Herb of the Week: Anise

Anise ~ Pimpinella anisum

DISCLAIMER: Remember, I am not a doctor, psychologist, or priestess
ALWAYS CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL!


The poor man's licorice. It is used in cough medicines and lozenges, soaps and toothpaste, incense and alcohol. It can be used both internally and externally.  As an oil, tea, spice, herb, or incense.


Uses ~ As a tea/herb/or spice it has been known to treat coughs, sore throats, flatulence, colic, aids in digestion, menstrual cramps, increase breast milk, sweeten the breath and mild insomnia. It also treats anxiety, asthma, difficult breathing, bronchial spams,  fluid retention, migraine nausea, tension vomiting, and sinus problems.
Externally it has also been rumored to treat lice and mites (I have not experimented with this.) as well as other manner of insect bites, asthma, bronchial congestion, coughs, exhaustion, headache, sinus problems, and stress.

This is a picture of Star Anise (Illicium verum)    

Anise as an ancient medicine was used to promote menstuation, milk production and childbirth. WARNING: Anise is an abortfacient (which means it can cause abortion so pregnant women should stay away from it and not handle or ingest it.) ALWAYS CONSULT A DOCTOR FIRST! According to many sources it is fine to ingest as a culinary herb or in cosmetics while pregnant.


Anise leaves around the house banish evil spirits and the plant can avert the evil eye. It is said that a small dish or jar of anise seeds at the bedside helps rid the sleeper of nightmares, a pillow stuffed with it works as well however this is less likely to leave the bed filled with little anise seeds.  I personally use a lovely vintage dish on my nightstand and have found that it works very well, though it needs to be "recharged" about once a week so that the seeds don't get stale and stop working- I simply put out new ones and put the older ones back into the jar with the newer seeds.  It is a lovely mild aromatic in the room and a sprig on the bedpost is said to bring back lost youth.

As an incense it is used for meditation, protection and works as both a mood booster and calming agent.  Good for adding into purification baths.

Anise is also used by many fishermen and hunters to mask the smell of the human body. 




Sources:
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/anise040.html
http://mysticwicks.com/archive/index.php/t-3380.html
http://birchhillhappenings.com/anise.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/145266-anise-in-aromatherapy/
http://www.thewiccanway.org/herbs.html