Anise (Pimpinella anisum) – Aromatic medicinal plant with versatile applications
Botanical characteristics
Family:
Umbelliferae
Height:
Annual, with a round, branched stem.
Leaves:
Lower leaves are petiolate, undivided and toothed, while the middle leaves are three-lobed and the upper leaves are 2-3 times pinnate.
Blossoms:
White umbels with 7-15 rays.
Fruit:
Egg-shaped.
Heyday
The flowering period of anise ranges from July to September .
Plant parts used
- Ripe fruits – Anise fruit
Ingredients
Anise contains valuable ingredients, including:
- Essential oil (trans-anethole)
Healing effects and indications
Anise has remarkable effects on the body:
- Promotes expectoration
- antibacterial
- Carminative (works against flatulence)
- Promotes saliva and gastric juice secretion
- Weak spasmolytic effect on smooth muscles
- Increases the cilia activity of the respiratory tract
indications
It is often used for:
- bloating
- indigestion
- to cough
- Catarrh of the respiratory tract
Contraindications and side effects
Attention: Anise can cause allergies, so careful use is recommended.
Preparation methods and dosage forms
Internal applications
- Seasoning: Use for cooking
- Tea: 2-5 cups daily
- tincture
- Inhalation: With essential oil
- Homeopathic: D1, D2, 3-5 times daily
External applications
- Anise oil: Mixed with a carrier oil
Effect of anise in TCM
The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) anise has the following effects:
- Cools heat in the lungs
- Moves Liver Qi
- Tonifies kidney Qi and Yang
- Draws wind and moisture away from the body
Humoral quality
- Warm (2-3)
- Dry (2-3)
- The plant has a warming effect and removes cold, sharp phlegm.
