The ancient healers knew about the benefits of anise, and today this plant has gained wide popularity in various fields of medicine. Anis is practically universal in application - in addition to medicine, it is in demand in cosmetology and cooking. You will learn more about the features of using anise, as well as its value for the human body, from this article.
The chemical composition of the plant
Anise is quite high-calorie - about 337 kcal per 100 g. A confirmation of the usefulness of anise is its chemical composition.
100 g of the plant contains:
- proteins - 17.5 g;
- fats - 15.9 g;
- carbohydrates - 35.5 g;
- dietary fiber - 14.6 g;
- water - 9.6 g;
- ash - 6.9 g;
- saturated fatty acids - 0.586 g.
Did you know? Anise was very much appreciated in the Middle Ages. The fact that the “anise” taxes were enough to repair the bridge across the Thames, for example, testifies to the plant’s high cost.
The concentration of organic substances in anise:
- retinol - 16 mcg;
- thiamine - 0.34 mg;
- riboflavin - 0.29 mg;
- Vitamin B3 - 0.797 mg;
- Vitamin B6 - 0.65 mg;
- Vitamin B9 - 10 mcg;
- ascorbic acid - 21 mg;
- the niacin equivalent is 3.06 mg.
Useful for human macronutrients are presented in the following amounts:
- calcium - 646 mg;
- magnesium - 170 mg;
- sodium - 16 mg;
- potassium - 1441 mg;
- phosphorus - 440 mg.
The composition also contains trace elements:
- iron - 36.96 mg;
- zinc - 5.3 mg;
- copper - 910 mcg;
- selenium - 5 mcg.
What is the plant useful for the human body
Anise-based therapies effectively relieve symptoms of the flu and acute respiratory viral infections. A natural preparation dilutes and eliminates phlegm, suppresses the cough reflex, dulls a sore throat, and restores the vocal cords. The plant helps the female body with malfunctions of the menstrual cycle. Anise broth is prescribed together with licorice root to alleviate the condition with painful monthly uterine bleeding, as well as with uterine pathologies.
The infusion of seeds has proven effective in treating cystitis and other inflammatory processes of the female genitourinary system. Anise is often prescribed to women as a means of relieving increased nervous tension during natural hormonal changes. Women feel better even with regular consumption of grass as a seasoning for everyday food. Tea with anise or extract of the fruits of the plant are an excellent tool for increasing male sex drive, enhancing potency and improving the quality of intimate relationships.
Despite the fact that aniseed infusions and decoctions are forbidden to be taken by pregnant women inside, the aroma of the essential oil of this herb helps women in this difficult period to cope with nausea and general malaise. And already in the postpartum period, the intake of healing herbs helps to restore the initial state of the uterus, and also prevents bleeding.
Important! Anise is contraindicated during the period of bearing a child. In addition, the plant is dangerous for the stomach and intestines if a person suffers from chronic pathologies of these organs and systems. And if you take plant material with increased blood coagulation, this can provoke a reverse reaction.
Aniseed water helps eliminate intestinal colic in newborns. Children are also recommended to take a decoction if there is a need to eliminate sputum. A massage with anise oil helps relieve irritability in young children. Grass is also useful for losing weight. It gives a mild laxative effect, promotes better absorption of food and removes excess fluid from the body.
The healing properties of seeds
The greatest benefit to the body is aniseed seeds.
They have a complex effect:
- anesthetize;
- relieve inflammation;
- reduce body temperature during fever;
- contribute to sweating;
- sputum excretion;
- disinfected;
- relieve spasms.
Seeds enhance the effect of antibiotics, which makes it possible to prescribe the latter in minimal doses. At the same time, the natural substance in the composition of medicines does not cause harm. Thanks to this, it is possible to carry out treatment with a minimum of side effects. In addition, medicines containing anise are prescribed by doctors as adjuvants for burns, eye diseases, gum and kidney diseases.
Important! The duration of taking anise-based drugs should not exceed one week. Before you begin treatment, be sure to consult a doctor.
The use of anise seeds
Further in the article we will consider how today folk doctors, cooks and cosmetologists use anise seeds in their practice.
In folk medicine
In folk medicine, seeds are used somewhat more widely than in official ones.
Here are some recipes:
- Help with coughing. To obtain it, grind in a mortar 1 tsp. seed, pour 400 ml of boiling water. Allow the product to cool, then rinse the throat until the sputum begins to flow abundantly. To enhance the effect, you can add 4 tbsp to the infusion. honey (any grade) or 1 tbsp. cognac.
- Means for bronchitis and laryngitis. Mix 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds, 1 teaspoon of ginger powder, 400-500 g of honey, 1/3 cup of lemon juice and chopped garlic clove. Take a natural medicine 3 times a day. It is allowed to seize the medicine with food.
- With pneumonia. Grind 2 hours of seeds and pour 2 cups of water. Put the composition on low heat and cook for 10 minutes. Take the medicine for 2-3 tbsp. three times a day before meals.
- With stomach pain and bloating. In equal amounts (1 tbsp. Will be enough) mix the crushed seeds of the herb in question, caraway seeds, chamomile flowers and mint leaves. The resulting collection, pour 200 ml of boiling water. Drink a healthy drink should be in a warm form.
In cosmetology
The use of grass seeds by cosmetologists is due to the presence of potassium in its composition. In large quantities, this chemical element promotes muscle relaxation. That is why anise extract has long been successfully used in a series of products that help restore skin without side effects.
To obtain a lotion for dry skin, which also eliminates facial wrinkles, 1 hour of crushed seeds, pour 2 cups of boiling water. After 2 hours of infusion, the lotion will be ready. Wash them several times a day. A few drops of this lotion can be added each time to the face cream that you usually use. As a result of regular procedures, the skin will look great.
In cooking
In this area, ground seeds are used as spices. As for what anise tastes, it is sweetish. Seeds are added to various pastries. In a mixture with other seasonings, they pickle meat and vegetables. Seeds are also able to flavor teas and strong alcohol - the famous aniseed vodka is infused on the seeds of this plant.
Decoctions
1 tbsp. pour dry raw materials into a small saucepan, pour 200 ml of hot water and keep on low heat for about a quarter of an hour. Let the broth brew for another 20 minutes, then strain it thoroughly. Additionally, enter into the broth 1 tbsp. cognac and the same amount of honey. Drink the broth 3-4 times a day in small portions (1 tbsp. L.).
Tinctures
Pour 1 part of dried raw material with 5 parts of alcohol (70 °). The product must be infused in a dark place for about 7-8 days, after which it must be filtered. Send the finished tincture to be stored in the refrigerator. Take 10-15 drops by mouth.
Teas
Take seeds in the amount of 1 tsp., Place them in a glass and pour 200 ml of hot water. Tea should be infused for about 10 minutes. The finished drink must be filtered. Drink the drink no more than 2-3 times a day 30 minutes after eating.
Rules for the preparation and storage of raw materials
The fact that the fruits of the plant are ready for harvest is evidenced by their grayish-green tone, they only need to start to turn brown. In this case, the grass trunk should turn yellow. Twist the collected raw materials in a bun and hang them in a dark, well-ventilated room, or dry them in the yard under a canopy. The entire drying process takes from 2 to 3 weeks. The next step is to clean the seeds, thresh them, then place them in an airtight container.
Did you know? Anise is used by dog handlers to train dogs. Four-legged ones are drawn to this grass, just like cats to Valerian.
Dried raw materials should be stored in a cool, dry place. Under such storage conditions, anise will be able to maintain its properties for 3 years. Now you know how valuable anise is for the human body. Do not ignore this plant material, because this natural medicine is much safer with synthetic drugs with a similar effect.
