Scientific name: Pimpinella anisum

Other names: aniseed, Chinese anise, sweet cumin

Medical uses and remedies:

Antimicrobial (such as for bacteria, fungi, or viruses)
Antispasmodic
Aromatic
Asthma
Bronchitis
Carminative (gas pain reliever)
Cough relief
Expectorant
Flatulence
Galactogogue
Intestinal colic
Memory improvement
Oily skin
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Scabies

Dosage:

Tea - Prepare by adding 7 teaspoons of seeds into 1 quart of boiling water, and simmer down to 1.5 pints. Take 2 teaspoons every few hours.

Oil - Mix 1 drop of oil into 1 teaspoon of honey.

Cautions and side effects:

Use of anise is not recommended during pregnancy or nursing. Estrogen activity promoted by anise may negatively contribute in cases of migraine headaches, abnormal blood clotting, and some brain tumors. Check with a medical professional for additional precautions and contraindications before taking any herb.

Active ingredients:

Volatile oil (1-4%), of which 72-90% is trans-anethole
Coumarins (bergapten, scopoletin, umbelliferone)
Flavonoid glycosides (apigenin glycosides, isovitexin, luteolin, quercetin, rutin)
Phenylpropanoids (l-propenyl-2-hydroxy-5-methoxy-benzene-2)
Lipids
Fatty acids
Sterols
Proteins
Carbohydrates

Related herbs: star anise (illicium)

Learn about other herbal medicines: browse by common name or scientific name.