Anise (Aniseed)
Botanical Name: Pimpinella anisum
Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) –Carrot
Other Names: Aniseed, anneys, Anisum offincinalis, A. vulgare, sweet cumin
Habitat: Dry, warm sites
Description: An annual, hairy herb.30-60cm/1-2 ft. Mild green lacy leaves, rounded, branched stem. Small clusters of white flowers July-August.
Native to: Egypt, Crete and Greece.
Cultivated in: India, China, Spain, Mexico
Parts used: Fruit
Cultivation: Likes sun and well drained soil
Propagation: Best grown from seed sown in early April, light well drained soil, sunny border
Harvesting: July-September collects seeds. Leaves as needed. Flowers as they open
Actions: Antiseptic, anti-parasitic, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, galactagogue, parasiticide, stimulant, stomachic
Extraction: Steam distillation from seeds
Constituents: Volatile oil consisting of trans-anethole with estragole, anise ketone, anisic acid, alpha-caryophllene, linalool, anisaldehyde,dianethole and photoanethole. Coumarins –bergapten, umbelliferone, scopoletin, umbelliprenone. Flavonoid glycosides including rutin, isovitexin and quercetin-, luteolin-, apigenin-glycosides. Phenylpropanoids including 1-propenyl-2-hydroxyl-5-methoxy-benzene-2. Fatty acids, sterols, proteins, carbohydrates
Combines with: Caraway, coltsfoot, coriander, fennel, horehound white, lemon, lobelia, peppermint
Traditional Uses: As a spice, said to aid dry coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough
Culinary Uses: Salads. Seeds can be used in bread, cakes, biscuits and fruit pies
Skin: Lice, scabies
Respiratory: Coughs, sore throats, colic, hiccups, asthma, bronchitis
Digestive: Flatulence, digestion
Genito-urinary: Breast feeding
Nervous system: Insomnia, headaches, migraine
Other Uses: Used in cough mixtures and medicine, soaps, toothpaste, detergents, cosmetics, perfume, food
Other Notes: Said to protect against the evil eye
Caution: Can irritate skin. Use in moderation. Do not use if pregnant