What a beautiful flower Anise has! I found this picture at gernot-katzers-spice-pages.com. If you like licorice you will like anise as far as flavor goes because it is the Anise oils that are used to give licorice it's flavor.
This one is Star Anise. Very lovely looking plant.
Anise is typically found in the Eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. Anise is traditionally known for it's uses as a spice and a fragrance. As far as medical uses it appears that the ancient Egyptians used Anise for diuretic purposes, and also for relief of toothaches, and digestive issues. The ancient Greeks found that not only did Anise care for the above but was also a pain reliever.
Today Anise is mostly known for it's licorice flavor, as a spice. It has been included in puddings, meats, liqueurs, gelatins, and candies. But what about medicinal uses? Do we use it today for such things?
According to Drugs.com it does still have medicinal uses today. "Anise is well known as a carminative and an expectorant. Its ability to decrease bloating and settle the digestive tract still is used today, especially in pediatrics. In high doses, it is used as an antispasmodic and an antiseptic and for the treatment of cough, asthma, and bronchitis." The oil has been used to kill lice, scabies, and psoriasis.
I found on Botanical.com some interesting uses for Anise:
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Anti-epileptic, anti-hysteric - Used in high doses Anise has a sedative/narcotic effect. Because of this effect it is thought to calm down the nervous system as well as respiratory and circulatory responses.
Anti-rheumatic - Used topically it can increase blood circulation causing the sensation of pain relief in area's of rheumatic and arthritic pain.
Antiseptic - Gives extra protection to wounds which allows them to heal faster.
Anti-Spasmodic - Because of it's relaxing properties it calms all ailments brought on my spasmodic activities such as coughing, cramps, diarrhea, etc.
Aperient - In small doses it is good to clear the intestinal tract of blockages.
Carminative - Promotes the removal of gas and if used before eating it is suppose to stop it from forming to begin with.
Cordial - Helps to counter colds, phlegm production, etc.
Decongestant - Helps to clear airways.
Digestive - Helps to promote digestion.
Expectorant - loosens phlegm and mucous in the lungs.
Insecticide - Can be diffused or sprayed. The oil of Anise is toxic to insects and small animals so they stay away from the scent.
Sedative - Because of its narcotic effects, it helps calm anger, stress, etc.
Stimulant - used to increase blood circulation for arthritis. Makes you feel more active or alert and possibility increases your metabolism.
Vermafuge - It can kill worms found in the intestines.
A caution for Anise is that in strong doses it can be harmful to children.
I'm glad I looked this up because it gave a lot of interesting information that I did not know about Anise. I will probably come back to this one for more information but for the basics, I think this is good enough.
http://www.drugs.com/npc/anise.html
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-anise-essential-oil.html
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