Anise Seed for Health and Healing

Modified on Jul 13, 2017

Known as an aromatic spice, anise seed has a number of applications in the world of herbal medicine. From easing stomach pain to relieving cough and congestion, anise delivers a potent punch of infection-fighting benefits to the body. This warm, sweet spice is capable of treating a variety of conditions both internally and externally.

What is Anise Seed?

A perennial herbal plant, anise typically grows to about 2 feet in height. The plant bears white-colored flowers that typically bloom in July and are harvested by cutting the whole plant once the seeds have ripened. Following harvesting, the seeds are removed from the flower head using a specific threshing method. The seeds are generally oblong or curved in shape and light brown in color. Anise seed typically has a sweet, licorice-like scent and flavor.

An effective antioxidant, anise seed also possesses a number of other healthful benefits. The seeds contain a number of important compounds including anethole, estragol, anise alcohol, pinene and others. These substances make anise seed an effective antiseptic, stimulant, tonic, and anti-inflammatory.

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    List of Remedies for Anise