Pimpinella anisum

Anise seed

Pimpinella anisum is a true delicacy from its dainty appearance to its sensitive growth conditions to its distinctive aroma.

This plant has gracefully made its mark in both the culinary and herbalism worlds as a sophisticated carminative and nervine over the course of history.

Anise Seed for Digestion

Anise works as a digestive and carminative by stopping food from fermenting in the stomach and stimulating heat in the digestive tract due to its warming properties. Anethole, the main volatile oil in the plant, aids in soothing the lining of the stomach.

Many people have found anise to be gentler on the system and more effective than conventional over-the-counter products for indigestion and gas.

Anise for Stress and Anxiety

Anise also acts as a nervine, calming psychological stress and anxiety.

This relaxant effect is thought to be due to inhibitory effects on muscarinic receptors, which recognize acetylcholine and produce a signal transduction in the smooth muscles, autonomic ganglia, central nervous system, and other parasympathetic organs.

Combine ground anise seeds with hot milk (a natural source of tryptophan) and you have a tasteful and relaxing drink to ease insomnia.