The anise thigh, which is often called simply anise, is an annual herbaceous plant. It grows both in the wild and is cultivated by humans to obtain seeds, which, along with essential anise oil, are used to treat many diseases. In addition, ripened fruits are a fragrant seasoning, which is used by experienced chefs.
What does anise look like?
The anise plant is a small rounded bush with straight stems a little over half a meter high. The lower leaves of the plant are serrated, long-arched. The upper leaflets are divided into three segments, but can also be whole, the middle ones are wedge-shaped.
Anise has small white flowers of regular shape, which are collected in the inflorescence of an umbrella. On one stem, as a rule, there are several inflorescences of different sizes. From the ovary, an ovoid form of a two-seed fruit develops, having a diameter of several millimeters and a length of about 4 mm.
The ripened fruit contains two seeds. The ribbed seeds of the plant are pear shaped. Under natural conditions, the plant grows in the Middle East (in Lebanon). To obtain useful seeds, the plant is cultivated in the countries of Asia, Mexico, Egypt, in the south of Europe, in Russia. In our country, large anise plantations are planted near Voronezh, Belgorod, Kursk, as well as in the Krasnodar Territory.
Anise oil: instructions for use
A natural medicine that has an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, laxative and antispasmodic effect.
The oil of this plant contains in its composition:
- methylchavicol - 10%;
- Anethol - over 85%;
- camphene;
- a-pinene;
- dipentene;
- a-fellandren;
- acetaldehyde;
- anisketone.
In the pharmacy, anise oil can be purchased in pure form (10 ml bottles) or as an active ingredient in drops, tinctures, cough syrups, breast elixir and lice products. The drug is available in the form of transparent gelatin capsules "Doctor Tays." They are colored green and filled with a yellowish viscous liquid with a characteristic anise odor.
Each of them contains:
- Aniseed oil.
- Rapeseed oil.
- Gelatin.
- Water.
- Glycerol.
- Dye E141.
Useful properties of anise oil
It has a light fresh aroma, which has a calming effect on the nervous system, helps to get out of depression, and eliminates fatigue. This is an excellent adaptogen, because it not only spreads a delicate and pleasant aroma in the room, but also sets up a constructive, fruitful dialogue. Experts recommend taking it with you to important meetings. The concentrated smell of oil gives self-confidence, which positively affects the outcome of negotiations.
Anise oil is used in meditation, as it helps to get rid of feelings of envy and attacks of unmotivated aggression. Oil has a complex effect on the body:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antibacterial;
- immunostimulating;
- mucolytic;
- antispasmodic;
- antipyretic;
- antioxidant.
Pharmacokinetics
When taking the essential oil inside, it is rapidly absorbed from the small intestine, entering the blood and bronchial tree. After 30 minutes, trans-anethole appears in exhaled air. 17% of anethole is excreted with exhaled air, and its main part (54-69%) is excreted by the kidneys. The drug is completely excreted after eight hours.
Indications for use
The use of anise oil is due to its diuretic and carminative properties, stimulation of the stomach. The tool perfectly removes intestinal colic (during massage of the abdomen), eliminates indigestion and relieves hiccups. The use of anise oil is recommended by phytotherapists for colds, flu, diseases of the respiratory system. It enhances sputum discharge and soothes coughing fits.
According to the instructions, anise oil reduces pain during menstruation, restores the menstrual cycle. It is a lactogenic agent, and therefore, with insufficient secretion of milk, it establishes breastfeeding. Essential oil reduces increased excitability in children, eliminates tearfulness.
Dosage and administration
According to the instructions, capsules with aniseed oil are taken three times a day with a large amount of purified water. The course of treatment lasts 2-3 weeks (depending on the disease). Repeated admission is allowed after consultation with a specialist.
Cough treatment
In this case, hot and cold inhalations are effective. For a cold procedure, two drops of oil are dripped onto a napkin, aroma bag or aroma stone. For hot inhalation, add one drop of the product to a bowl of warm water and breathe over it. The duration of such treatment is determined by the doctor, but usually it does not exceed 15 minutes.
With insomnia
An aromatic lamp will help normalize and improve sleep. Hot water is poured into it and 2-3 drops of anise oil are added per 15 m².
The use of oil for other diseases
Such a simple remedy will reduce gas formation and relieve flatulence: drip one drop of aniseed oil on a piece of refined sugar and dissolve it. It can be washed down with hot tea or warm milk. Apply this remedy once a day.
The same recipe can be used as a diuretic in the presence of not only sand, but also stones in the bladder and kidneys.
Colds
The effectiveness of the use of anise essential oil for colds has been tested by time and is confirmed by numerous patient reviews. Its effectiveness is due to a powerful expectorant, antipyretic and antiseptic property. An excellent result is given by inhalation, which is carried out twice a day. If you do not have an inhaler, do not be discouraged. In a bowl of boiling water, add 1 drop of essential oil of anise, lemon, eucalyptus and, covered with a towel, breathe over steam for 10 minutes.
Pediculosis
Anise oil can be used as part of complex therapy for pediculosis. It does not have a pronounced insecticidal effect, but can complement the action of special drugs, or can be used as a prophylactic. To do this, apply anise oil to the head of a child older than three years or an adult and wrap it with plastic wrap. It will not kill parasites, but the process of their reproduction and vital activity will slow down. This treatment mask should be kept for at least 40 minutes, and then rinse with baby shampoo. We repeat that treatment for parasites should be comprehensive. After using anise oil, you will notice that the baby's tearfulness has decreased, he has become more calm. This is due to the sedative properties of the drug. In addition, it can reduce almost any inflammation and heal scabies.
Swelling
For leg edema, a cold compress is used: vegetable oil (a couple of drops) is mixed with one teaspoon of anise, moistened with gauze with this solution and applied to the calf muscles.
Side effects
Anise oil should be used with caution and the dosage must be strictly observed, adhere to the established treatment regimen in order to avoid negative consequences. Because it is one of the most active essential oils. Exceeding the dosage, it is possible to provoke severe allergic reactions, slowing down of heart rhythms and blood circulation.
special instructions
In case of any negative manifestations during treatment lasting more than three days (shortness of breath, fever, purulent or bloody sputum), treatment should be discontinued and a specialist should be consulted.
Analogs of oil
The analogues of this natural remedy for pharmacological action are the preparations presented below:
- Infacol;
- "Bobotik";
- "Cuplaton";
- "Disflatil";
- "Carminativeum Bebinos";
- Colicid
- Pepsan
- fennel oil ;
- "Zeolate";
- Espumisan.
Storage conditions and terms
Anise oil, according to the instructions, should be stored in a dry, dark place at a temperature of +25 ° C for no more than a year. Capsules containing oil are stored for three years.
The use of oil in cosmetology
This drug has been widely used in cosmetology. It increases the elasticity of withering, dry skin, normalizes the water-fat balance of the epidermis, and significantly improves lipid metabolism. Anise oil stimulates skin cells to produce much more collagen. In addition, it is successfully used in the treatment of certain skin diseases, helps to get rid of scabies at its first manifestations.
The tool has proven itself in hair care. This natural component is introduced into the composition of shampoos, conditioners, nourishing masks. With this oil make restorative and relaxing massage mixes are added to aromatic baths. Enriching any cosmetic product, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage: no more than three drops per 10 ml of the basic composition.
The massage mixture is prepared according to the same recipe, but body lotion or cream is used as the basis. If you like to take aroma baths, do not get carried away: just seven drops of this natural remedy must be added to a full bath of water.
Essential oil more actively reveals its useful properties in a sauna or bath, which is explained by a more intensive penetration of the components of the product through the expanded pores of the skin.
Fishing oil
You might be surprised to find out that anise oil is also used in fishing. But this is true. Oil is used to make bait, which usually consists of cereals, corn and flour. Some fishermen add live fodder to this composition of chopped dung worm.
It must be admitted that in preparing baits and baits, fishermen use various aromatic substances, while oils are preferred, which are tasked with attracting fish to the place where fishing is carried out and, of course, to the bait itself.
Meanwhile, an additional function is assigned to oils - the formation of a nozzle and top dressing that is suitable for consistency. They are an excellent impregnation that does not allow drying of special mixtures. By the intensity of the smell, anise oil is close to dill, and in the ability to attract fish from afar, according to anglers, it surpasses it.
Fishing enthusiasts claim that anise oil leads to the place of fishing for bream, roach, crucian carp, ide, and carp. But in this case, the main thing is not to overdo it, if you add too much oil to the feeding composition, then fishing may be ruined, since the fish will not come to you.
Contraindications
Like most esters, anise oil is a potent substance. Therefore, not everyone can use it. It is not recommended for pregnant women, people with very sensitive skin. During the use of oil, not only for medicinal, but also for cosmetic purposes, individual intolerance to one or more of the components that make up it may manifest.
A high concentration of this substance can cause cerebral disorders. With an increase in the number of platelets in the blood, anise oil can be used no more than one drop per day. There have been cases when its regular use inside caused irritation of the gastric mucosa.
Particular care must be taken when using oil for patients with gastrointestinal pathologies. In this case, treatment is allowed only under the supervision of a doctor.