Anise

Description

Origin: Anise has been cultivated and used since ancient times in regions such as the Mediterranean, Asia and North Africa. It is believed that its seeds were known to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks for their medicinal and culinary properties.

Properties:

• Carminative: Anise seeds contain essential oils such as anethole, which helps relieve gas and abdominal discomfort, thus improving digestion.
• Expectorants: It has properties that can help relieve coughs and facilitate the expulsion of mucus in the respiratory tract.
• Antispasmodic: Helps to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, relieving intestinal spasms and cramps.
• Galactagogues: It is traditionally used to increase the production of breast milk in lactating women.

Health benefits:

• Digestive: It is useful in the treatment of digestive disorders such as indigestion, flatulence, colic and intestinal spasms.
• Respiratory: It helps to relieve coughs and respiratory discomfort, especially in cases of bronchitis and colds.
• Promotes lactation: It is used to increase breast milk production in lactating women.
• Antioxidant properties: It contains antioxidant compounds that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Use in phytotherapy:

• Anise is mainly used in the form of dried seeds or in essential oil.
• Anise seed infusions are prepared for consumption after meals to promote digestion.
• Anise essential oil is used in aromatherapy and personal care products for its aroma and medicinal properties.