Herb of the Month: Anise – A Sporting Herb

By Cherry Crawford April 4, 2023 18 mins read 113 Views

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by Maryann Readal

Pimpinella anisum is The Herb Society of America’s Herb of March for March. It belongs to the Apiaceae family of herbs. When in bloom, this herb resembles Queen Anne’s lace because of its feathery leaves. Although it is native to Egypt, the Mediterranean and Spain, this herb can also be grown in the U.S. and Mexico. It takes 120 days for it to mature from seed and 70 degrees to germinate. Anise has a very long taproot which makes transplanting difficult. It is not tolerant to high humidity and heat, so it can be difficult to grow in the south.

Anise's seeds are actually the fruits of the plant. These fruits can be ground or used whole to give food a licorice taste. You can use the leaves to make tea, add flavor to soups and stews, or sprinkle them on salads. Anise is used as a flavoring in many licorice candy. It can also be used in pastries like pizzelle cookies, springerle and pfefferneusse. It is good with eggs, fruits, cheese, and vegetables. You can also use it in many alcoholic beverages, such as anisette, raki and ouzo. Anise has been used in many cuisines for a long time.

Anise seeds are a part the history of the wedding cakes, which can be traced back as far as ancient Roman times. As a sign of good luck, the Romans sealed their wedding by breaking a Must Cake (Mustacei), made from wheat, anise and lard. Confarreatio, or eating together, was the custom for newlyweds to eat a small portion of the cake. The wedding guests would then gather up the crumbs to show their good fortune (Wilson 2005). This tradition sounds familiar. If you're interested in the original recipe for wedding cake, Cato the Elder has the recipe in his book De Agricultura121 (256 CE).

Original recipe: Mustaceos sic facito. Farinae seliginaeae modium unum musto conspargito. Anesum, cuminum, adipus P. II, casei librum et de virga lauri deredito, eodum addito, et ubi definixeris, lauri folia subtus addito, cum coques.

Translation: Moisten one modius (9 Liters) of wheat flour, add must (must be unfermented grape wine juice), anise, cumin and two pounds of butter. Add the bark of a laurel branch. After you've made the cakes, place bay leaves on top and bake them (Romans in Britain n.d span>

Anise is a traditional medicine that has been used for centuries. Anise has been used for treating respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, as well as skin infections, psychological distress, and hormonal issues. However, there isn't enough clinical evidence to prove its effectiveness (Singletary 2022). Nearly 4,000 years ago, the Egyptians used anise as a diuretic and to relieve toothache pain. Pliny, the Elder and Hippocrates, Roman writers, wrote about anise's use as a remedy for coughs and as an inhaler. Pythagoras, a mathematician, weighed in on the health benefits of anise, stating that it could treat epilepsy. The essential oil can be used to treat coughs and gum problems. (Singletary 2022 span>

Anise was used for medicine, flavoring, and to lure animals into traps. It was used to lure mice into traps in the 16th century. The Old Farmer's Almanac still recommends using anise oil to lure rodents to traps. To attract deer, boars and elk hunters use anise seed oil. Fishing boats also use anise-scented lures for catfish, trout and bass. Anise seed was used in England and the U.S. as an alternative for hunting foxes. Before a hunt begins, a bag of anise seeds or anise oil scented bags is carried over the course. The scent of anise is similar to catnip for a dog, so the foxhounds follow the scent of the anise. Drag hunting is a sport that is more humane than hunting foxes. The versatility of herbs!

Anise or aniseed should not be confused with Illicium verum, a Chinese star anise, or with anisehyssop Agastache foeniculum which is a member the mint family. Or with Foeniculum vulgare which is another plant with a liquorice flavor or with Glycyrrihiza.glabra, a true licorice perennial (See our blog on Herbs With Anise- and Fennel-Like Flavors).

Anise can be used in a variety of recipes. Anise is the Herb Society of America's Herb of The Month.

Medicinal Disclaimer. The Herb Society of America, Inc. does not recommend or advise herbs for medical or health purposes. This presentation is not intended to be used as a recommendation for or endorsement of any medical or health treatment. Before you try any herbal treatment, please consult your doctor.

Credits : 1) pimpinella anisum plants (SABENCIA Guillermo Cesar Ruiz via Wikipedia); 2) Aniseed candy, (Psyberartist via Wikimedia); and 3) Mustacei, (Carole Raddato); 4); 4) Aniseed oil (Amazon); 5); Anise bait oil

References:

Bowens, Sandra. All about anise. Accessed 1/13/23 Available from: http://www.apinchof.com/anise1081.html

Hill, Madalene.1987. Southern herb cultivation. Fredericksburg, TX: Shearer Publ.

Kowalchick, Claire. 1998. Rodale's illustrated herb encyclopedia. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press.

Lofgren, Christine. 2021. How to grow and plant anise. Accessed January 14, 22. Available from: https://gardenerspath.com/plants/herbs/grow-anise/

Romans in Britain. n.d. Recipe for mustacei (Wine cakes). Accessed on 1/12/23. Available from: https://www.romanobritain.org/2-arl_food/arl_roman_recipes-wine_cakes.php

Singletary, Keith. 2022. Anise potential health benefits. Accessed 1/13/23. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/Fulltext/2022/03000/Anise__Potential_Health_Benefits.10.aspxKeith

Wilson, Carol. 2005. Wedding cake: A little bit of history. Accessed on 1/12/23. Availabl from: https://gastronomica.org/2005/05/05/wedding-cake-a-slice-history/

Wilson, Valentine. 1990. The Potomac Hunt. Accessed 1/13/23 Available from: http://montgomeryhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Vol33No1_MCStory.pdf

Maryann is The Herb Society of America's Secretary and a Texas Master Gardener. She is also a member in Huntsville, Texas of The Society's Texas Thyme Unit. Maryann is also certified Native Landscape Specialist. She lectures on herbs and plants, and she also does herb training for Master Gardener programs. She grows pines in East Texas' Piney Woods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make herbal remedies at home?

Making herbal remedies at home is easy. All you need is fresh herbs, water, salt, and sugar. You can use any herb, depending on what you want to create.

For example, choose mint, basil, chamomile, or lemon balm to make a soothing tea. If you want to make a cooling drink, try rosemary, thyme, lavender, or eucalyptus.

All you need to do is put all the ingredients into a pot and boil them until they become soft. Strain out the herbs and serve hot.

Add honey to the boiling mixture to make a tonic drink. Honey is a preservative and will keep your herbal remedy fresh for longer.

You can also combine two or three herbs to make a more potent brew. For instance, you could mix equal parts of garlic and ginger to make a powerful antiseptic. Or you can combine equal amounts of turmeric and ginger to make a potent immune booster.

Soak a clean cloth in warm water and place it over the affected area to make a compress. Leave it for 10 minutes before removing it. Do this every day until the swelling goes down.

Make sure you consult your doctor first before using herbal remedies. Some plants may interact negatively with other medications. Also, don't take large quantities of herbs because they can cause side effects.

What spices assist in recovery?

The use of spices to aid in healing is an ancient practice dating back centuries. Many spices have been used for their medicinal properties, including ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and garlic. Each of these spices has unique benefits that can help with various health issues.

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can help reduce inflammation in the body. It can also be used to soothe an upset stomach or relieve nausea.

Cinnamon has been found to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agents. It is even believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial in helping prevent diabetes.

Cayenne pepper has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also thought to increase circulation and metabolism, which can help the body heal more quickly.

Turmeric is an herb that contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant. Curcumin is beneficial in treating various conditions, from arthritis and neurological disorders to cancer.

Garlic is packed with nutrients and has many health benefits. It can help reduce inflammation, act as antibiotic, lower cholesterol levels, and even boost the immune system.

These spices are all-natural ways to help the body heal and improve overall health. They can all be easily incorporated into food or taken in supplement form for convenience. While spices alone won't cure any ailments, they can play an essential role in aiding healing.

In addition to spices, there are also other natural remedies for healing, such as herbs, essential oils, and homeopathy. Research has shown that many of these remedies can be effective in treating a variety of conditions. If you're looking for an alternative to conventional medicine, consider incorporating some of these natural remedies into your health routine.

What spice is good for inflammation?

Turmeric is one spice that can be beneficial for reducing inflammation. It contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has been studied extensively and shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Other spices like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, and cardamom may also reduce inflammation in the body. Adding these spices to your diet can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

Another spice that can be used to reduce inflammation is black pepper. The active ingredient in black pepper, piperine, has been studied and found to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help reduce pain associated with inflammation. Additionally, the spice contains antioxidants which are beneficial for overall health.

Adding black pepper to your diet may help reduce inflammation and promote overall health. Be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any spice to your diet, as some spices may interact with your medications or supplements. Eating various healthy foods, including spices with anti-inflammatory benefits, can help keep your body balanced and reduce the risk of chronic inflammation-related illnesses.

In summary, adding spices to your diet can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, cardamom, and black pepper have all been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Should You Use Herbs and Spices for Brain Health?

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to improve brain health. Research shows that these natural remedies may help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's. Some herbs may even boost memory.

However, no scientific evidence proves that eating an herb-rich diet can keep your mind sharp. When it comes to improving cognitive function, there are more effective ways to do it.

One study found that older adults who took 1000 mg of vitamin B6 daily had fewer mental lapses than those taking placebo pills. Another study showed that drinking coffee could increase blood flow to the brain. Other studies suggest that exercise, socialization, and sleep improve brain health.

The bottom line is that herbs and spices probably won't make much difference to your overall health. But they might give you extra energy and focus, which can come in handy during the day.

Statistics

Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.
The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.

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How To

What to look for in herbs?

Herbs contain natural compounds that may help treat various conditions. In addition, herbal remedies may provide relief when used along with conventional treatments.

Herbal remedies include teas, capsules, tablets, ointments, creams, lotions, oils, and topical applications. Some of these products are meant to be taken internally, while others are applied externally.

The most common uses of herbal remedies include relieving minor aches and pains, treating cold symptoms, reducing fever, controlling coughs and sore throats, easing digestion problems, soothing skin irritations, alleviating menstrual cramps, and providing general health benefits.

When buying herbs, look for the following:

Freshly picked plants. Avoid dried herbs unless they've been stored in a cool place. If possible, buy herbs directly from farmers' markets.
Pure extracts. These are made by extracting the active ingredients from herbs using alcohol or water. Look for 100% pure extractions.
Certified organic herbs. Organic herbs must meet strict standards set forth by the USDA.
Natural flavors. Many herbs have strong scents that can overwhelm other foods. Adding flavorings such as vanilla, almond, or orange helps mask their smell.
Potency. The amount of active ingredient per unit weight varies depending on the type of herb.
Packaging. When purchasing herbs, check the packaging to ensure that it's clean and free of chemicals.