SEARCH:
Sign in | Join | Help
search Mercola.com
 
FREE Subscription 
The World’s Most Popular Natural Health Newsletter
POSTED BY:

Dr. Mercola
March 27 2008

View in Podcast
31,698 views


ARTICLE TOOLS:
Current Newsletter Current Newsletter
Share Your Comment Share Your Comment
Print this Page Print this Page
Submit My StorySubmit My Story
Newsletter FeedNewsletter Feed
Health Blog FeedHealth Blog Feed
TRANSLATE THIS PAGE:
Arabic Translation Chinese Translation Dutch Translation French Translation German Translation
Korean Translation Japanese Translation Portugese Translation Russian Translation Spanish Translation

Email this article to a friend
Bookmark & Share
Previous Article
Next Article
Can Anise Cure What Ails You?

anise, herbThe licorice-flavored herb anise contains high levels of health-boosting compounds called phenylpropanoids.

A team of researchers isolated 22 compounds in anise essential oils, and found some phenylpropanoid compounds that were unique to anise, and four of the compounds had never before been identified in any plant.

Aside from effectively controlling aphids and the plant fungus Colletotrichum, the compounds also showed promise for human health problems. Specifically, some of the compounds were effective against:
  • Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria in humans.
  • Mycobacterium intracellulare, a bacterium that can cause illness in people with compromised immune systems.
Further, some phenylpropanoids had anti-inflammatory and phytoestrogen properties.

The researchers suggested that compounds in anise essential oils may be useful for developing pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Sources:

  Science Daily March 12, 2008

  Pure and Applied Chemistry 2007, Vol. 79, No. 4, pp. 539-556


Dr. Mercola''s Comments Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Anise has been used since ancient times in Europe, the Middle East and Asia for both therapeutic benefits and taste. Traditionally, this licorice-flavored herb is said to help with digestion, which is why it’s part of a blend of seeds typically offered at the end of an Indian meal.

Anise was also popular in Rome during the first century, when it was used to make a spice cake called mustaceum that was served after feasting to prevent indigestion.

In the United States, anise (Pimpinella anisum) is often confused with fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), a similarly flavored vegetable that looks like a white bulb with green feathery leaves (that also produces fennel seeds). Anise is also a different herb from Chinese star anise (Illicium verum), which is used to make the dangerous flu drug Tamiflu.

Is Anise Healthy?

Like many herbs and spices, anise offers a unique set of benefits. In traditional medicine, anise is used to calm upset stomachs and help reduce gas, and its effectiveness in treating stomach cramps has been proven scientifically.

Anise essential oils also have phytoestrogen properties, which may explain why it is said to help new mothers stimulate breast milk production and in ancient times was used to increase libido. These essential oils, which are antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal, can also naturally get rid of head lice (a far safer alternative to using chemical lice treatments).

Rest assured, however, that pharmaceuticals developed with isolated active components of this herb will bear little resemblance to the natural plant. For instance, it takes 10 different steps for star anise to be made into Tamiflu, according to this New York Times article, and some of the steps are “potentially hazardous because they involve the use of sodium azide, the chemical that makes automobile air bags inflate in an explosive rush.”

So while you may very well enjoy a bit of anise seed sprinkled on your soup, please do not mistake an anise-containing drug to be all-natural or safe.

When Using Herbs, Listen to Your Body

Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor, and often health benefits, to your food. But if a certain spice doesn’t agree with you, then take a pass. This is your body’s way of letting you know that it’s not the best spice for you, and in this case, your body always knows best.


Related Links:

  Natural Treatment for Head Lice

  Herbs Rich Source of Healthy Antioxidants; Oregano Ranks Highest

  Herbs Can Add Zest, Antioxidant Benefits to Meal




Comment on This Article
Comment on This Article Community Comments (13)
 
 
Posted On Mar 13, 2008
Umm, HELLO! Oseltamivir AKA Tamiflu is made from star anise and we all know a) it doesn't work and b) causes hallucinations and people jumping out of windows. When you isolate compounds from a natural substance you lose the synergy of the whole plant. Star anise in my Chinese cooking is fine. Tamiflu is not.

ReplyReply
Mark As Spam  Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   14 Points
 
PPARGammaGirl
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 6/2006
PPARGammaGirl  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
Replied

cayman islands girl
Novice User Novice User Joined On 3/2008
cayman islands girl  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Mar 27, 2008

How about the star anise teas, are they safe?

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   1 Points

etbsndc
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 8/2006
etbsndc  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Mar 28, 2008

Hi PPARGammaGirl:

I love finding that you have posted; your comments tend to be humorous as well as enlightening.

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   0 Points
 
 
 
Posted On Mar 12, 2008
It was a great article until I got to this:


These results suggest that Pimpinella essential oils may be a source of potent compounds that could be used in developing powerful new pharmaceuticals and agrochemical agents.

When will they ever learn?

ReplyReply
Mark As Spam  Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   12 Points
 
Patty D
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 6/2007
Patty D  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
Replied

qualitygeek
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 10/2007
qualitygeek  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Mar 13, 2008
As long as there is potential for money involved, it will be same stuff, different day...

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   6 Points

stevethebass
Novice User Novice User Joined On 3/2007
stevethebass  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Mar 14, 2008
When the money dries up.

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   4 Points
 
 
 
Posted On Mar 27, 2008

I have found luck with anise seed essential oil for helping with an asthma attack.  Just smelling it helped but also rubbing on the chest.

ReplyReply
Mark As Spam  Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   6 Points
 
idahogirl
Novice User Novice User, Joined On 6/2006
idahogirl  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
 
 
Posted On Mar 12, 2008
Very interesting and informative.  I have always liked the smell of anise, and now it is even better for you than previously thought. 

Mary

ReplyReply
Mark As Spam  Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   3 Points
 
mmc88121
Moderator User Moderator User, Joined On 11/2006
mmc88121  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
 
 
Posted On Mar 27, 2008

Why would anybody want to use any herb that contains phytoestrogens?  Especially any man!?

ReplyReply
Mark As Spam  Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   2 Points
 
Tom Barrett
Novice User Novice User, Joined On 6/2006
Tom Barrett  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
12
 
Email this article to a friend
Bookmark & Share
Previous Article
Next Article
 
Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Use   |   Contact Us   |   Testimonials   |  Subscribe Newsletters RSS Feed Subscribe Blog RSS Feed
 
© Copyright 2009 Dr. Joseph Mercola. All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.