Anise is a very widely used
herb. It is especially known for
its digestive properties. Anise
seeds are consumed after meals
to help in the process of
digestion. If crushed and added
to tea, not only does it enhance
the flavor, but also works as a
digestive and helps relieve the
problem of flatulence.
Anise, due to its antimicrobial
properties, is found in a lot of
over the counter remedies. The
oil extracted from anise seeds
is used as an expectorant. It
relieves congestion by working
on the secretary cells in the
respiratory tract.
Though anise can be used to
treat a wide range of medical
conditions, a word of caution is
in order. It is recommended that
people with high blood pressure
should not consume anise as it
might exacerbate the condition,
though there is no concrete
scientific evidence for this.
Anise is also a popular culinary
herb that is used extensively in
cooking and liqueurs. Also, due
to its fresh scent, it is often
used as a herbal fragrance in
aroma therapy. Moreover, anise
is added to oral hygiene
products like toothpaste and
mouthwash in order to enhance
their flavor and effectiveness.
Back in the ancient times, the
Romans used anise to make
scented oils and soaps. Perhaps
the tradition of wedding cakes
can be traced back to the Roman
period when anise tea and cake
were served after a wedding
feast.
Anise seed as well its oil have
found application in many
traditional medicines for their
distinctive health promoting and
disease preventing roles.
-
The seeds preparations are
an excellent remedy
for asthma, bronchitic cough
as well as digestive
disorders such as
flatulence, bloating,
colicky stomach pain, nausea
and indigestion.
-
The essential oil comprises
75 - 90% anethole, which has
an observed oestrogenic
effect. Its decoction
oftentimes prescribed to
promote breast-milk
production in mothers.
-
Anise seed water is very
helpful in relieving running
nose in infants.
-
The seeds are chewed after a
meal in India to refresh the
breath
