| Anise is a flowering plant that is part of the | | | | India. |
| Apiaxeae family. It is native to the eastern | | | | Anise was used in ancient Rome as flavoring. |
| Mediteranean region and southwest Asia. It is | | | | However, it contains nutrients like calcium and iron. |
| known for its flavor, which resembles licorice, | | | | This herb was added to foods to prevent |
| fennel, and tarragon. The anise plant is an | | | | indigestion when eating large quantities of food. |
| herbaceous annual plant that grows to three feet | | | | Additionally, it was used to help with bad breath. |
| tall. The leaves are at the base of the plant and | | | | Hippocrates recommended this herb to relieve |
| are very simple. They are about two to five | | | | both coughs and congestion. |
| centimeters long and shallowly lobed. The leave | | | | Anise is used to help remove excess mucus from |
| higher on the stems are feathery pinnate and | | | | the alimentary canal and the mucus that is |
| divided into numerous leaves. The flowers of the | | | | associated with coughs. It is used to stimulate the |
| anise plant are white and about three millimeters | | | | appetite, relieve digestive problems, and treat colic |
| in diameter. They are produced in dense umbels. | | | | pain. Some herbalists recommend that anise be |
| The anise fruit is an oblong dry schizocarp that is | | | | used for stimulating the glands and vital organs. |
| about three to five millimeters in length. The | | | | Among these organs are the heart, liver, lungs, |
| seedpods are referred to as aniseed. Anise is | | | | and brain. Additionally, it helps to normalize |
| usually used as food by the larvae of some | | | | estrogen levels. |
| Lepidoptera species, such as butterflies and | | | | The oil and seeds of the anise plant are used to |
| moths. Among these are the lime-speck pug and | | | | provide anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, |
| the wormwood pug. | | | | antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, |
| The best growth for the anise plant can be found | | | | digestive, diuretic, expectorant, galactagogue, |
| in light, fertile, well drained soil. The plants should | | | | stimulant, and stomachic properties. The primary |
| be started from seeds as soon as the ground | | | | nutrients found in this herb are B vitamins, |
| warms up in the spring. Because the anise plants | | | | calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, and potassium. |
| have a taproot, they do not transplant well after | | | | Primarily, anise provides extraordinary benefits in |
| they are established. For this reason, the plants | | | | treating colds, colic, coughs, gas, indigestion, |
| should be started where they are to grow, or | | | | absent lactation, excessive mucus, and pneumonia. |
| transplanted while the seedlings are still small. | | | | Additionally, this herb is very helpful in dealing with |
| Anise is sweet and very aromatic. It can be | | | | loss of appetite, breath odor, emphysema, |
| distinguished by its licorice-like flavor. It is widely | | | | epilepsy, nausea, and nervous disorders. It is |
| used in a variety of regional and ethnic | | | | important to speak with a health care professional |
| confectioneries, including British Aniseed balls, | | | | before considering supplementing with any nutrient |
| Austrailain Humbugs, New Zealand Aniseed wheels, | | | | in order to obtain the best results while on |
| Italian pizzelle, German pfeffernusse and | | | | medications. For more information on the many |
| springerle, Netherland Muisjes, Norwegian knots, | | | | beneficial effects provided by anise, please feel |
| and Peruvian Picarones. Anise is a key ingredient in | | | | free to contact a representative from your local |
| Mexican "atole de anis" which is similar to hot | | | | health food store. |
| chocolate. It is taken as a digestive after meals in | | | | |