Aniseed

DEFINITION

Aniseed (pimpinella anisum) is a herb also known as anise, anisum vulgare gaertn, anisi, fructus and anisum officinarum moench.

DESCRIPTION

Aniseed was originally found in Egypt and Asia Minor. The plant is a dainty, white-flowered umbelliferous annual about 50 cm. The seeds from the fruit of aniseed contain a volatile oil, which is responsible for the characteristic anise odour. The main ingredient is 90 per cent anethole, and has a syrup-like texture.

Other important constituents include choline, sugar, mucilage, and a fixed oil. This herb also contains coumarins.

METHOD

- Always consult your healthcare professional to advise you on dosages and any possible medical interactions.
-Infusion: Pour 1 one cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp of aniseed seeds (which should be gently crushed just before use to release the volatile oils), cover it and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Drink one cup 3 times daily. To treat flatulence, drink the tea slowly before meals.
-Oil: 1 drop of aniseed oil may be taken orally by mixing it into ½ tsp of honey.

MEDICAL USE

-The volatile oil ingredient may be used for griping, intestinal colic (infantile) and flatulence.
-Because it has expectorant properties, the aniseed oil may be used for the relief of bronchitis and spasmodic cough and specifically for throat and windpipe irritations. The oil may assist with relieving the symptoms of whooping cough.
-The oil has been applied locally to scabies and lice infestations.
-Aniseed has been used by breastfeeding mothers to help increase milk supply. It may also promote menstruation and increase libido.
-Aniseed is expectorant, antispasmodic, antiflatulent, galactagogue, and a parasiticide..

CAUTIONS

-Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs, including prescription medications. Always tell your doctor about any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs or other dietary supplements you are taking.
-Aniseed is not recommended during pregnancy.
-Aniseed can increase the absorption of iron from the intestines and shouldn't be taken with iron supplements.
-Aniseed contains oestrogen-like substances that may interact with hormone therapy, including fertility treatments (substances in aniseed act as anti-fertility agents) and the contraceptive pill (aniseed is used in traditional herbal medicine to promote menstruation.
-Aniseed may interfere with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin and cause an increased risk of spontaneous bleeding.
-High doses of aniseed may interfere with the antidepressant drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
-Possible side effects include allergy, vomiting, seizure and weight gain.

DISCLAIMER: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or naturopath before following any medical regimen to see whether it is safe and effective for you.