Pimpinella anisum
Pimpinella anisum Common name: Anise
Family: Umbelliferae
Parts used: Dried fruit
Constituents: Volatile oil (1-4%), coumarins, flavonoid glycosides, phenylpropanoids, lipids, fatty acids, sterols, proteins, carbohydrates
Medicinal actions: Expectorant, anti-spasmodic, carminative, anti-microbial, aromatic, galactogogue
Medicinal use: It is a reliable carminative and can be administered with cathartics and other bitter tasting herbs to mask the taste. Aniseed is also an expectorant and anti-spasmodic.
Pharmacy: Infusion: 1-2 tsp crushed seeds/cup water; 1 cup TID. Oil: 1-2 drops oil internally mixed with honey or sugar. Tincture (1:5), 2 ml TID.
Toxicity: None reported.
Note: Pimpinella anisum is not to be confused with Star Anise (Illicium verum)
