Condition
Treatment Support
digestion enhancer
Application
tea
Anise
(Pimpinella anisum)
Botanical Information
Annual which grows to just over two feet tall with basal leaves and small yellow-white flowers.
Working with Anise
Part(s) Used
Seeds
Herb Forms
Bulk seeds
Anise seed (Pimpinella anisum) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, primarily in the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. Historically, it was valued for its carminative properties, aiding in digestive issues, and was often used as a flavoring in foods and liqueurs. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans believed it could treat respiratory and digestive conditions, and it was also used in various cultures to freshen breath and promote lactation.
Today, anise is used by herbalists and naturopaths to support digestion, relieve gas and bloating, alleviate coughs, and ease menstrual discomfort. Its antispasmodic, antibacterial, and expectorant properties make it a popular choice for treating mild gastrointestinal issues, respiratory tract infections, and menstrual pain. Anise oil is sometimes applied topically for mild analgesic effects.
Anise seed contains essential oils (2-6%), with anethole being the primary active compound, contributing to 80-90% of its oil content. Other constituents include estragole, anise ketone, and flavonoids. Anethole is responsible for the characteristic licorice-like aroma and is thought to be the main contributor to anise’s medicinal properties.
Anethole has been studied for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as its potential estrogenic and antispasmodic activities. In vitro studies suggest that anise may inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi. Animal studies have also shown that anise may help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
While there is limited clinical research, some studies have evaluated anise’s effects on menstrual pain and gastrointestinal conditions. Preliminary clinical trials suggest that anise extract may help reduce menstrual discomfort and improve symptoms of dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these effects and establish standardized dosages.
Christopher Hobbs:
“Anise seed has a long history of medicinal use, primarily for digestive, respiratory, and menstrual health. Modern herbalists and naturopaths continue to use it for these purposes, supported by studies on its main compound, anethole, which shows promising pharmacological effects. It is generally safe in moderate amounts, though more clinical trials are needed to confirm its therapeutic potential and optimal dosages.
Anise has a taste of SPICY and a temperature of WARM.”
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Dr. Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Anise is generally considered safe when used in culinary amounts or in small medicinal doses. The typical dosage for digestive issues is around 1-5 grams of seed or 0.2-0.3 ml of essential oil per day. However, excessive consumption or use of high-concentration essential oil can be toxic and cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and seizures. Estragole, a minor compound in anise, has raised safety concerns due to potential carcinogenicity at very high doses, though normal culinary or medicinal uses are considered safe for most people.
Conditions treated with Anise
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
carminative
Application
tea
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
