Anise

Latin Name: Pimpinella Anisum 

Common Names:  Aniseed, and Sweet Cumin 

 Parts Used: Digestive, nervous, respiratory 

Association: Mercury, Jupiter, Masculine,  

Energetics: Warming, drying, and moistening 

Element: Air 

History: The origins of anise date back at least 2,000 years, with cultivation documented in ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, and later spreading to Central Europe during the Middle Ages. According to botanical historians, ancient Romans highly esteemed anise, incorporating its seeds into spicy cakes served at the conclusion of feasts to alleviate flatulence, hiccups, and indigestion. Anise was also believed to possess aphrodisiac properties and was employed to prevent nightmares and ward off the evil eye. Mixed with lard, anise was utilized as a remedy for insect bites, lice and skin irritations. The Native Americans called it ‘Tur-te See-hua', meaning ‘it expells the wind’. Spiritually, it was associated with protection, dreams, lust and youth.  

How To Take: In tincture, tea/infusion, oil, extract or capsule form.  

Contraindications: Not recommended for those who are allergic to plants that are similar to anise, such as asparagus, caraway, celery, coriander, cumin, dill, and fennel. 

Activity: Anti-catarrhal, anti-convulsive, antispasmodic, antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, galactagogue, parasiticide, pectoral, sedative, stimulant, stomachic. 

Uses: Good for helping the body to remove excess mucous, making it work well for ear, nose and throat infections. It helps to relax the physical body and nervous system, prevent the growth of infection, stimulates digestion, increases flow of urine, increase milk secretion, promote stimulation within the body and stomach. Internally, it helps with Type 2 diabetes, inflammation, depression, constipation, mild indigestion, infections of the respiratory system, coughs, reducing high cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing menopausal hot flushes and as mild pain relief. It can be applied externally for muscle relief, and overall pain relief. It is also useful externally for its antifungal properties.  

Aromatherapy: Good for congestion and headache relief. Warming and stimulating scent. 

Nutrients & Constituents: Folate, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Electrolytes Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Selenium, Zinc 

Plant Description: Each year, this aromatic, herbaceous plant reaches a height of up to 60cm. Its lower leaves are rounded and kidney-shaped, while those higher up the stalk become increasingly finely divided. The stalks, which are round and grooved, branch out in the upper portion of the plant, forming umbels with white flowers. The pear-shaped fruits are grey-green and hairy. The plant emits a fragrant aroma reminiscent of aniseed. Anise flowers from July to August. 

Cultivation: Anise thrives in soil with a moderately alkaline pH ranging from 6.3 to 7.0. These plants demand full sunlight and soil with good drainage. Plant the seeds directly into a well-prepared seedbed, ensuring it's clear of weeds, roots, and debris. Adequate watering is necessary until the plants take root, after which they can endure dry spells. Growing anise is relatively straightforward.