One of the oldest natural spices that people have been able to cultivate is anise. This annual plant, reaching 50 cm in height, came to us from Lebanon. It can be recognized by the branch branching from above and small snow-white flowers, which are wrapped in several leaves. The two-seeded ovoid fruit of the plant is greenish-gray in color.
Anise has unique healing properties. Even the ancient Romans added its seeds to food to cleanse the body. Also, the plant was used to refresh the air in the bedrooms to ensure a healthy sleep.
By the way, the same name is given to the apple tree Anis, the fruits of which have excellent taste, but in the article we will tell you only about the spices.
The chemical composition of anise
The exceptional healing properties of anise are due to its chemical composition. It contains a huge amount of substances useful for the human body: up to 18% of proteins, as well as fatty acids. Seeds of an annual plant have up to 23% of plant healthy fats. The level of essential oil in them can reach 6%. The essential oil contains 90% anethole, which gives it a characteristic aroma.
How to prepare anise for consumption
In order to use all the useful and healing properties of the described plant, it must be properly prepared. To do this, anise, whose photo can be viewed in our article, is collected at the end of July. At this time, most of its fruits are already ripening.
In this case, it is imperative to pay attention to the color of the seeds, as well as their smell. Quality seeds have a strong aroma and light brown color. Anise seeds are usually dried in the fresh air. If this is not possible, then the room with them must be well ventilated.
Useful properties of the plant
Anise essential oil contained in fruits has various health and preventive properties:
- antipyretic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antispasmodic;
- diuretics;
- sweatshops;
- disinfecting and disinfecting.
Healing infusions are made from this oil for the treatment of various diseases. So, the plant helps to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal system. The healing properties of anise normalize the functioning of the respiratory tract. Decoctions on aniseed seeds are recommended to be used to improve the functionality of the kidneys.
In addition, anise is a natural remedy for improving lactation. That is why the decoction of the plant is recommended to all lactating women. By the way, anise is added to give a pleasant taste to drugs.
Anis (a description of his qualities has been known since ancient times), healers recommended to their patients to chew to strengthen their teeth and improve their appearance. Also, with the help of the plant, healers treated cervical erosion, problems with potency. Now anise is popular both in official medicine and among adherents of treatment with folk remedies.
Another useful property of essential oil is that it is not tolerated by various insects, such as mosquitoes or bugs.
Contraindications to the use of anise
In some cases, it is strictly forbidden to eat the fruits of the plant:
- During pregnancy.
- In the presence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- For allergies to grass.
- It cannot be used for cosmetic purposes in case of deep skin damage or acne. It should be remembered that anise is a possible causative agent of skin diseases, such as dermatitis.
It is important to consider that anise should be used as a medicine for a short time and strictly in the indicated doses. Any medicinal use of the plant must be started with a small dose, if the intake occurs for the first time. If the patient does not have an allergic reaction or worsening of health the next day, then a full-fledged appointment can be prescribed.
Anise Medicinal Infusions
With various diseases for home treatment, you can make tinctures from anise fruits.
So, anise is a great helper for coughing. With a long course of the disease, an alcoholic infusion is prepared on this plant. To do this, mix anise with seventy degree alcohol in a ratio of 1: 5. The resulting infusion is aged for 7 days. After this, you need to strain the mixture. It is better to keep medicinal infusion in the refrigerator. With prolonged cough, it is used up to 10 times a day for 10-15 drops.
Another cure for bronchial cough or sore throat is a quick infusion of anise seeds. To prepare, 1 tablespoon of crushed seeds of the plant is mixed with 1 cup of hot water. After the mixture is infused for 30 minutes, it is ready for use. One tablespoon of warm infusion is taken 3 times a day. Such a drug is also suitable for urolithiasis and flatulence.
In a chronic cough, 1 tablespoon of honey is added to the infusion of water and crushed seeds of the plant. 2 full tablespoons of non-cold infusion are used 4 times during the day, before meals.
To treat colitis, you can prepare a decoction of crushed seeds of the plant. To do this, 1 teaspoon of seeds is poured with one glass of boiling water. The broth should be allowed to infuse for thirty minutes. After which the infusion is filtered. It is worth consuming one sip during the day.
To improve and normalize digestion, an infusion of 1 tablespoon of anise seeds is prepared, which must first be crushed. After which they are poured 0.5 liters of boiling water. The resulting mixture is infused for about 1 hour. Strained infusion is taken half an hour before a meal, three times a day in half a glass. Such a decoction is also useful for flatulence.
Tinctures from the fruits of this plant, surprising in its properties, improve labor activity in women. Many modern drugs for the treatment of uterine diseases contain anise, its properties are also marked by an increase in potency in men.
If 1 tablespoon is mixed with half a glass of hot water and allowed to infuse for 15 minutes, such an infusion will positively affect vision. It is not consumed inside, but simply washed eyes. This broth reduces the pressure inside the eye, prevents the development of cataracts. Aniseed tinctures are used to reduce stress, improve appetite, relieve depression and insomnia.
Seed broth is recommended to rinse your mouth. It will help get rid of the unpleasant odor, and also prevent the appearance of stomatitis and oral thrush. For headaches or severe stress, you can chew on the seeds of the plant. Also, a mixture of seeds and egg white is used for burns.
Anise in cosmetology
Cosmetics manufacturers have long been using the beneficial properties of anise in the production of their face and body skin care products. So, at home, you can use aniseed tinctures. And from a strong decoction of the seeds of the plant, you can make ice cubes. By rubbing their face, you can significantly improve the appearance of the skin, give it elasticity and youth.
Anise Tea
Tea from this surprisingly useful plant is recommended to drink with insomnia, depression, severe stress, as well as problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Anise tea is recommended for all lactating women. Due to its properties, it not only contributes to the release of large quantities of milk, but also makes it nutritious.
For the preparation of the named drink, whole plant seeds are used. One teaspoon of whole seeds is poured with one glass of boiling water. Tea will be ready when the mixture is infused for 10 minutes. It should be drunk in two doses.
Anise in cooking
The ancient Romans liked to sprinkle seeds on the plant cakes - anise, star anise, gave the bread a pleasant aroma. This tradition is not forgotten today. Modern cooking also uses anise seeds. Sweet pastries, namely pies and muffins, acquire an amazing note of piquancy when adding this seasoning. It can also be used in sweet salads, in the preparation of jelly or mousse. In addition, anise is added to cereal.
The greenery of the plant is well suited for cooking hot meat and fish dishes. Dried flower umbrellas are often used for canning. Aniseed seeds are added to some types of alcoholic products to give it a refined flavor.
The magical properties of the plant
According to ancient beliefs, twigs of anise drove off a bad dream, so they were often attached to the head of the bed or bags in the room were left with the plant. Anise perfectly refreshes the air, so you can use it in small quantities in the apartment.