Health & Beauty. delivery number 31: THE ANISE.

Thank you for visiting my blog and Continuing with the series of properties and benefits of fruits and vegetables, today I bring you information about:

The green anise, (not to be confused with the star anise), the plant Pimpinella anisum, is an annual herbaceous plant with particular aromatic properties belonging to the Umbelliferae family.

Its stem reaches an average height of 40 to 50 centimeters, its flowers are small, white. Its fruit is small, oval and yellowish green, tends to darken during ripening. The parts used are the seeds.

Many know the anise only for its aromatic use in the production of sweets and liquors. Actually, this plant also has other properties that can bring health benefits.

Source

Glycemia:

It can prevent the increase of blood sugar levels because it contains anethole, a compound that is responsible for the unique flavor and aroma of this spice. According to research, this compound changes the activity of some enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Galactagogo:

Its intake in the form of herbal tea is able to stimulate glandular secretions, particularly of the maternal gland, increasing the quantity and quality of breast milk.

Fight the headaches:

Thanks to its soothing properties, it helps in case of brain fatigue, relieving headaches.

Depression:

According to several studies, it has been shown that anise oil significantly reduces the symptoms of depression, including the symptoms of postnatal depression.

Antibacterial:

The essential oil also has antiseptic properties, protects the wound from infection and heals in faster times. It can also kill the worms that are found in the intestine for the benefit of children who are more exposed to these types of parasites. It has also been shown that the seeds have antifungal properties that can help in the treatment of fungal infections in the skin.

Anti-flatulent:

It is very effective to fight gases, this property is due to anethole.

Menopause:

Anise seeds help relieve the symptoms of menopause, reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

Epilepsy:

One of the main properties of the essential oil derived from this spice is the narcotic sedative. This characteristic makes anise an ideal food for the treatment of epilepsy and hysteria. According to some studies, anise achieves these results by reducing blood circulation, a factor that positively affects epileptic seizures. However, it should be administered in small amounts, since in excess it can induce seizures.

Digestive properties:

For many centuries, the Indians have used the seeds of this spice to perfume the breath and promote digestion. In case of digestive problems, it is enough to add a drop of essential oil to a glass of water after a particularly abundant meal, you can also chew a seed after the meal.

Treat bronchitis:

The plant is also useful in the treatment of bronchitis, an infusion based on anise is useful to facilitate the expulsion of phlegm.

Cough (tseca or with phlegm):

In addition to reducing the cough, it has a strong refreshing action that is also useful in the presence of sore throats and softens the secretions of the respiratory system.

Aphrodisiac:

Few people know this plant because of its aphrodisiac action, since in the Greco-Roman era they used to chew the seeds before a sexual relationship. In addition to using it in the kitchen as an aphrodisiac spice, in cases of decreased sexual desire, we can drink a glass of seed infusion every night....

Insecticide:

The essential oil is a very effective natural insecticide. This compound is actually poisonous for flies and mosquitoes and it is for this reason that it often appears among the ingredients of several insecticides.

Anise has no particular contraindications but, due to the presence of estrogenic substances, it must be administered to pregnant women under strict medical supervision.

For external use, the essential oil can cause blisters and irritations to appear in people sensitive to this spice.

The internal use of essential oil in high doses is toxic, as it has narcotic properties and can cause unpleasant effects, such as seizures, narcosis and circulation problems.

I hope you like this initiative ... you can make suggestions and propose fruits and vegetables for the next delivery.

References:

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