Anise

Anise, or Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to the eastern Mediterranean region and southwest Asia.

It is an herbaceous annual plant growing to 3 ft (1 m) tall. The leaves at the base of the plant are simple: 2 to 5 cm long and shallowly lobed. Leaves higher on the stems are feathery pinnate, divided into numerous leafs. The flowers are white, approximately 3 mm diameter, and produced in dense umbels. The fruit is an oblong dry schizocarp and are 3 to 5 mm long. It is these seedpods that are referred to as aniseed, rather than what the name suggests.

Medicinal Uses of Anise

Anise, like fennel, contains anethol and is known to be a phytoestrogen. It is a mild anti-parasitic and its leaves can be used to treat digestive problems, relieve toothache. Its essential oil is used to treat lice and scabies. Anise can also be used to relieve menstrual cramps.

According to Pliny the Elder, anise was used as a cure for sleeplessness. Chewed with alexanders and a little honey in the morning, it can freshen up the breath.

Anise is found in the following products:

EREXUS

LIBIDO-VITA