Anise is a multifaceted bright plant with a pronounced specific refreshing aroma and sweetish spicy taste. It can be applied in different areas of life. If there are no contraindications and you like the taste of anise, you should definitely try it in culinary achievements. Wishing to improve and maintain health, you can try several folk recipes aimed at eliminating existing or preventing possible problems.
There are a huge number of plants in the world that we are happy to use for culinary, therapeutic, cosmetic purposes! One of these useful finds of mankind is anise. The beneficial properties of this plant have long been appreciated. The first mentions of them were recorded in the time of Hippocrates. Well, the taste and aroma qualities have provided anise with wide popularity in cooking. What is remarkable about anise, what properties and contraindications it has - we will describe in this article.
Anise: useful properties and contraindications
The plant in question is not at all rare. In our country, many people know the positive qualities of anise. However, it is still worth considering in more detail the properties and characteristics of this plant. Let's start with the botanical description and composition. Anise is an annual plant of the Umbrella family. This culture is characterized by a thin tap root system, erect stems covered with small leaves. Anise blooms in June-July. The seeds ripen in August.
What anise looks like
The stems of the plant at peak growth reach 60 centimeters in height. The leaves are scattered along the stem. The upper leaves are collected in neat umbrellas. The lower foliage has an oblong shape, with notched-toothed edges. On the upper part of the stem, umbrella-shaped branches are formed, on which small white flowers bloom around the end of June. Anise flowers are small, but there are many of them. They densely cover the branched tops of the stem, forming bright snow-white inflorescences. Blooming anise glades are visible from afar!
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Later, by the month of August, two-seeded ovoid fruits are gradually formed in place of the flowers. Each box contains two seeds. At the beginning of ripening, the "boxes" have a greenish tint, with an increase in the degree of maturity they become brown.
Where does anise grow
The homeland of anise is considered the Mediterranean, as well as the countries of the Middle East. Anise grows in Egypt, Mexico, South America. The plant is also cultivated in our country. For example, in the Krasnodar Territory, Voronezh, Belgorod, Kursk regions, the cultivation of this crop is developed.
Composition
Mainly used for culinary purposes are seeds, leaves and anise oil. The whole plant and seeds in particular contain a huge amount of useful substances.
Anise contains the following chemical components:
- Vitamins: C; IN; TO.
- Fatty acid.
- Magnesium, selenium, zinc, copper.
- Essential oils.
- Nutritional value per 100 grams of product:
- proteins - up to 19%;
- carbohydrates (including sucrose) - up to 17%;
- fats - up to 20%.
The total amount of calories is 317 Kcal per 100 grams of product.
Essential oils are of particular value in the composition of anise. They account for up to 3.5% of the content. There is the highest grade of anise, which contains up to 6% of useful essential oils.
As part of anise:
- atenol;
- methylchavicol;
- dipentene;
- ketone;
- anisic aldehyde.
All these and the above substances make the plant incredibly useful for the human body.
Anise seasoning: beneficial properties
What is interesting about anise from the point of view of medicine (folk, official)? This seasoning is famous for its many beneficial properties:
- anti-inflammatory action;
- pronounced antibacterial effect;
- spastic action;
- removal of the excitability of the nervous system;
- liquefaction and gentle excretion of sputum;
- improving digestion;
- stimulation of appetite;
- elimination of headache, migraine;
- mild, safe, relaxing, hypnotic effect;
- carminative, laxative effect;
- strengthening of regenerative processes in tissues;
- restoration of potency in men;
- increased libido in women;
- normalization of metabolic processes in the body;
- improvement of urine outflow, elimination of edema;
- stimulation of the pancreas;
- alignment of hormonal levels.
Anise ordinary and products based on it (oils, infusions) are often used for medicinal, prophylactic purposes.
When coughing, bronchitis
A cold cough or chronic, acute bronchitis is often treated with anise grains. The plant helps to expand pores, liquefy phlegm. The cough goes away better and over time the anti-inflammatory effect of anise becomes more noticeable. In combination with the prescribed treatment, this natural supplement facilitates the course of cough and promotes its early elimination.
Headache, toothache, temperature
Migraines, headaches due to fever are relieved with this natural medicine. Anise has a relaxing effect, soothes and reduces pain. With this supplement, you can relieve vasospasm. It is a good antipyretic. Anise droplets are part of the "ambulance" for toothache.
Flatulence, constipation, bloating
Anise is good at fighting bowel problems. This is a component of many remedies for stopping intestinal colic in babies. Anise seeds are also useful for adults. With the help of such a natural component, you can cope with flatulence, slightly relax the intestines, and overcome the unpleasant symptoms of bloating.
Nervous strain, insomnia
Stress and fatigue are also subject to anise. With the help of this natural component, you can calm the nervous system, relax muscle tone, and put your mood in order. Anise droplets improve sleep.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding
Pregnant women will also appreciate the benefits of anise. It protects against edema, stimulates the normal functioning of the kidneys. The additive helps to equalize pressure, prevents the formation of constipation and bloating. With the help of anise drops, you can calm your nerves and improve sleep.
During breastfeeding, anise is good as a means to increase lactation and prevent colic in mom and baby. Anise saturates milk with vitamins and essential microelements.
In the cases described, it is extremely important to consult a specialist before using anise!
Contraindications
Anise, like any herbal product, has a number of contraindications.
It is worth highlighting the following prohibitions on the use of this plant for any (culinary, medical) purposes, if present:
individual intolerance to the product;
diarrhea;
acute period of peptic ulcer disease (intestines, stomach, duodenum);
some heart disease;
pathological or unstable pregnancy.
In case of any chronic and acute conditions, as well as if it is necessary to use anise by a pregnant, lactating woman or to make a decision to treat a child (of any age) with this plant, prior consultation with a doctor is required! Do not neglect common sense and use medicinal plants rashly. After all, any gift of nature is beneficial only with appropriate use and in the absence of contraindications.
How to use anise in cooking
Anise is actively used in cooking! This plant is added to a wide variety of foods and drinks.
in vegetable salads and cereal mixes;
to sweet fruit, berry combinations;
in pastry baked goods and desserts;
in sauces, marinades, gravies;
soft, warming drinks.
Anise leaves can be added to first and second courses, tea and other drinks. There are a huge number of recipes for aniseed tea, which are considered not only incredibly tasty and aromatic, but also useful for maintaining health. To understand how and for what anise can be used in cooking, it is worth paying attention to the characteristics of the taste and aroma of this product. Anise has a sweet, spicy flavor. You can catch a barely perceptible tart bitterness, but it is really insignificant. The aroma of anise is famous for its pleasant licorice notes and the freshness of "cold" mint. If you lightly chew anise seed, you can feel a pleasant coolness coupled with an unobtrusive sweetness.
It is important to take into account that anise is a specific spice, when added to dishes, the rate should be taken into account. The higher the content of this seasoning, the brighter the corresponding flavor will be. This is not always appropriate. It is better to leave a barely perceptible aniseed note than to spoil the dish or drink with too deliberate taste and aroma.
Anise in cosmetology and aromatherapy
The plant in question is used not only in medicine and cooking. Anise is also valuable in the direction of cosmetology. To improve the quality of skin, hair, nails, anise oil is added to creams, masks, shampoos, scrubs and other cosmetics. You can find anise oil in massage gels and creams. This component has a mild warming effect, improves blood flow and produces a mild antiseptic effect.
The aroma of anise has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. That's why aromatherapists couldn't pass up such a find! Natural essential oils of anise have a healing effect on the body, soothe, relax, tune in a positive way.