Aniseed is also known as Anise, Pimpinella anisum, sweet cummin, Jaborandi, Anisoon / Baadiyaan-roomi (Unani), Choti saunf (Hindi), Shombu (Tamil and Malayalam), Muhuri / Mitha Jira (Bengali), Badishaep (Marathi) and Kuppi Soptu (Telugu).
Aniseed responds well for asthma, cataract, flatulence, gas formation, head lice, insomnia. Aniseed is one of the oldest spices. Aniseed has often been mistaken for fennel (sauf) or star anise. Main constitute of Aniseed is anethole which makes it more sweet aromatic in taste and flavor. There are numerous globules of oil in this herb which, upon inhalation or other absorption into the body, has a stimulating effect. The oil is not unpleasant and is therefore used as a flavoring agent also. This is often mixed with other foods or herbs to give a palatable taste and flavor.
Aniseed for flatulence or colic
Anise has been popular in the ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic (Indian) medical systems for many centuries. This herb has been popular for many years with children, for flatulence or for colic due to hasty or excessive eating. For children, it may be given in doses of one or two drops on lumps of sugar or fruit. For adults, the dose may be from one-half to one fluid ounce. This is a harmless herb and may be taken as often as desired without fear of any injury. As a hot tea, anise will check pains in the bowels due to over-distention of the bowels caused by gas formation.
Multipurpose healing tea with Aniseed
To prepare this tea boil 1 quart of water with 7 tsp. of aniseed. Once started boiling lower the heat and simmer contents down to 1-1/2 pints. Then strain, and while still warm, add 4 tsp. each of honey and glycerine (as preservative). Here is your Multipurpose healing tea with Aniseed is ready. Now try taking 2 tsp. of this syrup every few hours to relieve hacking coughs, three times daily to strengthen the memory or drink 2 cups once and twice daily for skin problems or to relieve stomach problems. This is a pleasant and relaxing way to finish a large meal, and enjoy benefits of preventing indigestion and flatulence certainly make it worthwhile.
Aniseed Health benefits and nutrition facts
The anise seed oil is often used with cough medicines to sweeten the taste and produce a fragrant odor. Aniseed contains polymers of anethole, ianethole and photoanethole which is used for galactagogue. Anise makes a good antiseptic. Wounds can be cleaned with Anise tea to avoid infection. Water-extract (araq) of seeds is used as an antispasmodic in flatulence and intestinal colic. Oil of seeds is applied locally to the forehead in headache. Placing a few crushed seeds in a warm glass of milk will alleviate insomnia.
Aniseed for cooking and medicinal purposes
One of the most noted uses of anise is as a flavoring. Try making court bouillon or fish stock with anise seed to taste. A wonderful cheese can be made by combining 1 cup creamed cottage cheese with 1 tablespoon minced fresh anise leaf, 1/2 teaspoon ground anise seed, and 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Anise seeds and oil are used throughout Europe in drinks such as the French pastis, the Greek ouzo, and Turkish raki. To enjoy the fragrance of anise oil, crush the seeds and add them to a sachet. Commercially, the oil is used to scent perfumes and soaps and to flavor toothpastes and mouthwashes. The leaves of aniseed myrtle are a major Australian bush-food spice. Use dried or fresh to flavor desserts, preserves, sweet or savory sauces, and marinades.
Magical uses of Aniseed
- Put some dried Anise under your pillow to prevent nightmares and to be assured of a good night’s sleep. Sleeping with a bunch of the fresh leaves and flowers hanging on your bedpost will make you look young again. It is believed that the herb helped to maintain a youthful appearance, and anise could prevent bad dreams if kept near the bed at night.
- In ancient Rome, brides and grooms bathed in Anise tea to ensure a loving and long-lasting relationship. For help with your love life, place some of the seeds in your wallet; they’ll act as a love charm as well as attract abundance.
- To dispel negativity and increase your sense of well-being and self-esteem, sprinkle a few fresh Anise leaves around the inside of your home. Burn Anise as incense when you want guidance from the gods.
- Two tablespoons of dried Anise added to a cup of boiling water and steeped for about ten minutes before straining will improve your insights and deepen your connection to spirit.
- If a better mousetrap is ever developed, it just may use anise as the bait. Most people don’t think of anise in terms of its populanty with mice, but in the sixteenth century, anise found wide application as mousetrap bait. According to several old herbals, the mice found it irresistible.
- Carrying a sprig of Anise will help you find happiness.