Anise in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Anise

Scientific name

Pimpinella anisum L.

Family

Origin

Europe

Synonyms

Parts Used

Drug consisting of the dried fruits (improperly called seeds) of anise

Chemical constituents

• Essential oil, rich in anethole (70-90%);
• Coumarins and Furocoumarins;
• Flavonoids;
• Triterpenes;
• Derivatives of caffeic acid;
• Fatty oils;
• Protein substances.

Anise in Herbalist: Properties of Anise

The phytotherapeutic properties of anise concern its use as a digestive, carminative, stimulant of the exocrine glands, galactogogue and balsamic.
Expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties are also described for the respiratory tract, as well as galactogogues (folk medicine).
Anise exhibits mild sedative properties, useful in the presence of insomnia and nervous excitement.
For external use, anise extracts are used as flavoring in deodorant products, mouthwashes and toothpastes.