History- Anise is a vegetable and herb that comes from the same family as fennel, dill, caraway and cumin. Anise plants grow from 1 to 4 feet in height, and produce tops with light, feathery, green leaves. The plant also produces a fruit called an aniseed, that is gray-green or greenish-brown in color when ripe. The taste is described as sweet and spicy. Some liken anise to the flavor of licorice.
Health Benefits- The ancient Romans reportedly ate a cake made with aniseed in order to prevent indigestion
after the heavy, decadent meals they are famous for having consumed.
Research now tells us that a chemical present in the anise fruit known
as anethole, may have the ability to relieve gas and upset stomach, and
when added to foods, may aid digestion. Creosol and alpha-pinene, also
present in anise, are reported to act as expectorants, and according to
some, may alleviate conditions including congestion, bronchitis, etc.
Dianethole and photoanethole, two other compounds present in anise, act
in a way similar to estrogen
and some researchers suggest it may help alleviate symptoms of morning
sickness and menopause, and may even help a nursing mother’s milk come
in. Additionally, anise has been used as a diuretic, an antibacterial
and antimicrobial and as an antiseptic.
Preparation- Aniseeds
can be added to foods when cooking to flavor and aid digestion. They
can also be taken whole in doses of 1-3 tsp of dried anise seeds per
day. Crushed aniseeds can be steeped in a cup of hot water and consumed
as a tea. Anise leaves can be added to any dish for flavor, color, and
nutritional benefit. Look for light, well-colored leaves that are free
from yellowing and display a nice green color. Anise is also available
as a powder than can be used as a seasoning to many dishes.
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Anise
known
as anethole, may have the ability to relieve gas and upset stomach, and
when added to foods, may aid digestion. Creosol and alpha-pinene, also
present in anise, are reported to act as expectorants, and according to
some, may alleviate conditions including congestion, bronchitis, etc.
Dianethole and photoanethole, two other compounds present in anise, act
in a way similar to estrogen
and some researchers suggest it may help alleviate symptoms of morning
sickness and menopause, and may even help a nursing mother’s milk come
in. Additionally, anise has been used as a diuretic, an antibacterial
and antimicrobial and as an antiseptic.