Free guide to Anise herb, or Aniseed, it's uses, benefits, properties and applications, for both medicinal and magical use.

Anise - Uses, benefits, properties, applications.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is an annual member of the Umbelliferae (carrot) family, that grows up to a meter tall. Displays flat leaves and small, white flowers, which are later followed by brown fruits. It is related to fennel and dill and shares many of their properties. Whilst once used as a flavouring for sweets, this has now been replaced with artificial versions. Aniseed is now mainly used in alcoholic drink manufacturing, such as ouzo and absinthe. Although now mainly grown in the Mediterranean and India, Anise is native to Western Asia. Cultivation as first adopted by the Egyptians and later the Greeks, slowly becoming known in the rest of Europe during the middle ages. This ancient, traditional medicine plant appears as an aphrodisiac in Sanskrit, Greek and Romans texts. Interestingly, it is believed to have played an instigating role in the formation of our spiced fruit wedding cake tradition, as Romans ate a simple grain and lard cake with aniseed and other herbs as an after dinner cleanser following feats. It was named "Mustaceae" and It is hypothesised that this is where the wedding cake that we all know began!

Anise needs a long, hot summer to thrive in the UK. It prefers loamy and sandy soils that are rich in nutrients and chalk. Make sure the soil is well drained; it should retain water without getting waterlogged. Ideally, pick a spot that is sunny and warm. You can sow anise seeds directly into your garden bed from mid-April if warm. Sow about 2 cm deep, with a row spacing of about 30 cm. Seeds should germinate about two to three weeks after sowing if the soil is kept moist. Anise is very easy to care for and does not ask for much attention. Initially, however, it is a good idea to apply a fertiliser with a long-lasting effect to the soil. In hot summers, water your anise every so often and continue to remove weeds. Rabbits and other wild animals also like to eat aniseed, so it is worth fencing off the plants if your garden is open or near a woodland.

Name: Pimpinella anisum

Pseudo and nick-names:  Anyse, Aniseed, Anneys, Yanisin, Sweet Cumin
Interesting Facts:
  • Related to fennel and dill and shares many of their properties
  • Once used as a flavouring for sweets, this has now been replaced with artificial versions. Aniseed is now mainly used in alcoholic drink manufacturing.
  • Romans ate a simple grain and lard cake with aniseed and other herbs as an after dinner cleanser following feats. It was named "Mustaceae" It is hypothesised that this is where the spiced wedding cake started from.
  • Appears as an aphrodisiac in Sanskrit, Greek and Romans texts.

Parts used: Dried fruit (seeds)

Plant descriptive: An annual member of the Umbelliferae (carrot) family, that grows up to a meter tall. Displays flat leaves and small, white flowers, which are later followed by brown fruits

Growing:

  •  prefers loamy and sandy soils that are rich in nutrients and chalk.
  • make sure the soil is well drained; it should retain water without getting waterlogged
  • It needs sun and warm
  • sow anise directly into your garden bed from mid-April, 2 cm deep, with a row spacing of about 30 cm.
  • keep the soil moist, anise seeds should germinate two to three weeks after sowing.
  • apply an organic fertiliser with a long-lasting effect to the soil.
  • n hot summers, water your anise regularly and continue to remove weeds


Location: Although now mainly grown in the Mediterranean and India, it is native to Western Asia. Cultivation was first adopted by the Egyptians and later the Greeks, slowly becoming known in the rest of Europe during the middle ages.

Harvesting: Fruits are gathered when ripe and dry, between July and September. They need a long, hot summer to ripen.

Constituents: Up to 6% volatile oils (anethole, methyl chavicol (13%–15%), p-methoxyphenol acetone, terpenes, sulfur compounds. Mannitol and myricanol, eight glycosides of 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol), 30% fatty oils, choline, starch (5%), sugar, and mucilage.

 Energetics and properties: 

  • soothing
  • aromatic
  • mucolytic
  • warming
  • drying
  • carminative
  • galactagogue
  • expectorant
  • antispasmodic
  • ani-parasitic
  • oestrogenic

    Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Physical/Environmental

    • colic
    • lactation
    • indigestion
    • trapped wind
    • mucous coughs
    • flatulence
    • nausea
    • bronchitis
    • gripe
    • tracheitis
    • irritable, spasmodic cough
    • scabies
    • lice
    • bad breath
    • libido
    • hiccups
    • asthma
    • menopause symptoms
    • menstrual cramps
    • headaches
    • wound cleaning.
    Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Emotional/Psychological:
    • lust
    • love
    • youthfulness
    • security
    • nightmares
    • lasting relationships
    • wellbeing
    • self-esteem

    Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Energetic/Spiritual:

    • aphrodisiac
    • kapha, pitta and vata
    • luck
    • purification
    • spiritual abilities
    • masculine energy
    • jupiter
    • air element
    • protection
    • youth
    • abundance
    • money
    • spiritual guidance 
    • spiritual insight
    • spiritual connection
      Typical uses:
      • Weak infusion: 1-2 teaspoons crushed seeds(2-8oz for adults, 1 oz for infants) 1 cup, 2-3 times per day
      • Tincture: Dried seeds (1 part herb to 5 parts alcohol) 50% ethanol content and 10% glycerine added) 1-3ml, 3 times daily 
      • Glycerite: Sealed simmer (dried herb) (1 part herb to 8 parts glycerine) 2-5ml, 3 times per day

      Cautions and Contraindications:

      Health conditions: Not safe for medicinal use in pregnancy as it is an abortifacient.

      Known Moderate or Minor Medication Interactions: - This list is not exhaustive:

      Not to be taken with HRT or hormonal contraceptives, diabetic medications, codeine, fluoxetine and it's equivalents, anti-inflammatories and cortisones, or medications that contain caffeine. 


      This medication list is taken from www.hellopharmacist.com and is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional. It does not reflect all of the possible interactions and instead, intends to give a flavour of the importance of checking with professionals prior to the use of herbal remedies.

      If you have a diagnosed health condition or are taking any medications, please speak with a qualified herbalist using the webchat function prior to purchase.

       

      *This information refers to the plant type in general and not any specific product made from or with it. It is based on folk lore and historical, traditional use only and does not contain scientifically proven health claims. It is for historic informative and entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as a suggestion that the products can treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness. They are not a substitute for professional, medical advice. Always see your doctor.*

      (Sources: (Sources: “The Modern Herbal Dispensary” - Thomas Easley and Steven Horne, “The New Holistic Herbal” - David Hoffman, "Healing Herbs" - Neals Yard Remedies, " Kitchen Medicine" - Julie Bruton-Seal & Matthew Seal, Indigo Herbs,  "Cunningham's Encyclopedia" - Scott Cunningam,  hellopharmacist.com)

      Browse our herb range, including Anise and other herbs here:

      Herbal Remedies – HIPPIE Life UK

       

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