Anise

Anise is a plant which grows wild. But in some places, it is cultivated. It is an annual, which belongs to the plant family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae. It grows up tp 50 cm. high. The root is spindle- shaped. The stem is round and grooved. The lower leaves are round or heart- shaped with long petioles. The middle leaflets are arranged in opposite rows along the petiole, and the ones on the top are incised into narrow lobes. The flowers are small and white in colour. The fruit is tiny, brown, and oval in shape. The whole plant has a sweet fragrant smell, and the seeds have a sweet licorice flavour when chewed.

      MEDICINAL USE:

* Used against spasms.
* Helps in digestion and in expelling gas from the stomach or intestines.
* Removes mucous from bronchial tubes.
* Provides energy.
* Relieves stomachache.
* To reduce high level of acid in the blood.
* Helps in the secretion of milk in nursing mothers.
* Kills head lice.
* Insomnia.
* Intestinal purifier.

HOW TO USE:

* Infusion of the seeds takes care of the first seven problems and conditions listed under Medicinal use.
* The oil of the seed is rubbed onto the scalp to kill head lice. It is also used for rubbing over the abdominal region to reduce stomachache.
* For insomnia, an excellent remedy is to chew a few anise seeds or take it along with lettuce root tea.
* Prepared tea by using equal parts of anise, caraway, and fennel makes a good intestinal purifier.

PARTS USED:

The seeds.

DOSE:

Mix up to 15 grams into one litre of water. Use 4 or 5 cups a day.

Normal Dosage For:

Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day

A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp


1 litre = 7 or 8 cups