Anise

Anise is a popular herb found in the kitchen, especially in European countries.  Anise is used in cooking as a spice that adds flavor to food dishes.  It is widely grown in Egypt.  Anise can be used internally or externally in an oil form.  It has many properties that can treat a wide range of ailments.

The anise plant has long stems that wither flower or produce leaves.  It is the seed of the anise plant that holds the medicinal powers.  The seeds have a licorice taste when used in cooking.  Besides use in cooking in medicine, anise is also used as allure in hunting and fishing due to its strong aroma.

The medicinal uses for anise cover a range of health issues.  It can be used for adults and children, both taken internally and used externally.  It can be used as a mouth rinse to freshen breath and help clean teeth.  It can also help relive a toothache.  Anise is often used to treat digestive problems, like an unsettled stomach or flatulence.  It can be used in babies to calm colic.  Anise also works as a expectorant, so it is a good cough remedy.  It has been used to treat issues like period related pain, asthma and bronchitis.  Anise has also been linked with the ability to increase the production of breast milk and treating impotence.  It is also thought to have a pain relieving effect.  The oil is often used to help treat head lice and scabies.

Anise is a wonderful herb with many uses.  It can be kept around the house for cooking and kept in the medicine cabinet, too.  Having anise around is handy when you run into problems because it has so many uses.  Anise is easily found at the grocery store or in a market, but it should be bought in its raw state as processing can dull its medicinal properties.