Anise

Scientific name: Pimpinella anisum L.

Common name: green anise, pimpinella.

English name: anise, aniseed.

Parts used: fruits.

Components: essential oil, phytosterols, flavonoids and coumarins.

Active ingredients: essential oil (65-90%), anethole (1.2%), eugenol, borneol; all of which give anise an unmistakably distinct flavor and aroma. It also contains coumarin compounds, mucilages and 10-30% fatty oil.

Properties: promotes digestive function, regular gastrointestinal motility and elimination of gas.

Suggested use: anise seeds are essentially used to improve digestive processes for their carminative and antispasmodic activity. They possess a characteristic aromatic odor and a sugary flavor.