ANISE

ANISE

(Pimpinella anisum)       Top Pick

Other Names

Anise Plant, Aniseed, Anneys, Chines Anise, Common Anise, Star Anise.

Description

Anise is an annual plant that is widely cultivated.   It grows up to 2 feet, producing clusters of fragrant white flowers.   The small, downy, brown fruit grows to about one eighth of an inch, ripening in late August through early September.

Classification

Dry

Taste

Pungent and Sweet

Balance Yin/Yang

Warm

Humor

Fire   é Water    ê      Air    ê

Uses/Applications

Anise eases gripe, colic, and flatulence.   As an expectorant and an anti- spasmodic, use to treat bronchitis, irritable cough, and whooping cough.   It is also used for nervous tension, cramps, stomach pain, and to relieve nausea.   Externally use the oil for the treatment of scabies, and to control lice.   The Chinese use is as a cure for constipation, urinary problems, abdominal swelling, and hernia of the small intestine.

Infusion:

For flatulence drink slowly before meals.

Combinations

For bronchitis combine with Coltsfoot and White Horehound.

Constituents

Up to 6% Volatile Oil, 30% Fatty Oils.

Action

Expectorant, Anti-Spasmodic, Carminative, Aromatic, Anti-Microbial, Pectoral, Tonic, Stimulant.

Food Values

None

Part Used

Seeds.

Collection

Harvest the seeds when they have turned from green to grayish brown, usually from mid summer to early fall.    Cut the entire flower head before the seed clusters have broken open.   Place the flower heads in a paper bag and hang to dry in a sunny location.   Store in a dark, tightly sealed container to preserve the volatile oil.

Preparation

Anise Water

Boil 1/2 Tsp. seed in 500 ml. of water then strain.

Bake

Bake 40 gr. Anise then grind into a powder.   Drink 5 gr. of powder dissolved in warm rice wine two times per day to relieve hernia of the small intestine.

Chinese

Crush 7 Anise and 7 fresh onions white heads, then boil in 3 cups of water over low heat until the liquid is reduced to 1 cup.   Take two times per day.

Infusion

Gently crush the seeds before use to release the volatile oil.   Pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 Tsp. seeds.   Infuse for 10 minutes.   Take three times per day. 

Oil

Mix 2 drops oil to 2 Tsp. honey then take internally.

Tincture

Add 56 gr. of seeds and lemon peels to a 1/2 liter of brandy.   Let stand for 20 days, then strain.   Take 1 Tsp. at a time, three times per day.

Growing Directions

In order to germinate Anise requires a temperature of 21^o  C.    Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep in the soil.   Thin seedlings to 18 inches apart.   Because of its long taproot Anise must be transplanted as a seedling.    Anise does best in rich soil,   full sun, and a sheltered area, but it will tolerate poorer soils.

History

Anise has been used for more than 2000 years.   Since ancient Egyptian time Anise has been used as a spice and a medicinal remedy.   Since the Middle Ages it has been sipped by nursing mothers to increase milk flow.   The Ancient Chinese used Anise to treat indigestion, flatulence and to freshen their breath.

Additional Information

1.   Many of Anise’s medicinal qualities have been scientifically investigated.

2.    A study at Auburn University showed cows sprayed with Anise Oil produced more milk than those that were not sprayed. 

3.   According to Traditional Chinese Theory Anise heals all sorts of “cold” symptoms as well as hernia, swollen scrotum, and lumbago.

4.   Anise has a mild estrogen effect thought to be due to the presence of the elements di-anethoel and photo-anethole which explains its use to increase milk flow and to aid in child birth.

Cautions

1.   High dosages may cause nausea or vomiting.

2.   Anise has estrogen activity.

3.   Anise is best used under medical supervision.

4.   Do not confuse with Japanese Anise which is poisonous.

Magick Information

Gender:

 Masculine

Planet:

 Jupiter

Element:

 Air

Deity

 None

Powers:

 Protection

Magickal Uses:

 Place Anise seed in a small pillow case to ward off nightmares or place fresh leaves around the room to ward off evil.   Use Anise in protection incense.