Scientific name
Pimpinella anisum L.
Family
UmbelliferaeOrigin
Europe
Synonyms
Green anise or common aniseParts 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.
