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Anise (aniseed)
Pimpinella anisum
This page contains information on anise and how it is used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments, to treat ailments and problems such as bloating, wind, gas and flatulence, as well as bronchitis and chest complaints, depression or just feeling blue.
On this page
Please note that we are not advocating that people stop using their normal medication, but would like to make people aware that some alternative therapies can be very effective to help treat problems and create a healthier, younger and more vital you. For more information on our range of products, please click here.
Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds.
Family |
Apiaceae |
Genus and specie |
Pimpinella anisum |
Aniseed and Hua-Hsain.
Anise has feathery leaves and flat, white flower heads, followed by fruit and then small, aromatic brown seeds, with a distinctive liquorice taste.
The ripe dried fruit and seed are used.
A sweet, warming and stimulating herb with estrogenic and expectorant effects, traditionally regarded to have aphrodisiac properties.
- Internal use
- Aniseed is effective to help with
- colds
- influenza
- cough
- bronchitis
- sinusitis
- relieving flatulence
- promoting digestion
- colic
- relieving tension and irritation
- restoring mental equilibrium
- stimulate lactation *see warning
- brighten the eyes
- sweeten and freshen the breath
- A tea is normally brewed from the fruit after being lightly crushed before brewing.
- The anethole contained in anise has excellent expectorant qualities, as well as antispasmodic and antimicrobial activities.
- The expectorant properties are partly due to the stimulating action it has on cilliary movements (the ultra fine "hairs") of the bronchial epithelium.
- It also has excellent carminative properties and is used to settle the digestive system and to help with the expulsion of gas from the intestines.
- Nursing mothers also use it to promote the formation of breast milk.
- It has a estrogen regulating action and for this purpose is used with great effect with menopausal problems.
- Aniseed is used with peppermint to treat colic and together with wild black cherry to treat tracheitis.
- External use
- Aniseed is used with eucalyptus as a chest rub for bronchial and respiratory complaints and is also used for lice and scabies.
- Anise oil is a fragrant antiseptic oil that has been used as an ingredient in dentifrices (compound used in the cleaning of teeth).
- Cooled down tea made from aniseed can be sponged on the face to help lighten the complexion.
- Aromatherapy and essential oil use
- An essential oil is distilled from aniseed, and has
- anti-spasmodic
- cardiac
- carminative (to help relieve flatulence/gas)
- diuretic
- expectorant
- laxative and
- stimulant properties
- It is used in aromatherapy to help with
- anxiety
- depression
- menopausal problems
- coughs as well as
- bronchitis
- For more information please visit www.Essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/aniseed.htm
On the whole, anise is a safe herb to use but due to its trans-anethole estrogen-like action, it may be best avoided during pregnancy or when suffering from endometriosis or any estrogen dependant cancers.
To promote the interest and use of herbs and natural complementary health alternatives, we have included information on the following herbs.
Please note - although we discuss a wide variety of herbs, not all of them are used or sold by us.
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