Aniseed, also known as Anise, is a spice derived from the seeds of the Pimpinella anisum plant, which belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is known for its distinctive sweet, licorice-like flavor and aroma.

Throughout history, people have used Aniseed to treat a variety of ailments. The greenish seeds of the Pimpinella anisum were a highly-prized commodity in ancient Greece and Rome, and the seeds were so valuable in the East that they were often used to pay taxes. Today, the seeds continue to help people around the world with ailments ranging from digestive issues to low libido.

About the Aniseed Plant

The herbaceous Anise plant is a member of the Carrot family that can grow to heights of up to three feet. Thin, spindle-shaped roots produce grooved stems and leaves that form feathery lobes.

In July and August, the plant yields umbels of dainty yellow or white flowers with a delicately sweet aroma.

In late August to September, the plant produces small brown seeds known as “aniseed.” The plant is native to Egypt, Asia Minor, Crete and Greece but is now grown around the world in warm and favorable conditions.

Please note that even though Aniseed is sometimes called Anise, this is NOT the same as Star Anise, which are the seeds from the plant Illicium verum.

Active Ingredients in Aniseed

The seeds are composed of 18 percent proteins, eight to 23 percent fatty oils, two to seven percent essential oils, five percent starch, 22 to 28 percent N-free extracts and 12 to 25 percent crude fibre. The remaining nine to 13 percent of the seed’s weight is moisture.

Aniseeds are delightfully fragrant due to their high concentration of anethole, an essential oil. The seeds also contain other important compounds like acetophenone, p-anisaldehyde, anise alcohol, estragol, limonene and pinene.

The seeds are an excellent source of minerals such as:
iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, zinc, potassium and copper.
These minerals are essential to cardiac, bone and blood health and are needed by the body to turn food into energy.

The B-complex vitamins found in aniseed are essential to overall health. Loaded with riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin and thiamin, the seeds can contribute to healthy levels of neuro-chemicals in the brain.

Aniseed Health Benefits

Aniseed has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly for its calming, digestive and respiratory properties. The seeds and the essential oil they produce contain several powerful active compounds, including thymol, terpineol and anethole, the latter responsible for anise’s distinctive liquorice-like scent and many of its therapeutic effects.

Aniseed for Respiratory Relief and Soothing Coughs

When used as a lozenge, aniseed is an effective expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the airways. A tea made from the seeds can soothe bronchial irritation and is often used to calm spasmodic asthma.

Adding aniseed oil to a vaporizer can clear nasal congestion and reduce coughing. Similarly, gargling with aniseed tea may relieve symptoms of sore throat, laryngitis and pharyngitis.

Aniseed for Digestive Support and Flatulence Relief

Aniseed has long been used to support digestive health. It can:

• Reduce flatulence
• Stimulate appetite
• Alleviate nausea
• Relieve intestinal cramping
• Improve overall digestion

Its carminative properties help to relax the gastrointestinal tract, making it a natural choice for bloating and indigestion.

Aniseed to Help with Sleep and Lactation

Traditionally, aniseed tea has been used to treat sleeplessness, thanks to its gently calming, mildly sedative nature.

It is also known to support nursing mothers, helping to stimulate breast milk production (galactagogue effect). This is thought to be due to its anethole content, which mimics estrogenic activity in the body.

External Uses of Aniseed for Headaches, Lice and Skin Issues

A paste made from crushed aniseed may be applied to the forehead, neck or temples to relieve headaches and migraines.

The same type of paste is traditionally used to treat lice and scabies, likely due to the seed’s natural insecticidal properties.

Aniseed Calming and Nervine Effects

Aniseed contains compounds known to promote relaxation and reduce nervous tension. These include:

• Thymol
• Stigmaterol
• Linalool
• Terpineol
• Alpha-pinene
• Eugenol

Together, these constituents contribute to aniseed’s gentle anxiolytic effects, making it beneficial for people struggling with stress, restlessness or mild anxiety.

Aphrodisiac Properties of Aniseed

Anise has been traditionally regarded as a natural aphrodisiac, capable of enhancing libido in both men and women.

Drinking a glass of water infused with crushed aniseed each night is a folk remedy said to increase sex drive over time.

Interestingly, anethole, the compound responsible for anise’s aroma, has chemical similarities to dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and sexual desire.

Aniseed Lesser-Known Fact

In ancient Rome, aniseed cakes were served after heavy meals to aid digestion and freshen breath. A tradition that’s considered a precursor to our modern after-dinner mints.

Preparation of Aniseed

After being threshed from the plant, the seeds are dried in trays until they become greyish brown. Once dried, aniseeds can be ground into powder that has a long shelf life when stored in airtight containers in a cool space. A tea can be made by steeping the seeds in boiling water, but the ground seeds may also be taken dry.

Need Personal Advice? Book a private consultation with me, Cath Davis (Master Herbalist) and get expert advice and a plan that works for your body – no guesswork needed.

Always take care when taking herbs and Read Our Disclaimer.

Aniseed Herb Notes / Side Effects

Aniseed is widely valued in herbal medicine and cooking for its sweet, liquorice-like flavor and digestive benefits.

Aniseed is Safe When Used Correctly

Anise is generally well tolerated and safe for most adults. It can aid digestion, reduce bloating and ease mild coughs or colds. When used appropriately:

• As a culinary spice
• In herbal teas or tinctures at therapeutic doses
• Under professional guidance in blends

However, excessive use, specially of the essential oil, can be dangerous. Below are important safety considerations:

Toxicity of Aniseed Essential Oil

Anise essential oil is highly concentrated and contains anethole, a compound with narcotic and neurotoxic properties at high doses. Large amounts can cause:

• Convulsions
• Narcosis (a drug-induced state of unconsciousness)
• Circulatory collapse
• Coma

Due to these risks, anise essential oil should never be ingested undiluted or in large quantities. It should only be used under the guidance of a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider.

Risks of Aniseed Overconsumption

Even whole seeds, when consumed in excessive quantities, may cause:

• Seizures
• Paralysis
• Mental confusion
• Loss of clarity
• Central nervous system (CNS) depression

These side effects are rare with culinary or therapeutic use in normal doses, but they highlight the need for caution with self-dosing or homemade extracts.

Important Reminder:
Always follow dosage instructions from a reputable source. Do not exceed recommended amounts, especially when using concentrated forms like oils or extracts. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider before using Anise medicinally.

Keep Exploring…

Curious what other natural remedies can do? Explore the full A–Z of our Natural Healing articles.