Information Anise herbs. Easy breathing and healthy lungs, indigestion, gassiness, fresh breath. history and used

Information of Anise Herb

An herb is a plant whose leaves, seeds, or flowers are used for flavoring food or in medicine. Other applications of herbs include cosmetics, dyes, and perfumes. The word derives from the Latin herba, meaning "green crops."

Anise bears a strong family resemblance to the members of the carrot family, that includes dill, fennel, coriander, cumin and caraway. Many of these relatives have been described as having a licorice flavour, to some extent, but anise is the true taste of licorice— its oils are distilled into the flavouring for licorice candy (not from the herb licorice, which has a different taste). Anise is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, the Levant, and Egypt. The early Arabic name was anysum from which was derived the Greek anison and the Latin anisun. It is one of the oldest known spice plants used both for culinary and medicinal purposes since ancient times. There is evidence that anise was used in Egypt as early as 1500 B.C. To aid digestion the Romans enjoyed anise-spiced cakes after heavy meals and it was spread throughout Europe by Roman legions. In the Bible there is mention of paying tithe with anise in the book of Matthew. In 1305, anise was listed by King Edward I as a taxable drug and merchants bringing it into London paid a toll to help raise moneys to maintain and repair London bridge. Of the any of the qualities attributed to anise we like what one writer warned: “it stirreth up bodily lust”. This accredited to the same spice that could ward off the Evil Eye or keep away nightmares if placed under one’s pillow. Anise is used in the manufacture of many commercial cough syrups and sore throat medications, used to flavour other medicines and to scent soaps and perfumes. It is also claimed that anise is an effective bait for rats and mice and the distilled oil dabbed onto a fishing lure will improve a fisherman’s chances. Dogs are also attracted by anise — it is often an ingredient in dog food and the seeds may be used to lay drag hunt trails and also by anti-blood sport movements to put hounds off the scent.

History of Anise:
Anise may have first come from Asia, but it has since spread to Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle East, and North America. Ancient Egyptians and Romans used it as a spice, and it has also been used throughout history for medicinal purposes and for its fragrance.

Food and other uses:
The stems of the anise plant, which have the same characteristic flavor as the seeds, are eaten as a vegetable. The seeds are characteristically used in cookies such as Italian biscotti and German springerle, in bread, and in sausage. Anise seeds are also used as a seasoning in curry and hoisin, while the oil is used in several liquers including anisette and ouzo, and in the liquor absinthe. The oil of anise is also used in toothpaste, chewing gum, cough syrups, and soap, among other products.

Anise seeds can be used to prepare a tisane or herbal tea, which has been recommended as a lactation aid, and there are several such teas available commercially which include anise extract with other components. However, since there is apparently a possibility of toxic reaction to anise in newborns, parents and particularly nursing mothers should check with a pediatrician.