Anise Seeds

What is Anise Seeds? Anise is indigenous to southwest Asia and the Mediterranean region. Perhaps its most important quality is its versatility, as the plant has applications in cooking, health, and medicine. As both an herb and a spice, the anise plant offers some properties that are beneficial to the human body. While they may belong to the same family of Apiaceae, anise powder is not to be confused with star anise or fennel. Anise is a flowering herbaceous plant that is annual in nature and will typically grow up to 3 feet tall. The anise plant has white flowers and oblong fruits, which are also known as aniseeds. While it is now predominantly grown in Europe, anise was first grown in Egypt and in the Middle East. Anise extracts are highly coveted and have long been used for treating various health conditions. In Biblical times, ground anise was so valuable that it became a means of value exchange and was even used as currency. The Romans nicknamed the plant “Solamen Intestinorum,” which translates to “the comforter of the bowels” and used it to treat indigestion and flatulence. Another significance of anise extract is the use of anise oil in insecticides. The oil is harmful to…