AniseedAniseed | Pimpinella anisum
general characteristics
general characteristics
Common names include aniseed, anise, anis, anise seed (not to be confused with the star anise, a large tree), sweet anise.
It is more at home in warmer climates of the Middle East, the Mediterranean and southern Asia but will grow in a sunny, well drained spot on a light soil in British gardens quite happily. The pretty white flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, the flower heads attract birds.
It is an annual plant (grows from seed, flowers, sets seed and dies in one year) and member of the Apiaceae family (like celery, carrots, cow parsley etc). It can reach around 2 feet in height and has bright green feathery leaves and delicate white flowers arranged in umbrella shaped heads which appear around July. The whole plant is aromatic.
Aniseed is prized for its strong tasting aromatic seeds which are dried and used in many beverages, confectioneries and foods as a flavouring. The whole plant yields an aromatic oil used in aromatherapy and perfumery.
Dried aniseed is available to buy in our herbal shop.
harvesting and preparation
harvesting and preparation
As the seeds are the part used medicinally, the seeds can be allowed to ripen in the flower heads. When the flower has finished (around august time), the whole head is picked as it is easier to extract the seeds later. Make sure you keep the flower head upright as the tiny seeds will easily fall out and be lost. Put the seeds heads in a large paper bag and gently shake the bag to allow the seeds to drop into the bag. Once you have your harvest, have a good look through them and discard any damaged seeds before laying them out on a tray to ensure they are fully dried before storing them. Use a glass or ceramic airtight jar and store in a cool dark place.
therapeutic actions and uses
therapeutic actions and uses
Aniseed can be used as a flavouring agent for more unpleasant tasting medicinal teas as it imparts an aromatic sweetness capable of disguising all but the most bitter or spicy of herbs.It is a useful expectorant used in all forms of coughs (including whooping cough), chest complaints such as bronchitis and chest infections and benefits the health of the lungs and respiratory system generally.
dosage and cautions
dosage and cautions
*Aniseed is considered a safe herb when used in moderation and not taken daily for longer periods.
*Aniseed has blood sugar reducing properties so take this fact into account if taking blood sugar controlling medications and for diabetes.
*Many sources will state not to take during pregnancy or whilst breast feeding. Perhaps this is related to the fact that aniseed can bring on delayed or absent menstruation and is mildly stimulating on the womb. This contradicts many years of traditional use as a gentle remedy for mild morning sickness and to improve milk flow.
*Has been known in rare cases to cause contact dermatitis in those sensitive to the Apiaceae family.
Adult
Dried seed in tea form: 1 -2 teaspoons, 3 times daily. Crush the seeds lightly before adding boiling water to help release the volatile oils.
Dried seeds can also be added to cakes and baking in their powdered or whole form.
The essential oil should not be taken internally unless under guidance from an experienced practitioner.
Comments