SpiceAnise
Limited clinical studies suggest potential benefits for dyspepsia and menopausal symptoms; animal studies indicate various pharmacological effects requiring further human research.
Benefits
- Traditionally recognized for digestive aid
- expectorant
- and carminative properties
- also noted for potential antimicrobial
- antidepressant
- and menopausal symptom relief.
Key compounds
trans-anetholeestragoleanise ketonebeta-caryophylleneanisaldehydeanisic acidlimonenealpha-pinenecoumarinsflavonoids
May help with
- Historically used as a spice and fragrance
- traditional uses include digestive aid
- diuretic
- expectorant
- and relief for toothaches
- breathing issues
- and pain.
Best for these goals
Traditionally recognized for digestive aidexpectorantand carminative propertiesalso noted for potential antimicrobialantidepressantand menopausal symptom relief.
How to use it
Culinary spice, teas, essential oil, lozenges, cough preparations
Evidence level
Limited
Cautions & interactions
Not recommended in pregnancy in amounts exceeding food use due to abortifacient reputation; may cause allergic reactions (skin, respiratory, GI); anethole can cause sensitization and skin irritation. | Interactions: May increase analgesic effects of codeine/benzodiazepines and decrease antidepressant effects of imipramine/fluoxetine; pharmacokinetic interaction with acetaminophen/caffeine reported in rodents.
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