Aniseed also called Anise, Latin Name: Pimpinella anisum syn. Anisum odoratum, Anisum officinale, Anisum officinarum, Anisum vulgare.Plant Family: Apiaceae. Aniseed is an herbaceous annual plant native to the eastern Mediterranean, western Asia and North Africa that grows between 60-100cm in height. Add aniseed to sweet and savoury breads, cakes and biscuits. The seeds can also be sugar coated and eaten at the end of a meal and eaten as a digestive, a tea can be made from the seed and taken for a similar purpose. Add small quantities of ground aniseed to sausage, burger and roasts where you wish to impart a mild anise flavour.
Pimpinella anisumis a plant that hails from the same family as carrots, celery and parsley. It can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) tall and produces flowers and a small white fruit known as anise seed. Anise has a distinct, licorice-like taste and is often used to add flavor to desserts and drinks. It’s also known for its powerful health-promoting properties and acts as a natural remedy for a wide variety of ailments.
Though anise seed is used in relatively small amounts, it packs a good amount of several important micro-nutrients into each serving. In particular, anise seed is rich in iron, which is vital for the production of healthy blood cells in your body. It also contains a small amount of manganese, a key mineral that acts as an antioxidant and is necessary for metabolism and development.
Depression is a common yet debilitating condition that affects up to 25% of women and 12% of men around the world. Interestingly, some research has found that anise seed may help treat depression. One study showed that anise seed extract exhibited powerful antidepressant properties in mice and was as effective as a common prescription medication used to treat depression.
Stomach ulcers, also called gastric ulcers, are a painful sore that forms in the lining of your stomach, causing symptoms like indigestion, nausea and a burning sensation in your chest. Though traditional treatment typically involves the use of medications to decrease the production of stomach acid, preliminary research suggests that anise seed could help prevent stomach ulcers and reduce symptoms.
Test-tube studies show that anise seed and its components may decrease the growth of certain strains of fungi and bacteria. Anethole, the active ingredient in anise seed, inhibits bacterial growth as well.
Anise seed is thought to mimic the effects of estrogen in your body, potentially reducing symptoms of menopause. Some of the compounds in anise seed may also help prevent bone loss, one of the hallmark symptoms of menopause that occurs as a result of declining estrogen levels in your body.
Some research indicates that anethole, the active ingredient in anise seed, may keep blood sugar levels in check when paired with a healthy diet.
Animal and test-tube studies have found that anise seed is high in antioxidants and can reduce inflammation to help prevent chronic disease.
Most people can safely consume anise without the risk of adverse side effects. However, it could trigger an allergic reaction, especially if you’re allergic to plants in the same family — such as fennel, celery, parsley or dill. Additionally, anise’s estrogen-mimicking properties could worsen symptoms of hormone-sensitive conditions, like breast cancer or endometriosis. Always thoroughly research any new herb you are considering using and book an appointment with your healthcare provider particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescribed drugs.
Anise seed is a powerful plant that is rich in many nutrients and boasts a wide array of health benefits. It has anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and may fight stomach ulcers, keep blood sugar levels in check and reduce symptoms of depression and menopause. Combined with a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle, anise seed could improve several aspects of your health.
If you like the taste of licorice – you will like the taste of anise as well. The seeds make a sweet cup of hot tea that clears any stuffiness upon sipping it. Add about a teaspoon of dried aniseed to a mug of boiled water, steep for 10 minutes or longer. Strain and enjoy hot or at room temperature. You could add a stick of cinnamon and a slice of lemon if liked. Honey shouldn’t be necessary as it is already quite sweet. You could also partner it with fennel. It can also be served iced. You can add mint and a pinch of cardamom powder (or 2 green cardamom pods). Add some black tea and some milk for a refreshing chai.