Anise Seed

Anise Seed

Interesting Facts: Several spices have been called anise. The native of Egypt, Pimpinella anisum, is anise seed or aniseed, while China is the source of Illicum verum, star anise. In the past, dill, caraway and fennel seeds were confused with aniseed. The seeds have been used widely in cooking, and are popular in spicy cakes. The “oil of anise” is often used in artificial licorice, and gives its distinctive taste to liqueurs such as anisette and raki. Aniseed is used in many processed foods and in cough medicines, and is often included in pet foods for the flavor it imparts.
Medicinal Use: Anise seed oil is a natural decongestant. Anise seed oil may assist in colic, indigestion, cramps, flatulence, vomiting, diarrhea, bile secretion, muscle aches, spasms, rheumatism, pulmonary congestion, bronchitis, asthma, colds, flu, cardiovascular function, frigidity, and impotence. Anise seed oil has estrogen-like properties and may induce menstruation, ease painful periods, menopause problems, stimulate milk flow and aid delivery.
Safety Information: Caution for those with hypersensitive skin or with skin problems. Avoid Anise seed oil in endometriosis and estrogen-dependent cancers.