Discover the benefits of anise for health and women

anise It is an aromatic spice and nutrient-rich herb. It is used in the treatment of various health problems. The health benefits of anise include improving digestion and reducing menstrual pain. It also relieves the symptoms of depression.

These benefits can be attributed to its powerful nutrients. Learn more about this unique herb, the health benefits associated with its consumption, nutritional information, and potential side effects.

What is anise?

Anise is a flowering plant cultivated by the Egyptians around 4,000 years ago. Anise seeds taste like licorice and are used as a breath freshener. Anise is oblong in shape and is widely used to flavor foods, alcoholic beverages and traditional medicine. Anise essential oil is another form of anise derived from the extraction or steam distillation of anise seeds.Anethole is the most important active ingredient in anise and is responsible of its flavor and aroma.

Anise is a popular remedy around the world, used to treat coughs, colds and even stomach problems. What are the benefits of anise?

Maintain healthy blood

Anise seeds contain high concentrations of iron, which is an essential component of a protein in red blood cells called hemoglobin. If the hemoglobin in the blood does not contain enough iron, it cannot do its job of transporting oxygen to the tissues of the body.

A persistent lack of iron can also lead to anemia, which causes symptoms such as: weakness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and digestive problems.

Maintain a healthy digestive system

Some people have peptic ulcers, which are painful cracks or holes in the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. Traditional medicine practitioners in India and the Arab world have used anise for protection against ulcers for generations.

Western researchers have found that anise can reduce stomach acid and protect its lining from damage. However, more research is needed to understand how well anise works in the human stomach.

Maintain healthy skin

Test-tube studies have shown that anise can inhibit the growth of certain fungi that cause infections. These include Candida albicans, which causes vaginal yeast infections and thrush. However, more research is needed to see if anise can combat the growth of Candida albicans and other fungi.

Menstrual pain relief

A blend of anise extract, saffron and celery seed may help ease menstrual pain, according to a study published in the journal Midwifery & Women’s Health in 2009.

For the study, 180 female students (aged 18-27) were divided into three groups: one group received an anise seed/saffron/celery mixture, one group received mefenamic acid (a type anti-inflammatory drug) and one group received a placebo. From the onset of menstrual bleeding or pain, each group took their assigned treatment three times a day for three days.

After following participants for two to three menstrual cycles, the study authors found that those assigned to the anise seed/saffron/celery mixture experienced a significant reduction in menstrual pain compared to the other two treatments.

Reduce symptoms of menopause

Although it’s a normal part of the aging process for women, menopause can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including hot flashes.

Research shows that anise can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes, possibly by mimicking the effects of estrogen in the body.

In a study published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research in 2012, researchers found that anise may help relieve hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

The study included 72 postmenopausal women, each of whom took either anise extract or potato starch in capsule form daily for four weeks. Compared to the control group, those treated with the anise extract had a greater reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

Increase milk flow in breastfeeding women

Anise is considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when used as part of a normal diet. It also helps increase milk flow for breastfeeding women.

What is anise tea?

Anise tea is an herbal tea prepared from the seeds and leaves of the anise plant and has been widely used in the Middle East and the Mediterranean region for thousands of years, as a culinary ingredient and as an ingredient in natural health practices. As a medicinal tool, anise is most commonly made into a tea, although the essential oil from this seed has also been researched, according to Organic Facts.

Benefits of anise tea

The most important health benefits of anise tea may include relieving digestive problems, coughs, asthma and sore throats, boosting immunity, stimulating appetite and soothing inflammatory conditions, among others.

May aid digestion
One of the oldest uses of anise tea is as a mild laxative. Drinking this tea when you feel a bit stuffy can quickly stimulate colon movement and relieve constipation symptoms.

It can relieve inflammation
This tea contains a number of active ingredients and possibly anti-inflammatory compounds which make it a soothing and relaxing drink, both mentally and physically, such as for arthritis, gout, headaches and chronic injuries. .

May boost the immune system
With potential antiviral and antibacterial compounds in these potent seeds, a cup of this tea makes an excellent immune system booster, in addition to the various antioxidants found in this drink. [5]

May relieve respiratory illnesses
Acting as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent, this tea can soothe any respiratory tract irritation, ease the need to cough, and soothe a sore throat, while neutralizing the underlying infection or pathogen causing it. symptoms. [6]

May help maintain hormonal balance
Anise has certain hormone-mimicking properties and the potential ability to regulate hormonal fluctuations in the body, helping with everything from sleep issues to menstruation. It can even stimulate menstruation.