Expectorant, anti spasmodic, carminative, parasiticide, aromatic, stimulant and diuretic. Parts used - dried fruit, oil and seeds.
USES
Digestion
The infusion helps to ease griping, intestinal colic and flatulence. Chewing seeds after meals aids digestion. It can also be used to stimulate appetite.
Respiratory
The infusion helps bronchitis, trachaeitis, whooping cough, persistent "tickly" cough, it is also good for asthma. In ointment form it can be used as a chest rub for bronchial disorder.
Sexual / Reproductive
Aniseed has an oestrogenic effect (especially the oil). Therefore taken internally it can stimulate sexual drive. It can also stimulate production of breast milk (the decoction could also be applied externally to ease swollen breasts or encourage milk flow). It is thought to ease childbirth.
Antiseptic
The infusion can be used as a gargle for throat infection. Powdered seeds can also be made into a decoction to use as a mouth wash.
Parasiticide
The oil can be used to treat scabies and to help eliminate fleas and lice.
Other
It has also been used in the East to treat rheumatism.
Remedies including anise;
Colic
Aniseed, fennel and carroway (infusion 1 teaspoon of each to a mug of boiling water, leave for 5 to 10 mins, strain and then drink)
Bronchitis
Aniseed, Coltsfoot, horehound, lobelia (infusion ½ teaspoon of each to a mug of boiling water, leave for 5 to 10 mins, strain and then drink)
Other information
One drop of the oil could be taken internally with a tablespoon of honey. It is safe for all age groups from young children to the elderly. However, it should not be used by pregnant women (other than normal culinary use in moderation)
Culpeppers complete Herbal A modern Herbal - Mrs M. Grieve
New Green Pharmacy (The story of western herbal medicine) By Barbara Griggs
The New Holistic Herbal - David Hoffman
Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain and Europe By Deiter Podlech
The Physicians of Myddfai - Trans by John Pughe