Anise: medicinal properties and healing capabilities of a medicinal plant. The healing properties of anise and its contraindications

Anise is a herbaceous annual plant and belongs to the seleraceae family. In the summer, at the end of June and beginning of July, you can observe the flowering of anise. Already in August, the fruits of the plant ripen. Anise, or star anise as it is also called, has a very pleasant aroma. According to most people, it is used exclusively as a spice to add flavor to some

However, this plant, or more precisely, its fruits - seeds, are widely used in medicine, cosmetology and some other fields. Next, let's look at what properties this plant is so attractive to, what its benefits are and how exactly it is used in everyday life.

Basic medicinal properties:

antipyretic;
expectorant;
laxative;
antimicrobial;
painkiller.

Fruit composition

Anise fruits contain incredibly beneficial essential and fatty oils. They can have a beneficial effect on the human body. Since they contain such important components for health as anethole, methyl chavicol, anise ketone and organic acid.

In medicine, anise is used to treat many diseases. For example, cough, vascular disorders.

In cosmetology, plant oil is added to many creams, masks, and lotions. Its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties give excellent results in the fight against many skin defects, enrich it, and preserve youth.

The use of star anise seeds in cooking is unlimited. Fragrance oil Gives dishes an exquisite aroma, excellent taste and a touch of piquancy.

Interesting to know! Animals and even fish adore the aroma of anise. Treats with the scent of this plant are used to train pets, and fishermen add a drop of oil to their fish bait.

Anise in medicine

In the field of medicine, star anise seed oil is used for the following diseases:

neuralgic disorders, chronic fatigue, nervous tension;
migraines and various origins;
digestive disorders, nausea, vomiting;
colds of the upper respiratory organs;
pain during menstruation in women, as well as during menopause;
diseases of the urolithiasis.

Let's look at some of the most popular recipes for the treatment of certain diseases.

Cough recipe

In order to get rid of it, you should use the following recipe. Half a glass of plant seeds should be poured into 200 g boiled water. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes. After the medicine has cooled, strain it and mix with 5 tbsp. l. honey and bring to a boil again. If you are treating a cough in an adult, you usually add a teaspoon of cognac to the mixture. You need to take 1 tsp. every hour and severe attacks cough.

Recipe for insomnia and chronic fatigue

To prepare you need milk and star anise seeds. A teaspoon of seeds should be crushed in a mortar or passed through a coffee grinder. Pour the resulting powder into a glass warm milk and leave for 1-2 hours. Then strain and take warm before bed. This product is also great for children.

Treatment of gastritis

Place a tablespoon of seeds in a thermos and pour boiling water over it. After the product has been infused for 2-3 hours, you can take the medicine. Up to 5 doses per day are recommended for pain and exacerbations.

For urolithiasis

Add a teaspoon of plant fruits to 200 g of boiling water. Leave the medicine for 2-3 hours, then strain. Take 3 times a day, 50 g before meals.

For children, this is used to prepare decoctions that relieve colic and digestive disorders.

Crush a teaspoon of fruit and pour a glass of boiling water. Bring to a boil and leave on low heat for 15 minutes. Leave the product in the refrigerator for several days. Give infants a few drops of the decoction, and children over one year old, a teaspoon 3 times a day.

Important! When using prescriptions, it is strongly recommended to consult a physician. This will help avoid unwanted manifestations in the form of allergies and other body reactions.

Anise in cosmetology

Star anise has incredibly beneficial properties for giving the skin freshness, beauty and health. The oils of the plant's fruits are used as an essential additive in the preparation of many face and body creams.

Anise affects the skin as follows:

tones;
will relieve swelling;
removes inflammation;
normalizes water-fat balance;
rejuvenates.

The beneficial properties of star anise are also often used for hair. Thanks to masks and rinses with the addition of anise oil, hair becomes shiny, elastic, acquires strength and a healthy appearance.

Let's consider the most popular recipes for women.

Rejuvenating mask

For preparation you will need honey, sour cream and essential oil anise Sour cream of any fat content will do. Mix 2 tbsp in a container. l. sour cream, 1 tbsp. l. honey and 3 drops of oil. Mix thoroughly and apply to skin for 10-15 minutes.

Moisturizing mask

Mix cereals, fresh grated cucumber in equal quantities. Then add 3 drops of anise oil. Apply to the skin of the face and neck immediately after preparation for 10-15 minutes.

Hair rinse

This recipe is used. Pour a tablespoon of star anise seeds into a liter of boiling water. Also add 2 tbsp here. l. nettle herbs. Bring to a boil and turn off. After a few hours, use the product as a rinse after washing your hair.

Use in cooking

There are no limits to the use of aromatic spices in cooking. It has been used since ancient times. Our ancestors were attracted by the aroma of the plant. When added to a dish, the spice complements and improves its taste. Star anise also goes well with other spices, such as Bay leaf, cardamom, fennel, allspice.

In what dishes is anise used?

meat dishes;
fish dishes;
salads;
sauces and dressings;
casseroles, omelettes;
desserts and many other types of dishes.

The fruits of this plant are widely used in preservation. Vodka is also prepared from it, which has a spicy smell and interesting taste.

Even in Rus' they used a recipe sauerkraut with the addition of aromatic star anise. No restaurant can do without this spicy spice.

Important! For any purpose, you need to choose high-quality and fresh anise. Its color should be bright and its aroma pleasant.

Contraindications

Like many other plants, star anise has some contraindications. It is believed that it should not be taken during pregnancy. Medical representatives believe that the oils of the plant’s fruits can negatively affect the fetus and cause uterine bleeding.

It is strictly forbidden to consume anise when peptic ulcer. Its oils can irritate damaged mucous membranes.
Star anise can also cause an allergic reaction. Patients with asthma and other lung diseases should use the spice with caution.

Anise treatment should not be used long time. The course should be no more than 5-7 days. Use the gifts of nature correctly, be healthy and happy.

Known to almost every experienced housewife. In the photo, these plants look like white umbrellas due to their small inflorescences. The seeds of this plant are used in baking bread, confectionery and even in the preparation of alcohol. Anise is added to alcoholic drinks such as sambuca, absinthe, pastis, and arrack. And reviews about it taste qualities only positive ones. In addition, anise has medicinal properties that are successfully used in medicine. But this spice also has contraindications, although there are few of them.

Description and rules for choosing anise

Anise beetroot is the scientific name of this plant. This annual grass, reaching 60 cm in height. Its stem is thin, like a spindle. Anise flowers are white and umbrella-shaped.

Advice. Those who grow anise need to know: they remove it as soon as the umbrellas turn brown. They must be threshed and dried. Otherwise, they will lose beneficial essential oils.

When choosing anise, you need to carefully look at the color and smell of its fruits (seeds). Fresh product has a bright, rich color. Its aroma is equally strong and refreshing. If the smell is weak and barely perceptible, it is main feature old fetus The same can be said about the dull dark brown color of the seeds. Perhaps such a fruit is fresh, but was stored incorrectly. Which means it’s not worth buying it.

The benefits of anise and treatment with its use

The benefits of anise are explained by its rich composition. There are essential oils, vitamins, macro- and microelements. In particular, it contains:

magnesium;
potassium;
iron;
calcium;
sodium;

Anise is actively used in pharmacology and folk medicine

copper;
zinc;
selenium;
tamine;
folic acid;
riboflavin.

All this provides the medicinal properties of anise:

antipyretic;
expectorant:
antiseptic and anti-inflammatory;
pain reliever;
sedative;
antispasmodic.

Traditional medicine has long adopted the properties of anise. Therefore, in pharmacies it is easy to find teas with anise, breast elixirs, drops, oil and much more. They are used to treat colds, bronchitis, pneumonia and bronchial asthma, colic and gastritis.

Experts in traditional medicine actively use anise to heal burns, diseases of the eyes, gums, and kidneys. With its help, lactation is stimulated in young mothers. A decoction with the addition of this spice and honey will easily restore a hoarse voice.

Folk recipes

Expectorants and cold medicines:

Take 10 g of anise fruit, 10 g of dry coltsfoot leaves and the same amount of dried violet roots. Pour all this into glasses of boiling water. Drink 1 tsp. every 30 min.
1 tbsp. l. mix anise seeds with 2 tbsp. l. sage, pine buds and licorice root. All this is poured into a glass of boiling water, infused, and filtered. You need to drink this medicine 5 times a day, 100 ml.
Pour half a glass of anise seeds with a glass of water and boil for 10 minutes. over low heat. After the broth has cooled, add 100 g of honey and 50 g of cognac. The broth is wrapped in a warm towel and left for 2 hours. You need to drink every 20-30 minutes. 1 tbsp. l.

Anise seeds

Medicines against sore throat and other diseases of the nasopharynx. Anise seeds (2 tablespoons) should be ground into powder and pour a glass of boiling water. After which, every half hour you need to gargle your sore throat with the infusion.

Against colic and bloating. Pour a glass into the pan cold water and add there: anise, cumin, peppermint, chamomile and valerian root. Just 1 tsp. After this, put the pan on the fire and boil. Drink 50 ml before meals.

Harm and contraindications

Anise can be an allergen and cause skin rashes. Those who are prone to such reactions should try dishes or medicines containing this plant in very small portions. If the body responds normally, the dose can be increased. In case of allergies, anise should be excluded. Also, it is not used if the skin has a pronounced acne, acne, boils.

Attention! WITH Not large doses It is necessary to start treatment with anise for those who are taking it for the first time. If you start with large doses at once, anise can cause headaches, nausea and even vomiting.

This seasoning is prohibited for those who suffer from stomach ulcers, colon atony and others. chronic diseases Gastrointestinal tract. It is also not recommended for pregnant women at any stage.

Attention! You cannot treat with anise for longer than 7 days.

Even if there are no health problems, anise must be present in every kitchen. They bake fragrant cookies with it and add it to English puddings and other sweet cereals. Vegetables seasoned with anise are very tasty. There can be no restrictions here - it’s all about the taste and ingenuity of the hostess.

The use of anise in folk medicine: video

Anise: photo

Among the variety of medicinal plants, anise occupies a place of honor. Its sweetish tart smell attracted the attention of cooks, pharmacists, and winemakers. Small brownish flowers with a distinct aroma have become famous all over the world. This article is about the medicinal properties and contraindications of anise.

Anise has been popular since ancient times. The true homeland of this plant is still controversial. Some call Asia Minor, others - ancient Egypt and Greece. In Russia, this plant began to be grown in late XIX century.

Its main purpose is spice. Now it is used as a spice for preparing salads, sauces, sweet dishes, baked goods and drinks. Even alcoholic drinks have not bypassed this plant - sambuca, aniseed vodka and others.

Even in ancient times, it was found that the plant has unusual medicinal properties. Magicians placed it at the head of the sick to banish nightmares and normalize sleep. Today, anise is widely used in medicine. Based on it they are made medications. Popular today are ammonia-anise drops, cough candies, breast elixir, anise oil.

Traditional healers offer a large number of recipes for tea, infusions and drinks. Psychologists recommend anise for aromatherapy, as its smell has a tonic and calming effect.

The secret is in the chemical composition of anise

The most valuable part of a plant is its seeds. They are also called fruits.

They contain a large number of different vitamins and minerals.

Per hundred grams of seeds there are:

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid– 21 mg;
PP or niacin – 3.06 mg;
B5 or pantothenic acid– 0.79 mg;
B6 or pyridoxine – 0.59 mg;
B1 or thiamine – 0.35;
B2 or riboflavin – 0.3;
folic acid– 10 mg.

Main cast:

fiber 15 grams;
proteins – 15 grams;
fats – 16 grams;
carbohydrates – 35 grams;
ash – 7 grams;
water - 10% of the total weight of the plant.

Minerals: iron, selenium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, selenium, potassium, copper, manganese, zinc and some others.

Its oils contain:

anisealdehyde;
anethole;
anise ketol;
methylchavicol;
anisic acid;
sugar;
protein substances.

Calories and nutritional value

There are 337 calories per hundred grams of product.

The nutritional value:

fats – 15.9 grams;
carbohydrates – 35.4 grams;
proteins – 17.6 grams.

Medicinal properties of anise

Anise acts as an analgesic, antiseptic, antipyretic, diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory. It also has a diuretic, laxative, antispasmodic and sedative effect. The drugs are used in the treatment of liver diseases, Bladder, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, cough, headaches, nervous and sexual disorders.

Anise helps women a lot. He brings it back to normal menstrual cycle, gets rid of painful sensations, treats frigidity.

For men it is useful as a means to increase potency.

Has a beneficial effect on nervous system. Effective for sleep disturbances, insomnia and frequent awakenings.

The effect of anise on the human body

Plant seeds and medicines based on them:

increase appetite;
improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
improve kidney function;
stimulate genitourinary functions;
act as an expectorant;
eliminate bad breath;

Anise essential oils are used for the following diseases:

nervous exhaustion and overstrain (stress, apathy, depression, melancholy, etc.);
headache and dizziness;
stomach problems (vomiting, constipation, flatulence);
arthritis and rheumatism;
muscle pain;
women's diseases (painful menstruation and menopause);
tachycardia;
diseases of the upper respiratory tract(asthma, runny nose, cough);
diseases genitourinary system(cystitis, kidney stones, swelling).

Anise oil is also valued as a remedy against burns, hoarseness in the voice, inflammation of the gums and scurvy.

Teas and tinctures are made from anise seeds. Tea is used to increase the amount breast milk and at colds throat.

The benefits of anise for the human body

Thanks to its unique chemical composition Anise helps get rid of a number of diseases.

Ascorbic acid, which is found in anise, has antibacterial and antiviral effect, and also strengthens the immune system.

High levels of niacin normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and support normal level cholesterol.

The main mineral in anise is potassium. Its share is 1440 milligrams per 100 grams of product. And, as you know, potassium and calcium are important for the functioning of the heart and the elasticity of blood vessels.

Iron is necessary for the prevention and treatment of anemia.

Anise seeds provoke contraction of the muscles of the uterus, so it is used for painful periods and to enhance labor activity.

By consuming anise, you can increase the amount of breast milk during lactation. And in this way the child will be able to get rid of flatulence and colic.

The plant increases sensitivity. Anise is considered a powerful aphrodisiac. To get rid of frigidity and increase potency, drink anise tea. In addition, it contains the hormone estrogen. It is necessary to improve reproductive function body.

Anise tincture is used to get rid of thrush in the mouth. And also for the treatment of sore throat, bronchitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis.

Thanks to its effect, the effect of antibiotics taken is enhanced.

Anise oil along with egg white will help heal the burn.

Contraindications for use and harmful effects of anise

Despite great amount beneficial properties, anise can provide harmful effects on human health. Therefore, before using it, you must be sure to familiarize yourself with the contraindications. It cannot be used if you have:

ulcerative colitis;
stomach ulcer or duodenum;
individual intolerance;
gastritis with increased acidity;
pregnancy.

Long-term use may lead to allergic reactions on the skin and dermatitis. You should not use oils if your skin has rashes, redness, acne or cuts.

Anise provokes contraction of the muscles of the uterus, so during pregnancy it can cause premature birth. It should not be taken until labor begins. This is both a plus and a minus. Therefore, it should be remembered that at the beginning of pregnancy it is contraindicated, but at the end, on the contrary, it is recommended.

The plant increases appetite, so it is better for overweight people to limit its consumption or avoid it altogether.

Anise causes increased production gastric juice, and when peptic ulcers it will only harm the body.

Affecting the nervous system, it can cause slight malaise and dizziness.

Anise has a relatively small range of contraindications. Its impact on human health is more positive than negative. Any medicine must be used correctly. If you do not have an ulcer and are not pregnant, then you can safely treat yourself to anise tea and enjoy its pleasant aroma.

In the article we discuss anise. You will learn what properties the plant has, how to properly collect, prepare and use anise fruits, what contraindications there are for it, and also how anise differs from cumin, star anise and fennel.

Common anise or aniseed anise is a spicy annual herbaceous plant. Anise is popularly called Sweet Cumin, Bread Seed or Ganus. The Latin name for anise is Anisum vulgare (Pimpinella anisum). Anise is cultivated as a flavoring and aromatic seasoning and to obtain medicinal raw materials.

What does it look like

Appearance common anise. Common anise is an erect, short and thinly spaced-pubescent plant up to 50-60 cm high. Top part The plant is branched, the stem is furrowed, rounded. The root part of the plant is thin, spindle-shaped.

The upper leaves of anise are pinnate with linear-lanceolate lobes. In the middle part of the plant, the leaves are two- and three-lobed, reverse wedge-shaped. In the basal part there are long-petioled whole lobed, incised-toothed or rounded heart-shaped leaves.

Anise inflorescences have the shape of a complex umbrella. During the flowering period they are covered with small, inconspicuous flowers with white ciliated petals about 1.5 mm long.

The anise fruit is a two-seed, heart-shaped, ovoid and obverse pear-shaped, gray-greenish or brownish-gray in color, 3 to 5 mm long.

Where does it grow

Anise is very rarely found growing wild. Industrial cultivation of the plant is carried out in Mexico, Egypt, Asia Minor and Southern Europe. In Russia, anise berednets is grown mainly in the Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh regions and in the Krasnodar Territory.

Anise is also grown on summer cottages in central and southern Russia as cultivated plant for food consumption and for obtaining medicinal raw materials.

Anise fruit

The fruits of anise have many beneficial properties for the body. For medicinal or culinary purposes, they can be purchased in a store or grown, collected and prepared yourself.

Chemical composition

Dried anise fruits have the following chemical composition:

essential oil (1.5−6%);
fatty oil (16−28%);
proteins;
carbohydrates;
organic acids.

Essential oil is obtained by steam distillation from dried fruits. Essential anise oil contains the aromatic ester anethole (up to 90%), estragole (10%), anisealdehyde, anisic acid, anise alcohol and anise ketone.

Medicinal properties

Anise fruits are used in folk medicine and cooking. Most useful part anise - fruits. Anise fruits are a herbal medicine that helps to cope with coughs and has an expectorant effect.

In addition, it stimulates intestinal motor function and increases the secretion of gastric juice. It is also used by women to reduce physiological effect menopause.

In addition to the fruits, essential anise oil is used, which has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic and carminative effects.

In addition, it acts as a laxative and increases secretory function. internal organs and stimulates the function of the glandular apparatus of the respiratory tract.

Anise and preparations based on it are used for the following ailments:

intestinal colic and bloating;
decreased appetite;
diseases digestive tract;
inflammation of the kidneys and bladder;
urolithiasis and cholelithiasis;
dysfunction of the liver and gallbladder;
weak lactation in lactating women;
lingering cough with difficult to clear sputum;
headaches and dizziness.

How to collect

The flowering and fruiting periods depend on the plant variety. Anise blooms from mid-June to the end of July, bears fruit from August to early September. Collection begins before the fruits are fully ripened, when about 70% of anise umbrellas become brown.

Anise is cut down to the root and tied into bunches, which are left to dry in a dark, well-ventilated area. The bunches are hung with umbrellas down or laid out on a clean newspaper.

After the anise stems have completely dried, the fruits are separated from the umbels by threshing. The resulting fruits are cleared of debris and scattered thin layer onto a clean tarpaulin or paper and leave to dry.

Store anise in a dark, dry place in a tightly closed container. The shelf life of raw materials is 3 years.

How to use

In folk medicine, anise essential oil is valued, which has pronounced antitussive, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and carminative properties.

IN medicinal purposes Dried anise fruits are used to prepare decoctions, infusions and mixtures. In pharmaceuticals, essential oil raw materials from anise fruits are used in the production of various medicines.

Essential oil from anise fruit is also used in the perfumery and cosmetics industry. It is used in making soap, various cosmetics and when composing a perfume composition.

Decoctions, aqueous and alcohol tinctures, making tea. Anise fruits are also used as a seasoning for various dishes.

Anise for cough

Anise is used as an expectorant and antitussive. In addition, anise has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects for colds. You can prepare a decoction from dried anise fruits that will help cope with lingering cough and difficult to clear sputum.

Cough medicine

Ingredients:

Dried anise fruits - 1 tbsp.
Natural honey - 1 tbsp.
Water - 250 ml.
Cognac - 1 tbsp.

How to cook: Pour anise fruit into a glass hot water and boil for 15 minutes. Let the broth cool and brew for about 20 minutes, then strain it through a gauze cloth. Add honey and cognac to the broth. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

How to use: Take the product warm, 1 tbsp. 3−4 times a day.

You can also cook with anise fruits alcohol infusion From cough.

Alcohol infusion

Ingredients:

Dried anise fruits - ½ cup.
Medical alcohol - 2.5 cups.

How to cook: Place the anise fruit in glass containers and fill them with alcohol. Let the alcohol sit for a week. Filter the tincture using a gauze cloth. Store the product in the refrigerator.

How to use: Before use, dilute 10-15 drops of tincture in 50 ml of clean boiled water. Take the product 5-6 times during the day.

In cooking, anise is used in the preparation of baked goods, marinades and alcoholic beverages; it is also used as a spicy spice in meat and fish dishes.

Anise seasoning

The sweetish-spicy taste of anise gives dishes a piquant aroma. Anise goes well with various vegetables, any type of meat and fish. In cooking, the fruits, inflorescences and leaves of anise are used in dried and fresh form.

Anise is a popular seasoning in Mediterranean, Asian and Slavic cuisines.

Anise is used as a seasoning in the following dishes:

crushed anise seeds are added when making baked goods;
when marinating and pickling vegetables, use fresh or dried anise umbrellas;
put young greens in vegetable and fruit salads;
Anise oil is added to various sauces and dressings for salads and fish dishes;
dried seeds are used in most spicy pilaf mixtures;
in combination with other spices, used for baking and stewing red meat;
remove with anise unpleasant odors in meat and fish dishes;
used in production alcoholic drinks and cocktails;
added to homemade compotes and jelly, as well as coffee and milk drinks.

Tea with anise

Tea with anise fruits not only has a pleasant refreshing taste and aroma, but also helps in the treatment of various ailments, calms, eliminates flatulence, relieves headache and fever. Anise tea is also useful for breastfeeding women to increase lactation.

Ingredients:

Dried anise fruits - 1 tsp.
Water – 200 ml

How to cook: Grind the anise fruits in a mortar or grind in a coffee grinder. Place the crushed anise in a teapot and pour boiling water over it. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes. Pour the tea through a strainer or gauze pad into a cup. If desired, you can add a little natural honey and a slice of lemon to the tea.

How to use: As a medicinal and sedative consume anise tea 2-3 cups per day. It is recommended that children be given no more than 100 ml of tea 1-2 times a day. As a means to increase lactation, drink 100 ml of tea half an hour before feeding.

Several Yet useful ways Uses of anise can be found in the following video:

What's the difference between star anise and anise?

Appearance of star anise. Star anise is often called star anise due to the similarity of taste and aroma with common anise, but these two different types plants.

Star anise, unlike anise, is a perennial shrub plant up to 10 meters high that grows in southeast Asia. Star anise has a complex multileaf fruit that looks like a pointed star.

Star anise is used as a medicine. It has similar medicinal properties to common anise - it helps with coughs, eliminates bloating and intestinal colic, and has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. In addition, star anise roots are used in the treatment of malaria and fever.

However, star anise has become more widespread in cooking. Unlike anise, it has a less pronounced, non-sugary taste and aroma. Dried whole or crushed star anise fruits are used in preparing dishes from fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, and added to alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

What's the difference between fennel and anise?

Appearance of fennel. Anise and fennel belong to the same family and have a similar inflorescence structure. During the flowering period, it is quite easy to distinguish these two plants - fennel inflorescences, unlike anise, have yellow flowers. The seeds of anise and fennel are also different. Despite their similar scent, the five-ribed fennel seeds are larger than the dicotyledonous anise seeds.

Fennel is grown as a medicinal, flavoring and aromatic plant and as a vegetable crop. Fennel has similarities to anise medicinal properties. People call it Dill. It has a pronounced carminative effect and is used in children from the first days of life to eliminate intestinal colic.

In cooking, juicy fennel leaves are used in the preparation of vegetable, meat and fish broths, in fresh vegetable salads. Dried inflorescences and seeds are added when preserving vegetables, when cooking sea fish And meat dishes. Fennel gives dishes a fresh, spicy-sweet taste, lighter and more subtle, unlike anise.

What's the difference between cumin and anise?

Appearance of caraway seeds. Both plants also belong to the Apiaceae family, but caraway, unlike anise, is a plant with a two-year growing season. Cumin begins to bear fruit only in the second year after planting.

Externally, both plants are similar during the growing season, and they are easy to confuse. The smell of caraway seeds is similar to anise, but they differ in appearance. Anise seeds have a more rounded dicotyledonous shape, while cumin seeds are flat and elongated.

Cumin is used mainly in cooking - when baking bakery products and when preserving vegetables to give a piquant spicy taste. Cumin is also added when stewing meat and vegetables.

Cumin and anise also have similar beneficial properties for the body. Based on cumin, decoctions and infusions are prepared to restore the function of the gastrointestinal tract and increase lactation in nursing women.

Contraindications

Anise has the following contraindications:

individual intolerance;
tendency to allergic reactions;
pregnancy;
ulcerative-erosive diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
bleeding disorders;
children up to 3 years old.

Classification

Common anise has the following taxometric classification:

department: Flowers;
order: Umbelliferae;
family: Umbrella;
genus: Bedrenets;
species: Anise bered.

Varieties

The Anise species includes only the common anise.

Common anise infographics

Photo of anise, its beneficial properties and uses
Infographics on anise

What to remember

Common anise is an annual herbaceous plant, the fruits of which are used as a seasoning and as a medicine.
Anise is collected and harvested in late August - early September.
In folk medicine, anise is most often used as an expectorant and carminative.
Star anise or star anise is a perennial evergreen plant, which, despite the similarity of taste and aroma, has nothing to do with common anise.

Anise is one of the representatives of annual plants belonging to the Umbelliferae family. Since its close relatives are fennel, dill and caraway, it exhibits many similar properties.

During its development, anise forms a straight stem that can reach a height of 70 cm. The plant has a furrowed, rounded shape and forms many branches in the upper part.

The leaves located at the bottom have jagged, notched, long-petiolate shape. Sometimes their leaves are rounded-heart-shaped, two of them are located on short petioles, and another one is located on a longer one. The middle leaves grow on short petioles and have an inverted wedge shape. The leaves, located in the upper part, consist of lance-shaped-linear lobes. They are usually one-piece or tripartite.

At the flowering stage, anise forms small, dim flowers that grow at the ends of the branches, forming a complex umbrella, reaching a diameter of 6 cm. The umbrella itself contains 5-15 simple rays. They may have a single-leaf, thread-like cover, or in some cases it may be completely absent. As the petals grow, they become white and reach 1.5 mm in length. They have ciliated edges, the apex turned inward. Anise is a cross-pollinated plant; flowering continues from June to July.

At the stage of technical maturity, it forms a fruit from two seeds, resembling an egg. Its usual color can vary from brown to green-gray. The length of the fruit is 3-4 mm, and the diameter is 1-2 mm. Stages The fruit reaches maturity in August. Subsequently, it opens, and two semi-fruits appear from it, from which an aromatic, spicy smell emanates. Has a sweetish taste.

The formation of the root system occurs throughout the development of the plant; the root itself has a tap-like, spindle-shaped shape and can reach 50-60 cm in depth. In common parlance, anise is known as sweet cumin, bread seed, and pigeon anise.

Propagation and cultivation

Anise is one of those rare spices that began to be cultivated many centuries ago. However, until now scientists have not been able to find out where exactly the homeland of this plant is located. Among the hypotheses, such places are the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Even in ancient times, people became acquainted with the healing properties of the common anise. This information appears in the works of the ancient Greek doctors Theophrastus, Hippocrates, and Dioscorides. It is also mentioned by the ancient Egyptians.

IN Ancient Rome Anise seeds have been used as medicine. They were used as decoration for bedrooms, which with their presence contributed to the creation of an atmosphere healthy sleep. In this regard, it is appropriate to recall the words of Pliny, according to which anise has a rejuvenating effect and keeps breath fresh. Often the seeds of this plant were used to make special cakes that improved the digestion process.

Medieval herbariums contain information about beneficial properties this plant that helps cope with many diseases. However, at that time, anise, like most other spices, was a rare plant, and therefore was very expensive. You can understand how valuable this crop was considered by the fact that it was left on a par with such spices as coriander, cumin and fennel.

Growing anise was a labor-intensive task because it required not only highly fertile soil, but also regular watering and a warm microclimate. This crop could bloom only in warm, clear weather. Usually from the moment the seeds are sown had to wait about 115 days to get the first fruits. The optimal temperature for seed germination is 3-4 degrees Celsius. Seeds germinate in 16 days.

Today, anise has become widespread in different places our planet, so it can be found not only on the territory former USSR, but also in India, European countries, as well as in North Africa, Asia and America.

Preparation, collection and drying of anise

A photo of this culture does not show complete information about its features. Anise fruits are considered the most valuable for medicinal purposes. It is important to choose a favorable moment for cooking them - usually this is done early in the morning or in the evening, provided that the day is dry and clear. Necessary constantly monitor the condition of umbrellas and at the moment of ripening they begin to be cut off. A sign that the seeds are ripe is that they acquire a hard shell and a brownish color. After collection, the umbrellas must be dried, for which they are placed in a well-ventilated area. After this they are threshed.

The planting material that has passed the preliminary selection must be dried again and then additionally sifted on a sieve, which will help clear it of debris. The seed drying process can be carried out under natural and artificial conditions. In the first case, they are placed in the open air, and in the second, a dryer is used, in which it is necessary to expose temperature regime 50-60 degrees Celsius. The seeds remain viable for three years, provided that they are kept in a tightly closed container in a ventilated, dry area.

High-quality specimens can be identified by their fragrant aroma and light brown color. If the seeds are dark in color, then most likely a lot of time has passed since they were collected or they were collected at the wrong time.

Useful properties and composition

Properly dried anise fruits contain up to 6% essential oil, 16-28% fatty oil, as well as up to 19% protein substances. They also contain sugar and fatty acid- coffee, chlorogenic.

The essential oil is very rich in anethole, the share of which can be 90%, the rest of the composition is methyl chavicol. In addition, it also contains other substances: aldehyde, ketone, alcohol, pinene etc. The technology for making essential oil is to steam distill the seeds.

Among positive properties drugs that can be made from the seeds of the plant, it is worth highlighting the antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, expectorant, stimulating, antispasmodic effect. Also, anise preparations have a carminative and laxative effect. Eating fruits improves motor and secretory function digestion, also has a positive effect on the functioning of the glandular apparatus of the bronchi, helps reduce spasms during stomach and intestinal colic. An additional positive effect is associated with improved motor function of the uterus and increased secretion of the mammary glands. This plant is useful for frigidity and impotence.

Application

In the works of ancient writers one can often find recommendations for chewing the fruits of the anise plant. This has a healing effect on oral cavity, What makes teeth stronger and more attractive, and also maintains a pleasant smell in the mouth. Also, the fruits of the plant are good for paralysis and falling sickness. When boiled, they are effective for melancholy and bad dreams. Anise seeds can be used to cook healing tea, combining it with cumin and fennel. Positive effect from its use lies in strengthening the nervous system.

An effective remedy for treating burns is an ointment made from a mixture of ground anise seeds and egg whites;
help eliminate headaches, neuralgia, and also support fresh breath you can if you chew anise seeds often. It is also useful to consume the seeds of the plant for men who have impaired potency;
Many cough candies and inhalation mixtures contain anise essential oil, among other essential components. The presence of a solution of oil in alcohol allows you to effectively destroy lice, ticks and fleas;
Anise oil can help people suffering from bronchitis, as it has an expectorant effect. It also stimulates the functioning of the digestive tract and mammary glands. Taking oil involves following the following scheme: in one spoon warm water dilute two or three drops of oil and consume 4 times a day.

Also oil has been used in cosmetology: Regular application to the skin makes it elastic and youthful, and has a positive effect on overall tone. It is also useful to wash the eyes with the plant, which allows you to get rid of many vision ailments. A tincture of anise with saffron and wine can help cope with eye inflammation.

Decoction

Anise seed decoction can alleviate a person's condition at various diseases.

Infusion

To prepare it, take one teaspoon of fruit, brew it with one glass of boiling water and let it brew for half an hour. The cold infusion is filtered , take 1/4 cup 3 times a day before every meal.

This remedy is useful for the following diseases:

diseases of the uterus, discomfort associated with menstruation, and also as a means of increasing milk production in nursing mothers;
as a diuretic, antipyretic and antispasmodic;
for many colds: cough, whooping cough, bronchopneumonia, etc.;
as a drug that can remove toxic substances from the body.

Conclusion

For many domestic gardeners, anise seems exotic plant , the properties of which only a few are aware of. Therefore, for many it still remains an unknown garden crop. In fact, this plant is very useful, since even in ancient times it was known about healing properties anise Many ancient works contain references to this plant, which can help with various diseases and ailments.

And this is not to mention the fact that anise is a fairly common spice. However, regardless of the benefits that this plant can bring, it can only be taken after consultation with a specialist. Because even useful plant may be harmful if taken incorrectly.

Anise plant