One of the oldest natural spices that people have been able to cultivate is anise. This annual plant reaching 50 cm in height came to us from Lebanon. It can be recognized by the stem branching from above and small snow-white flowers, which are wrapped in several leaves. The two-seeded egg-shaped fruit of the plant is greenish-gray in color.
Anise has unique healing properties. Even the ancient Romans added its seeds to food to cleanse the body. The plant has also been used to freshen the air in bedrooms to promote he althy sleep.
By the way, the Anis apple tree has the same name, the fruits of which have excellent taste, but in the article we will only tell you about the spice.
Chemical composition of anise
The exceptional healing properties of anise are due to its chemical composition. It contains a huge amount of substances useful for the human body: up to 18% of proteins, as well as fatty acids. Seeds of an annual plant have up to 23% vegetable he althy fats. The level of essential oil content in them can reach 6%. The essential oil contains 90% anethole, which giveshis characteristic aroma.
How to prepare anise for consumption
In order to use all the useful and healing properties of the described plant, it must be properly prepared. To do this, anise, a photo of which can be seen in our article, is harvested at the end of July. At this time, most of its fruits are already ripening.
In this case, it is imperative to pay attention to the color of the seeds, as well as their smell. Quality seeds have a strong aroma and light brown color. Anise seeds are usually dried in the fresh air. If this is not possible, then the room with them must be well ventilated.
Useful properties of the plant
Anise essential oil found in fruits has various he alth and preventive properties:
- antipyretic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antispasmodic;
- diuretic;
- sweatshop;
- disinfectants and disinfectants.
Healing infusions are made from this oil to treat various diseases. So, the plant helps to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract system. The healing properties of anise normalize the work of the respiratory tract. Decoctions on anise seeds are recommended to use to improve the functionality of the kidneys.
In addition, anise is a natural remedy for improving lactation. That is why a decoction of the plant is recommended to all lactating women. By the way, anise is added to give a pleasant taste.medicines.
Anise (the description of its qualities has been known since ancient times) healers recommended chewing to their patients to strengthen their teeth and improve their appearance. Also, with the help of the plant, healers treated erosion of the cervix, problems with potency. Now anise is popular both in official medicine and among adherents of the treatment of folk remedies.
Another useful property of essential oil is that various insects, such as mosquitoes and bedbugs, do not tolerate it.
Contraindications to the use of anise
In some cases, it is strictly forbidden to use the fruits of the plant:
- During pregnancy.
- In the presence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- For grass allergy.
- Do not use for cosmetic purposes with deep skin lesions or acne. It should be remembered that anise is a possible causative agent of skin diseases, such as dermatitis.
It is important to consider that anise should be used as a medicine for a short time and strictly in the indicated doses. Any medicinal use of the plant should be started at a low dose if it is the first time it is taken. If the patient does not experience an allergic reaction or worsening of well-being the next day, then a full-fledged reception can be prescribed.
Medicinal infusions from anise
For various diseases for home treatment, you can make tinctures from anise fruits.
So, anise isGreat cough helper. With a long course of the disease, an alcohol infusion is prepared on this plant. To do this, mix anise with seventy-degree alcohol in a ratio of 1:5. The resulting infusion is aged for 7 days. After that, you need to strain the mixture. It is better to keep the medicinal infusion in the refrigerator. With a prolonged cough, it is used up to 10 times a day, 10-15 drops each.
Another remedy for bronchial coughs or sore throats is a quick infusion of anise seeds. To prepare, 1 tablespoon of crushed plant seeds is mixed with 1 cup of hot water. After the mixture has been infused for 30 minutes, it is ready for use. One tablespoon of warm infusion is taken 3 times a day. Such a drug is also suitable for urolithiasis and flatulence.
With chronic cough, 1 tablespoon of honey is added to the infusion of water and crushed seeds of the plant. Used 2 full tablespoons of non-cold infusion 4 times a day, before meals.
For the treatment of colitis, you can prepare a decoction of the crushed seeds of the plant. To do this, 1 teaspoon of seeds is poured with one glass of boiling water. The broth should be allowed to brew for thirty minutes. After that, the infusion is filtered. It is worth consuming one sip during the day.
To improve and normalize digestion, an infusion is prepared from 1 tablespoon of anise seeds, which must first be crushed. After that, they are poured with 0.5 liters of boiling water. The resulting mixture is infused for about 1 hour. The expressed infusion is taken half an hour before meals, three times a day.a day for half a glass. This decoction is also useful for flatulence.
Tinctures from the fruits of this plant, amazing in its properties, improve labor activity in women. Many modern medicines for the treatment of uterine diseases contain anise, its properties are also marked by an increase in potency in men.
If you mix 1 tablespoon with half a glass of hot water and let it brew for 15 minutes, this infusion will have a positive effect on vision. It is not consumed internally, but simply washed in the eyes. This decoction reduces pressure inside the eye, prevents the development of cataracts. Anise tinctures are used to reduce stress, improve appetite, relieve depression and insomnia.
Seed decoction is recommended to rinse your mouth. It will help get rid of an unpleasant odor, as well as prevent the appearance of stomatitis and oral thrush. For headaches or severe stress, you can chew the seeds of the plant. Also, a mixture of seeds and egg white is used for burns.
Anise in cosmetology
Cosmetic manufacturers have long used the beneficial properties of anise in the production of their face and body skin care products. So, at home, you can use anise tinctures. And from a strong decoction of the seeds of the plant, you can make ice cubes. Wiping your face with them, you can significantly improve the appearance of the skin, give it elasticity and youth.
Anise tea
Tea from this amazingly useful plant is recommended for insomnia, depression, severe stress, andalso for problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Anise tea is recommended for all breastfeeding women. Due to its properties, it not only promotes the release of a large amount of milk, but also makes it nutritious.
For the preparation of the named drink, whole seeds of the plant are used. One teaspoon of whole seeds is poured with one glass of boiling water. The tea will be ready when the mixture has been infused for 10 minutes. It should be drunk in two doses.
Anise in cooking
The ancient Romans liked to sprinkle the seeds of the plant on cakes - anise, star anise gave the bread a pleasant aroma. This tradition is not forgotten today. Modern cooking also uses anise seeds. Sweet baked goods such as pies and muffins take on an amazing zest when this seasoning is added. It can also be used in sweet salads, in the preparation of jellies or mousses. In addition, anise is added to cereals.
The greens of the plant are well suited for cooking hot meat and fish dishes. Dried flower umbels are often used in canning. Anise seeds are added to some types of alcoholic beverages to give them an exquisite flavor.
The magical properties of the plant
According to ancient beliefs, sprigs of anise drove away bad sleep, so they were often attached to the head of the bed or left in the room bags with a plant. Anise is a great air freshener, so you can use it in small quantities in the apartment.
