Pimpinella anisum is an annual belonging to the family Apiaceae; it is related to other plants prized for their aromatic fruits, commonly called seeds, such as dill, cumin, caraway and fennel.
Anise produces seeds that contain a special oil, anethole. It is this that provides the main benefits, either as a tea infusion or as oil.
A tea can be made from the seeds and leaves. Ingredients for making anise tea:
1 cup water, boiling
1 tsp dried anise leaves
1 tsp honey
Preparation: Steep anise leaves in hot water for about 5-6 minutes. Strain out leaves and sweeten tea with honey
Traditionally anise has been used to treat digestive problems, coughs, bronchitis and asthma. For babies with colic, regular use of anise tea by the mother may relive the condition. Analysis shows that anise contains several B vitamins, choline, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium.
Anise also contains plant hormones that are similar to estrogen; this may explain have the seeds are recommended for nursing mothers.
Anise tea
