Aniseed

Aniseed (pimpinella anisum) is a herb also known as anise,
anisum vulgare gaertn, anisi, fructus and anisum officinarum
moench.

DESCRIPTION

Aniseed was originally found in Egypt and Asia Minor. The
plant is a dainty, white-flowered umbelliferous annual about 50 cm.
The seeds from the fruit of aniseed contain a volatile oil, which
is responsible for the characteristic anise odour. The main
ingredient is 90 per cent anethole, and has a syrup-like
texture.

 

Other important constituents include choline, sugar, mucilage,
and a fixed oil. This herb also contains coumarins.

METHOD

• Always consult your healthcare professional to advise you on
  dosages and any possible medical interactions.
• Infusion: Pour 1 one cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp of
  aniseed seeds (which should be gently crushed just before use to
  release the volatile oils), cover it and let it sit for 5-10
  minutes. Drink one cup 3 times daily. To treat flatulence, drink
  the tea slowly before meals.
• Oil: 1 drop of aniseed oil may be taken orally by mixing it
  into ½ tsp of honey.

MEDICAL USE

• The volatile oil ingredient may be used for griping, intestinal
  colic (infantile) and flatulence.
• Because it has expectorant properties, the aniseed oil may be
  used for the relief of bronchitis and spasmodic cough and
  specifically for throat and windpipe irritations. The oil may
  assist with relieving the symptoms of whooping cough.
• The oil has been applied locally to scabies and lice
  infestations.
• Aniseed has been used by breastfeeding mothers to help increase
  milk supply. It may also promote menstruation and increase
  libido.
• Aniseed is expectorant, antispasmodic, antiflatulent,
  galactagogue, and a parasiticide..

CAUTIONS

• Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs,
  including prescription medications. Always tell your doctor about
  any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
  or other dietary supplements you are taking.
• Aniseed is not recommended during pregnancy.
• Aniseed can increase the absorption of iron from the intestines
  and shouldn’t be taken with iron supplements
• Aniseed contains oestrogen-like substances that may interact
  with hormone therapy, including fertility treatments (substances in
  aniseed act as anti-fertility agents) and the contraceptive pill
  (aniseed is used in traditional herbal medicine to promote
  menstruation.
• Aniseed may interfere with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin
  and cause an increased risk of spontaneous bleeding.
• High doses of aniseed may interfere with the antidepressant
  drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
• Possible side effects include allergy, vomiting, seizure and
  weight gain.