General Description
Anise Seed is a gray brown oval seed from Pimpinella anisum, a plant in the parsley family. It is related to caraway, dill, cumin and fennel.
Geographical Sources
Spain and Mexico.
Traditional Ethnic Uses
Uses Europeans use Anise in cakes, cookies and sweet breads. In the Middle East and India it is used in soups and stews. Its licorice like flavor is popular in candies and Anise oil used in liqueurs.
Medicinal Uses
Anise seed whole is an effective expectorant, relief for an upset stomach and sweetens breath.
Taste and Aroma
Anise Seeds smell and taste like licorice.
History/Region of Origin
Anise is native to the Middle East and has been used as a medicine and as a flavor for medicine since prehistoric times. Ancient Romans hung Anise plants near their pillows to prevent bad dreams. They also used Anise to aid digestion and ward off epileptic attacks. Colonists in the New World used it as medicinal crop too.
Infusions
A hot infusion is essentially the same thing as a tea. Take 1-2 teabags or 1-2 teaspoons of the herb; pour about 1 cup of boiling water over the herbs, steep and allowing to cool, or use hot. It should be strained before using. An infusion can also be made by placing 1-2 teabags of the herb in about 1 cup of cold or tepid water. Place this in a closed container such as a jar for a few hours or overnight. Shake the mixture vigorously every so often. Strain and drink.
Decoctions
When the active principle of an herb is water-soluble and can not be destroyed by heat, a decoction can be made. A decoction is especially useful for hard materials such as roots, barks and seeds. A good general rule is to take 1-2 teabags or 1-2 rounded teaspoons of the herb and place in a glass or porcelain pot with one cup of cold water. Cover pot and simmer substance 10-15 minutes. Strain the decoction and allow it to cool.
The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.
