Anise

For centuries, mankind has actively used anise for the treatment of various diseases. The greenish seeds of this plant were highly valued in ancient Greece and Rome, and in the East they were even used to pay taxes. Today, anise seeds help people all over the world fight various diseases, ranging from digestive upsets to low libido.

What is anise?

Common anise, Pimpinella anisum, Anisum vulgare, Anisum officinarum, Anise – this is the whole name of one plant, which, however, should not be confused with another anise, Chinese, also known as real star anise ^[1]. It is the Chinese plant that bears fruit in the form of an asterisk. Now we are talking about a completely different grass. Common anise fruits are semi-fruited seeds with 5 ribs.

This herbaceous plant belongs to the celery family and can grow up to a meter in height. Corrugated stems and leaves sprout from thin spindle-shaped roots, which form pinnate lobes. In spring, white flowers with a delicate sweet aroma appear on the plants. In late August – early September, seeds are formed from them. Native lands for this plant are Egypt, Asia Minor, Greece. Although at present, when favorable conditions are created, anise is able to grow in almost any corner of the Earth.

Active ingredients

Anise seeds are 18% protein, 8-23% fat, 2-7% essential oils, 5% starch, 12-25% fiber, and the rest moisture. ^[2].

The seeds have a delicious aroma due to the high concentration of anethole essential oil. They also serve as a source of iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese, potassium, copper. These minerals are essential for maintaining heart function, proper blood circulation, healthy bones, and help turn food into energy. The B vitamins found in anise seeds are important for brain function.

Anise: benefits and harm to the body

The history of human use of anise as a medicine with a spicy aroma goes back at least 4 years. As historians suggest, it all started from Egypt. There, according to ancient records, the plant was used as a diuretic and to treat toothache. In ancient Greek medical records, there is mention of anise as a means to improve the functioning of the respiratory system, an analgesic, as well as a diuretic, and as a thirst-relieving plant. ^[3].

Since the 1800s, an era of commercial use of anise oils has begun. Then the plant was noticed by manufacturers of cosmetics and detergents. In the food industry, it is known as a spicy additive to a wide variety of product categories, including spirits, dairy, jellies, puddings, meats, candies.

Anise essential oil, as well as teas from it, are widely used in medicine. For what purpose? This is what we are now trying to understand.

The healing properties of anise ^[4]:

• facilitates expectoration;
• relieves bloating (including in children);
• acts as an antispasmodic;
• works as an antiseptic;
• soothes cough with bronchitis and asthma;
• relieves pain with laryngitis and pharyngitis;
• relieves insomnia;
• stimulates appetite;
• relieves stomach cramps;
• reduces nausea.

In addition, anise oil in folk medicine is used to treat pediculosis, scabies, psoriasis. For nursing mothers, this remedy is suitable for increasing lactation. ^[5].

Other beneficial properties of anise

In addition to these medicinal effects, other properties of this plant are also known. In particular, due to the antibacterial action, anise is introduced into some toothpastes. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been compared to those of aspirin.

Due to its antioxidant properties, anise essential oil protects DNA cells from free radicals and prevents the formation of malignant tumors.

There is an opinion that anise is able to lower cholesterol. A 60-day experience has shown that daily consumption of seeds in powder reduces blood sugar levels by 36%, and also regulates the concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides. Crushed anise seeds, applied to the forehead, neck or temples, relieve headaches, in particular migraine attacks. Experiments on rats have shown that anise promotes the absorption of iron, thereby serving as a prophylactic against anemia. ^[6].

This plant also has sedative properties. Thymol, linalol, terpineol and eugenol, which are part of the anise, reduce the manifestation of nervousness and anxiety.

Interestingly, anise (seeds) belongs to the group of aphrodisiac plants. In addition, it has mild laxative and diuretic effects. ^[7].

In combination with sassafras oil, the plant acts as an agent for the destruction of pests (moths, bedbugs, cockroaches, lice) ^[8]. Fishermen add anise to the bait.

In the food industry, as a seasoning, it is added to meat, fish, soups and sauces, pickles and confectionery.

Dosage

To date, there are no clearly defined norms for the consumption of anise, as well as daily norms for it have not been calculated. Most often, from 0,5 to 2 grams of seeds or 0,2-0,3 ml of essential oil are used to treat disorders of the digestive system.

In the form of infusion, usually take 1-2 teaspoons of crushed seeds per glass of boiling water. In the form of oil, herbalists are advised to consume 1 drop of a substance with half a teaspoon of honey.

This plant is considered safe for humans, meanwhile, the abuse of seeds or essential oil can give side effects in the form of an allergic rash, difficulty in the respiratory and digestive systems. An overdose of essential oil causes vomiting, convulsions, and sometimes pulmonary edema, paralysis, mental disorders, coma.

The main contraindication for taking anise funds is pregnancy, since this plant has abortive properties.

How to prepare seeds

After harvesting, anise seeds are dried in special trays until they turn grayish brown. Then they can be crushed to a powder state and stored in a hermetically sealed container or used whole.

anise oil

Anise oil is obtained from grass seeds by steam distillation. The highest quality product is obtained from ripe seeds located in the center of the umbrella. The range of applications of aniseed oil is extremely wide – from the food industry to pharmacology.

The chemical composition of anise oil varies depending on where the herb grew. In most cases, 80-90% of the substance is anethole, which gives a specific smell to the product, as well as some other chemical elements. ^[9].

Anise oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, expectorant properties. It is often found in cough syrups and lozenges. Due to its special composition, it loosens sputum in the respiratory tract, facilitates breathing in asthma and SARS. Antibacterial properties make it effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli. In the list of fungi that are afraid of anise, there is Candida. The relaxing abilities of the oil help relieve cramps and spasms of various origins.

How to make anise oil

The industrial production of anise oil is a labor-intensive multi-stage process, but small portions of the product can be made at home. For this you will need:

• anise seeds (dry);
• base oil (e.g. almond);
• mortar for grinding seeds;
• gauze;
• glass container.

Dry seeds should be crushed in a mortar so that the oil comes out (but not brought to the consistency of a powder). Pour into a glass container and add the base oil (the liquid should completely cover the seeds). Close the container tightly and put it under the sun’s rays (this will speed up the release of oil from the crushed seeds). Strain through cheesecloth. Store prepared anise oil in a cool, dry place.

Anise Tea

When the disease has tightened the throat and is difficult to swallow, a cough of any origin (bronchial, allergic, asthmatic or after smoking) pesters, anise tea will help get rid of unpleasant symptoms. Prepare it from fresh or dry seeds of the plant.

Another useful property of tea is the treatment of flatulence, getting rid of a feeling of heaviness after overeating, and, like ginger, anise relieves nausea.

If you sweeten the drink with honey, you can get an alternative to high-calorie drinks, and the antibacterial properties of anise will refresh your breath after drinking tea.

Seed Tea Recipe

To prepare anise tea, you will need a teaspoon of seeds and a glass of boiled water. You need to put the infusion on the fire and boil for no more than a minute. Let it brew. You need to drink anise tea in a glass after each main meal. This decoction is effective for bronchitis, asthma and slow digestion.

Other recipes from anise

Strengthening tincture

40 g of seeds pour a glass of vodka. Insist from a week to 10 days. Take 20-25 drops thrice a day.

Mouthwash

2 tsp mix seeds with a glass of boiling water. After an hour, strain. Rinse your mouth and throat several times a day.

Decoction of anise

20 g of seeds pour 200 ml of boiling water. Boil for 15 minutes, then insist another 20 minutes. Strain, add 20 g of honey and the same amount of cognac. Take warm 1 tablespoon three times a day.

Anise in cosmetology

Anise oil is an excellent tool for improving the condition of sagging skin. The remedies below are easy to prepare on your own at home.

Mask for aging skin

In 1 tablespoon of base oil (any vegetable oil) add 2 drops of anise essential oil. Mix thoroughly and apply with light massage movements to the skin of the face, neck, décolleté.

Mask for rejuvenation

In 2 tablespoons of sour cream add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 drop of essential anise oil. After applying to the face, keep for 10 minutes. Remove residues with a paper towel.

Mask for skin elasticity

For this tool you will need 1 tablespoon of grated carrots, 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon of anise decoction. Mix all ingredients until gruel. Keep on face for about 10 minutes.

Moisturizing mask

Prepare a gruel from 2 tablespoons of grated cucumber and the same amount of oatmeal, 1 teaspoon of decoction of anise seeds. Apply with light movements on the face, after 10 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Mask for very dry skin

Peel and chop still warm potatoes in their skins, add warm milk and 1 drop of essential anise oil to it. Stir thick sour cream to a consistency and apply on face skin. Wash off after 15 minutes.

Despite its external simplicity and wide distribution, anise has a whole range of useful properties. It is a pity that many see only a weed in this plant and mercilessly eradicate it, forgetting that it plays an important role in maintaining health, and in some cases can serve as the most effective medicine, which has no analogues in pharmacies.

Sources of