Health Benefits of Aniseed

Aniseed is an annual plant with 30 to 50cms of average height. The plant is completely covered with fine hair. Aniseed is ground-grey to greyish brown, oval shaped,3 to 5mm in length, with short stalk attached. Five longitudinal ridges are visible on each pericarp. Vittae (oil ducts) are almost always present embedded in the fruit wall beneath the ridges. It has a pleasant aromatic taste and odour.

It is a native of East Mediterranean Region. It is widely cultivated in Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, South America, Syria, Turkey, Spain, UK and USSR. In India, it is grown to a small extent as a culinary herb or as a garden plant.

Uses:

It is majorly used in culinary as a flavourant, household, cosmetic and medicinal purposes. The fruit of anis, commercially called aniseed is widely used for flavouring curries, bread, soups, baked goods, dried figs, deserts, cream cheese, pickles, egg dishes, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Its essential oil is also used in making perfumes.

Health Benefits:

Antioxidant: It is a very good antioxidant. Anise Seeds offer plenty of health benefits in against any harmful organics that may damage the body.

Fenugreek, Curry Leaves, Cumin Seeds, coriander, cinnamon, chilies, cardamom and Bay Leaves are also some of the commonly used spices known for antioxidant benefits.

Improves Digestion: It is quite effective for increasing metabolism. It is very useful in treating nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and gas problems.

Also read about the benefits of other commonly used spices like Mint, Ginger, Fenugreek, Fennel, Curry Leaves, Cumin Seeds, Coriander, Cloves, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Bay Leaves, Basil, Asafoetida, on our digestion and metabolism.

Asthma: It is very helpful in relieving symptoms of Asthma. Aniseed has got excellent expectorant quantity, and also it’s suitable for the treatment of a cough. It is also helpful in common cold, bronchitis and sinusitis.

Other commonly used home remedies which can help the symptoms of respiratory health and asthma are Ginger, Garlic, Curry Leaves, Coriander, Cloves, Cinnamon, Chilies, Cardamom, Bay Leaves, Basil, Asafoetida, Aniseeds.

Microbial infections and diseases: Aniseed prevents the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is useful in stomach infections. It also makes a good mouth wash and fights bad breath. It is also used as an eye wash to help cataract patients.

Garlic, Curry Leaves, Cumin Seeds, coriander, Cloves, Cinnamon, Chilies, Basil, are some other commonly used spices with antibacterial or antimicrobial properties.

Metabolism: It increases metabolism and may help weight loss.

Also read about the benefits of other commonly used spices like Mint, Ginger, Fennel, Fenugreek, Curry Leaves, Cumin Seeds, Coriander, Cloves, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Bay Leaves, Basil, Asafoetida, on our digestion and metabolism.

Aphrodisiac: Aniseed is good aphrodisiac. Drinking one glass water combined using the ground seeds every day may enhance one’s sex drive.

You may also like to read about Fenugreek, Coriander, Cloves, Cardamom, Basil, Asafoetida, for their aphrodisiac benefits.

Boosts Lactation: For breastfeeding mothers it is useful to increase milk production.

Also a study published in the International Breastfeeding Journal suggested that application of peppermint water may help prevent nipple cracks and nipple pain in first-time mothers who are breastfeeding. Fenugreek are also known to help lactating mothers.

Menstrual Disorders: Anise helps regulate menstruation period in females and also assists healthy reproductive system. Antispasmodic benefits of Anise helps lower cramps as well as assists in giving birth.

Fenugreek is also known to give relief in menstrual pain and cramping.

Pain Reliever: It has a very soothing effect on our muscles and may act as a very good pain reliever. It is very helpful in arthritis as well as joints trauma. It is very useful in relieving muscle pain and in spasms.

Also read about Curry Leaves, fennel, Cloves, cumin seeds, cinnamon, chilies, cardamom, basil for their anti-inflammatory benefits.

Also read about Basil, Cloves and fennel which are also promote bone health for arthritis.

Insomnia: Aniseed is considered very useful in regulating sleeping problems.

Also reed health benefits of Cumin Seeds and Aniseeds for help in insomnia.

Diaphoretic: Aniseeds are known to induce perspirations.

However, this type of herb really should not be consumed while pregnant. Consult your doctor before