. It helps heal many digestive system problems in infants. In addition, it is known to improve the secretion of milk in nursing mothers.

15. Antiepileptic and anti-hysteric

Since anise essential oil contains a narcotic and sedative effect, it can relieve epileptic and hysterical seizures by reducing blood circulation, breathing and nerve response, if administered in high doses (this is really contrary to its revitalizing as well as cordial qualities, which are proven whenever given at lower doses). It is found to be really effective for sedative nerve states, hyper responses as well as convulsions and so on. This particular property has been recognized as well as a long time ago. However, this property should be combined with caution because high doses can have negative effects, especially in children.

16. Sexual health

Anise has aphrodisiac qualities that can improve libido. Consuming a glass of infused water using crushed seeds every night can improve libido. Anise is thought to help treat the signs of "menopause" as well as the male climate.

17. Regulation of menstruation

Anise helps manage the cycle of menstruation in women as well as contributes to good reproductive health. The estrogenic effect of anise is responsible for this particular health benefit. In the event of a delay in the monthly period due to stress, the use of anise-based tea is suggested. The antispasmodic characteristic of anise helps to reduce cramps and to facilitate birth.

18. The crises

Anise prevents convulsions. Numerous studies have shown anticonvulsant effects of anise oil in drug-induced seizures in mice.

19. Infections and microbial diseases

Scientific research has found that anise extracts prevent the development of many strains of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Anise is really considered valuable in avoidance as well as the management of microbial infections.

20. Antioxidant

Anise contains special chemicals that have antioxidant properties as well as health benefits. Scientific research is being carried out to establish such claims.

21. Stimulates the pancreas

For the control of hormones such as insulin, the pancreas is a crucial organ. Anise seeds help promote the pancreas. The chance of diabetes is reduced once the pancreas is healthy.

22. Relieves pain

Anise oil is actually a natural pain reliever. It helps reduce pain in people with rheumatism, arthritis and joint pain. This can be done because anise oil works well for the detoxification of the body as well as, therefore, it improves blood circulation. The antispasmodic qualities of anise oil can be helpful in reducing muscle pain and pain caused by spasms.

23. Benefits for the heart

Anise oil keeps the blood pressure level under control. It reduces the blood pressure. In addition, since the oil detoxifies, it improves blood circulation and keeps the heart healthy and balanced. The oil provides energy to the heart and also keeps it alive. However, people who have a lower blood pressure level should avoid using the oil as this may cause a further drop in blood pressure level.

24. Benefits for metabolism

The body's metabolism can be kept ideal by means of anise oil. The oil stimulates the hormones in the body. The stimulation of enzymes in the body keeps the metabolic rate healthy. For this reason, all the health of the body is improved. The detoxifying results of anise seeds further promotes metabolism by getting rid of harmful toxins in the body.

25. Thrombosis

Thrombosis is described as a condition of blood clot formation in a blood vessel, causing blockage of the blood circulation of the circulatory system. Anise can help prevent thrombosis because of the essential oil anethole. Scientific research has shown that the anise essential oil contains anethole that can treat ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats.

Learn more about anise

Anise is native to Egypt and Asia Minor. It can also easily grow in warmer environments. The ripe dried fruits of anise are usually harvested in summer. It contains volatile oils, polymers of anethole, dianethole and photoanethole, coumarins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, fatty acids, sterols, proteins and carbohydrates.

Anise has been used as a conventional aromatic herb in several beverages as well as cooked foods due to the existence of volatile oils in fruits [commonly known as seeds]. The hot water extracts of the seeds have already been used in popular drugs because of their diuretic effect, laxative, expectorant, antispasmodic, as well as for their ability to relieve colic of the intestinal tract and flatulence. In addition, anise has also been reported to stimulate libido, lactation (milk production), digestion (decreased nausea, gas and bloating) and particular skin conditions (lice and scabies).

Ayurvedic benefits of anise

The anise seed and its oil are used in many traditional medicines because of their medicinal characteristics.

Stir in a teaspoon of crushed anise seeds into a cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Drink tea after having a big meal. In addition, anise stimulates the digestion of food.

Use anise essential oil as an expectorant. The oil behaves like a decongestant by favorably affecting the secretory cells in the respiratory system. Anise may also be frequently present in cough syrups as well as in cough drops because of its antimicrobial properties.

Add anise seeds to sweet foods, as well as pastries, cakes and cookies. The taste of moderate licorice stimulates sweetness. In the kitchen, mix the anise with the cinnamon. Their tastes are mutually reinforcing.

Put some anise on the end of the fishing lure. The sweet and powerful smell attracts fish. It is also possible to use anise in mouse traps to attract mice.

Mix anise with coriander, fennel seed and sweet vodka. It seems to be a rather sweet liquor known as anisette.

Star anise is frequently used to help stimulate hunger, especially when the lack is caused by an illness. Just sip tea with star anise or even chew the seeds just before meals. The herb stimulates digestive enzymes, which stimulate the body's appetite.

Anise preparations are a fantastic treatment for asthma, bronchial cough in addition to digestive complaints just like flatulence, bloating, colonic stomach pain, nausea as well as indigestion.

The essential oil comprises 75 to 90% anethole which has a noted estrogenic effect. The decoction extracted from the seeds is often recommended for nursing mothers to improve the secretion of breast milk.

Anise seed water is extremely helpful in reducing the symptoms of runny nose in babies.

The seeds are usually chewed right after a meal in India to increase the breathing capacity.

How to buy anise?

Anise can be found in all markets all year round. For authenticity, generally buy anise seeds from organic herb stores. It is better to buy small quantities because they quickly lose their taste.

If they are crushed between the index finger and the thumb, the fresh seeds must produce a rich scent.

Anise Storage Tips

Store anise in containers that are airtight and out of direct sunlight.

When stored effectively, the anise stays fresh for about 12 months, but it is best to use it as soon as possible because it has the temptation to quickly lose its taste.

Culinary uses

Anise seeds, oil and fresh young foliage are used in the kitchen. The taste is increased by frying the seeds. Anise is used in delicious and quite sweet dishes in which it gives a sweet and aromatic taste to the number of foods. Whole seeds and powder are included in recipes at the last minute to restrict the evaporation of volatile essential oils indoors.

This sensitive spice is now used as a flavoring base for soups, sauces, breads, cakes, cookies and confectionery.

The seeds of anise and its oil have been used in the preparation of sweet dishes in several parts of Asia.

It is used as an aromatic base in the preparation of herbal teas; with alcohol known as anisette.

Star anise is probably the most important spice of Chinese cuisine, and it is also the dominant flavor of Chinese five-spice powder with cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and seeds. ground fennel.

Recipes of anise

Anise biscuits: Mix 1 ½ tbsp. Toss anise seeds to your 17-ounce package of sugar cookie mix and cook according to directions.

Anise Liquor: Mix ¼ cup fresh anise leaves or even 2 tablespoons crushed anise seeds with 1 pint of plain vodka or brandy. Close the bottle and let soak all day and all night. Filter a small amount and taste. Continue to soak until the preferred power is obtained.

Anise Dip: Mix 1 cup cream cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh anise leaves, ½ teaspoon ground anise and ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard.

Anise Tea: Place a teaspoon of whole anise seeds in the spice ball and soak in boiling water for about three minutes, or even until you get the desired strength.

Precaution

The pregnant woman must not use anise seeds because of its hormonal properties.

One must be aware that anise seeds can cause weight gain in water as well as salt retention.

Pure anise oil can be toxic, so do not ingest it unless under the supervision of a health professional.

Use this particular plant with caution in case you are vulnerable to contact dermatitis or even hypersensitivity reactions.

Facts of anise

Pimpinella anisum commonly known as anise is a delicate annual plant, white-flowered and urnbellous, native to Egypt, Greece, Crete and Asia Minor. It is revered for its sweet smell and pleasant aromatic taste, making it an excellent flavoring agent in many delicacies. As a culinary herb, it is widely used in curries, breads, soups, baked goods, dried figs, desserts, cream cheese, pickles, egg dishes and non-dairy beverages. alcoholic and alcoholic. In addition, it has some amazing health promotion properties with magnificent benefits.

Sources

[1] https://davesgarden.com : Anise
[2] https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov : Taxon: Pimpinella anisum L
[3] https://www.pfaf.org : Pimpinella anisum - L
[4] http://www.floracatalana.net : Pimpinella anisum L