Anís: From 1 Different Sources
There are at least five different species of anise-like medicinal plants that are recognized in Dominican healing traditions. Those that are included in the present edition of this book are listed below in bold along with their other common Spanish names:- Anís chiquito = anís de comer, anís de cocinar, anís pequeño, aniscito (Pimpinella anisum)- Anís comino = comino (Cuminum cyminum) or hinojo- Hinojo = anís hinojo (Foeniculum vulgare) or anís comino- Anís de estrella = anís estrellada, anís grande (Illicium verum)- Aniseto = aniceto (Piper marginatum)The common names of the first three types of anís are easily confused because their dried fruits or “seeds” (the part of the plant traditionally used for medicine) are similar in appearance, taste and shape. For more information on a specific type of anís, see the plant entry for the appropriate common name listed in bold above.
This means inequality in the size of erythrocytes (red blood cells); it occurs in many forms but is prominent in megaloblastic ANAEMIA.... anisocytosis
See Anís de estrella.... star anise
Anise, anise burnet-saxifrage (Pimpinella anisum).Plant Part Used: Fruit (seed).Dominican Medicinal Uses: The seeds are traditionally prepared as a decoction and taken orally for colic (in children and adults), common cold, empacho, flatulence, flu, gastrointestinal disorders, headache, indigestion, nervous tension, pasmo and stress.Safety: The seeds are generally regarded as safe for human consumption in moderation and widely used as a culinary spice. Caution is advised if this herbal remedy is combined with anís de estrella due to potential contamination with a toxic look-alike (see entry for “Anís de estrella”).Contraindications: Studies show conflicting recommendations regarding safety of internal use during pregnancy and lactation. Use of this herb in combination with anís de estrella is contraindicated in children (due to potential for contamination with the toxic look-alike Illicium anisatum (see “Anís de estrella”); however, anís chiquito is considered safe for children when used appropriately.Drug interactions: Anticoagulants, NSAIDS, antiplatelet drugs, warfarin: Avoid use of anís chiquito if taking any of these medications due to potential risk of excessive bleeding as a result of interaction with coumarin derivatives.Clinical Data: No clinical trials of the oral use of this herb have been identified in the available literature. One open clinical trial has evaluated the pediculicidal effects of anise oil in combination with other ingredients.Laboratory & Preclinical Data: The following biological activities of this plant have been investigated in laboratory studies using in vitro or animal models: anticonvulsant, antidiuretic, antiflatulent, antifungal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, estrogenic, expectorant, hypotensive, liver regeneration, muscle stimulant and mutagenic.* See entry for Anís chiquito in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... anís chiquito
See Hinojo. May also be comino (cumin; Cuminum cyminum) which is not included in this book.... anís comino
See Anís chiquito.... anís de cocinar
See Anís chiquito.... anís de comer
Chinese star anise (Illicium verum).Plant Part Used: Fruit, seed.Dominican Medicinal Uses: The fruits or seeds are traditionally prepared as a decoction and taken orally for flatulence, headache, indigestion, stomach ache, upper respiratory tract infection and cleansing the intestines.Safety: The fruit is generally considered safe for human consumption in small amounts and is widely used as a culinary spice. When taken in excessive quantities, isolated compounds from the fruit have shown neurotoxic effects in animal studies. Caution is advised due to possible adulteration with the highly poisonous look-alike, Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum).Contraindications: Avoid use in small children due to potential contamination with misidentified toxic look-alike. Caution and avoidance is advised in patients with a history of convulsive disorders including epilepsy due to case reports of seizures associated with internal use of the tea. Caution advised in patients prior to surgery due to potential risk of increased bleeding.Drug Interactions: Anticoagulants, antiplatelet medications and NSAIDS: based on animal studies in mice, star anise increases cytochrome P450 dependent 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity which may affect the metabolism of these drugs.Clinical Data: No human clinical trials evaluating this plant species have been identified in the available literature.Laboratory & Preclinical Data: The following biological activities of this plant have been demonstrated in laboratory and preclinical studies using in vitro or animal models: antiangiogenic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, insecticidal, neurotropic and sepsis prevention.* See entry for Anís de estrella in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... anís de estrella
See Anís de estrella.... anís estrellada
See Anís de estrella.... anís grande
See Anís chiquito.... anís pequeño
See Anís chiquito if the seed or fruit is the part of the plant most commonly used as an herbal remedy. If the leaves or other plant parts are used, see Aniseto.... aniscito
(Hindi) Born at the end of the night; form of Anna, meaning “a woman graced with God’s favor”; form of Agnes, meaning “one who is pure; chaste” Anicia, Aneisha, Annisha, Aanisha, Aeniesha, Aneasha, Anysha... anisha
See Anís chiquito if the seeds are used most commonly. If the leaves or other plant parts are used, see Aniseto.... anisito
Anise tea is largely used both for culinary and medicinal purposes. It is an important ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry, proving itself useful in enhancing the supply of mother’s milk, but not only.
Anise Tea description
Anise is a sweet and strong-fragranced plant, known for its star-shaped fruits, harvested just before they ripen. It belongs to the same plant family as carrots, fennel and caraway.
Due to its licorice flavor, it is usually added to candies, drinks and food.
Anise could be added to mouthwashes and toothpastes, mainly to those found in the natural food stores.
Anise tea is the resulting beverage from brewing this plant.
Anise Tea brewing
To brew
Anise tea:
- Boil 1 1/2 cups of water with anise seeds
- Boil 1 1/2 cups of water (in another pot)
- Add the tea bags
- Steep them both (10 minutes)
- Strain anise water into the pot containing tea
- Pour into serving cups
Lemon and honey may be added (depending on the consumer›s taste).
Anise Tea benefits
Anise tea is a popular beverage, especially in the Middle East, where it is used to sooth a stomachache or to relieve intestinal gas. It can be administrated even to children.
Anise tea has proven its efficiency in dealing with:
- the overall treatment of such respiratory ailments as colds, pneumonia, bronchitis and sinusitis
- an upset stomach and flatulence
- the treatment of colic
- loosen phlegm in the throat and lungs
- hiccups
Anise Tea side effects
Anise tea is not recommended to pregnant and breast-feeding women.
Rarely,
Anise tea can cause allergic reactions. Consumers should watch for signs of rash, hives or swelling of the tongue, throat, lips or face. If any of these symptoms occur, stop using anise and ask your health care provider.
Anise tea is a healthy choice for a balanced diet.This tea is best known as an adjuvant in the digestive processes and also, as an aid for respiratory problems.... anise tea: for digestion
Cake bush (Piper marginatum).Plant Part Used: Leaf.Dominican Medicinal Uses: The leaf is traditionally prepared as a decoction and taken orally for flatulence, indigestion and stomach pain.Safety: No data on the safety of this plant in humans or animals has been identified in the available literature.Contraindications: Insufficient information has been identified in the available literature.Drug Interactions: Insufficient information has been identified in the available literature.Clinical Data: No human clinical trials of this plant have been identified in the available literature.Laboratory & Preclinical Data: The following biological activities of the essential oil or plant extracts have been demonstrated in laboratory studies using in vitro assays: antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic.* See entry for Aniseto in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... aniseto
n. a condition in which the image of an object differs markedly in size or shape between the two eyes.... aniseikonia
n. inequality in the size of the pupils of the two eyes, usually a difference of more than 1 mm in diameter. For diagnosis, it is important to establish which of the pupils is behaving abnormally.... anisocoria
n. a difference in size or shape between the arms or the legs.... anisomelia
n. the condition in which the power of *refraction in one eye differs significantly from that in the other.... anisometropia
Illicium verum
FAMILY: Illiciaceae
SYNONYMS: Chinese anise, illicium, Chinese star anise.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Evergreen tree up to 12 metres high with a tall, slender white trunk. It bears fruit which consist of five to thirteen seed-bearing follicles attached to a central axis in the shape of a star.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to south east China, also Vietnam, India and Japan. Mainly produced in China.
OTHER SPECIES: Several other related species, e.g. Japanese star anise which is highly poisonous!
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Used in Chinese medicine for over 1300 years for its stimulating effect on the digestive system and for respiratory disorders such as bronchitis and unproductive coughs. In the East generally, it is used as a remedy for colic and rheumatism, and often chewed after meals to sweeten the breath and promote digestion. A common oriental domestic spice.
ACTIONS: Antiseptic, carminative, expectorant, insect repellent, stimulant.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the fruits, fresh or partially dried. An oil is also produced from the leaves in small quantities.
CHARACTERISTICS: A pale yellow liquid with a warm, spicy, extremely sweet, liquorice like scent. It blends well with rose, lavender, orange, pine and other spice oils, and has excellent masking properties.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Trans-anethole (80–90 per cent).
SAFETY DATA: Despite the anethole content, it does not appear to be a dermal irritant, unlike aniseed. In large doses it is narcotic and slows down the circulation; it can lead to cerebral disorders. Use in moderation only.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Circulation Muscles And Joints: Muscular aches and pains, rheumatism.
Respiratory System: Bronchitis, coughs.
Digestive System: Colic, cramp, flatulence, indigestion.
Immune system: Colds.
OTHER USES: By the pharmaceutical industry in cough mixtures, lozenges, etc. and to mask undesirable odours and flavours in drugs. As a fragrance component in soaps, toothpaste and detergents as well as cosmetics and perfumes. Widely used for flavouring food, especially confectionery, alcoholic and soft drinks.... anise, star
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