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)