Anise is a plant from the same family as celery, parsley, and carrots. It can grow up to 1 meter tall and produces a small white fruit known as anise seeds. These anise seeds have a licorice-like taste and are used as a flavoring to enhance the taste of drinks and desserts. These seeds are also popular for their nutritional benefits and often provide a natural remedy to many diseases.

If you want to know more about the health benefits of anise seeds, continue reading.

Anise is also known as Pimpinella anisum or aniseeds. Anise is a spice used by maximum households to treat everything, from stomach problems to coughs and colds. Here are the benefits of eating anise seeds that one can derive.

1. Improves Digestive Health

Egyptians initially used anise herb in their cooking, and Romans anise seed cakes after any meal to improve digestion. This herb is extremely useful for the digestive system and prevents digestive issues. Researchers confirm that taking a combination of anise, elderberry, senna, and fennel can help ease constipation. It also works as an appetite stimulant. Anise seeds are also helpful in the prevention of stomach ulcers. Although medication is necessary to decrease the production of stomach acid, anise seeds can reduce symptoms. Anise seeds are also helpful in reducing symptoms like burning sensations in one's chest and nausea.

2. Supports Healthy Menstrual Cycle

Anise seeds relieve menstrual pain and help manage the menstruation cycle and support healthy reproductive health in women. According to a study, combining anise, celery seed, and saffron helps alleviate the pain. Apart from that, anise tea is suggested if one faces a delay in his/her monthly period due to hormonal changes or stress. Anise seed powder is an effective treatment for menstrual disorders. It also effectively reduces symptoms of a hot flash, dry skin and fatigue when a woman goes through menopause. These seeds are known to mimic the effects of oestrogen in one's body, thereby reducing symptoms of menopause.

3. Works as Anti-hysteric and Anti-epileptic

Essential oil made with anise includes sedative effects and narcotics. This essential oil might help relax epileptic and hysterical assaults by reducing nervous response, respiration and blood circulation. It is really efficient at sedating hyper responses, convulsions and nervous conditions. However, it should be used cautiously as it might cause serious side effects in kids.

4. Maintains Oral Hygiene

Anise seeds have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. Thus, they are used as a primary ingredient in mouthwash. It helps maintain oral hygiene by battling bad breath problems and oral swelling issues.

5. Keeps Your Heart Healthy

Using anise oil is beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart. This oil keeps the blood pressure in check and reduces pressure on the heart. Moreover, it keeps the heart balanced and healthy and enhances blood flow as it is detoxifying in nature. However, individuals who have low blood pressure levels should avoid using this oil as it can lead to an additional drop in blood pressure levels.

6. Improves Lactation

Anise herb can be used to improve lactation in breastfeeding mothers. This herb consists of photoantheole and diantheole, which have gentle estrogenic properties in it to improve lactation. Additionally, star anise is used to boost libido and deal with signs of premenstrual syndrome or PMS due to its estrogenic effects. However, before using this herb, lactating mothers should seek advice from their physicians.

7. Treats Insomnia

Individuals suffering from sleep disorders can take the help of aniseed tea. One can take it before going to sleep or after meals. However, one should not boil aniseed for too long as it might end up vaporising the essential oil in it. It can also lose many of its therapeutic qualities.

8. Prevents Fungal and Microbial Growth

According to some studies, anise can slow down the growth of a few infection-producing fungi. Anise oil contains trans-anethole properties, which exhibit antifungal properties. One such fungus is the yeast Candida albicans which causes thrush and vaginal yeast infections. Other fungal species from which it prevents include Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis. Anise can also prevent cholera because it is effective against Vibrio cholera O1E1.

9. Prevents Anaemia

Anise contains a substantial amount of iron, which is an important component of haemoglobin. If haemoglobin does not contain enough iron in it, it won't be able to do its function of transporting oxygen to one's body tissues properly. This lack of iron can lead to developing anaemia. Thus, consuming iron-rich foods like anise seeds can lower the chances of developing anaemia.

10. Respiratory Health

Anise seeds are beneficial for respiratory health, helping to clear mucus and ease coughs. Their expectorant properties can provide relief from respiratory conditions like bronchitis and asthma. The seeds also soothe irritated airways, improving breathing. This makes them a helpful remedy for respiratory discomfort.

11. Hormonal Balance

Anise seeds contain compounds that can mimic estrogen, which helps regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate symptoms of PMS. They may also support menopausal health by balancing hormone levels. Their effect on hormonal regulation contributes to reproductive health. This makes them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

12. Blood Sugar Control

Anise seeds may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. This can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. By supporting stable blood sugar levels, they contribute to metabolic health. Their effect on glucose metabolism is a key benefit.

13. Improved Sleep Quality

The calming effects of anise seeds can promote better sleep and help manage insomnia. Their natural sedative properties can relax the nervous system and induce sleepiness. Consuming anise seeds before bedtime can enhance sleep quality. This contributes to overall well-being and restfulness.

14. Skin Health

Anise seeds can benefit skin health through their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. They help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and harmful bacteria. Their anti-inflammatory effects can also soothe skin irritations and conditions. This promotes a clear and healthy complexion.

15. Detoxification

Anise seeds assist in detoxifying the body by promoting the elimination of toxins. They stimulate liver function, which helps in filtering out harmful substances. Their diuretic properties also aid in flushing out excess waste through urine. This supports overall detoxification and health.

16. Cognitive Function

The nutrients in anise seeds may support cognitive function and mental clarity. They can enhance memory and concentration by promoting healthy brain function. Their antioxidant properties also protect brain cells from oxidative damage. This contributes to overall cognitive health and performance.

17. Pain Relief

Anise seeds have analgesic properties that can help alleviate various types of pain. They are particularly effective in soothing abdominal and menstrual cramps. Their anti-inflammatory effects also contribute to pain relief. This makes them a natural remedy for discomfort and pain management.

18. Anti-Cancer Potential

Some studies suggest that anise seeds may have anti-cancer properties due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. They can help reduce the risk of certain cancers by preventing oxidative damage to cells. Their role in cancer prevention is still being researched. They contribute to overall health with potential anti-cancer benefits.

Now that one knows the health benefits of eating anise seeds, he/she must also know how to include them in his/her daily diet. Anise seeds have an aromatic, sweet flavour. Here are a few other ways one can include it in their daily diet.

• One can use anise seeds as a flavouring base in a variety of bread, biscuits, cookies, cakes, and confectionery.
• Anise seeds and oil are popular, and individuals use them to prepare several sweet dishes in Asian countries.
• One can start their day with a glass of water and overnight soaked anise seeds. This claims to improve digestion and reduce symptoms of stomach ulcers.
• One can include aniseeds to prepare popular flavoured drinks like French pastis, prenod, Spanish ojen, etc.
• Individuals can also include anise seeds as a flavouring base to prepare a herbal tea known as anisette.
• Besides, star anise is one of the most dominant flavours in Chinese cuisine, along with cinnamon, ground fennel seeds, Hua jiao and cloves.

Although there are numerous nutritional benefits of eating anise seeds, it also includes certain side effects. Here is a list of side effects that anise seeds can cause.

• Allergies: Individuals who are allergic to plants similar to anises like celery, cumin, fennel, and asparagus should avoid it. 
• Diabetes: Individuals suffering from diabetes should avoid anise as it might lower blood sugar levels.
• Surgery: Since anise might lower blood sugar levels, individuals should stop consuming it 2 weeks before surgery. Individuals must also avoid it during or after surgery to keep blood sugar levels intact.
• Pregnancy: For pregnant women, it would be safer to consult with a doctor before using anise.
• People with Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Anise seeds can mimic estrogen in the body, which might affect conditions such as breast cancer or endometriosis.
• Those on Certain Medications: Anise seeds can interact with certain medications, including those that affect hormone levels or blood sugar.
• Individuals with Liver Disorders: Although rare, excessive consumption of anise seeds may affect liver function.
• Children: Due to the potential risks of high doses and sensitivity, anise seeds should be used cautiously in children's diets.

Besides, individuals should remember that anise acts like oestrogen. Thus anyone with hormone-sensitive conditions such as uterine, ovarian, breast, or endometriosis should remember that it can worsen these conditions.

The following risks are associated with consuming too many anise seeds:

• Consumption of excessive anise seeds can cause seizures, nausea, vomiting and pulmonary oedema.
• A chemical compound in star anise is slightly toxic and can act as an irritant if one consumes it in large proportions.
• Excessive consumption can sometimes lead to skin irritations or rashes due to the potential for allergic responses or sensitivity to certain compounds in the seeds.
• Consuming anise seeds in large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.
• This might lead to symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles or exacerbation of hormone-sensitive conditions.
• In very high doses, anise seeds may cause neurological effects such as headaches or dizziness.
• Large quantities of anise seeds may interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications, including those that manage blood sugar or hormone levels.
• Excessive consumption can sometimes lead to skin irritations or rashes due to the potential for allergic responses or sensitivity to certain compounds in the seeds.

To conclude, one can derive the numerous health benefits of anise seeds if consumed in the correct proportion. A little touch of anise seeds in many Indian and Chinese dishes turns them into magic. Combine anise seeds with a healthy lifestyle and a nutritious diet, and it can do wonders to one's health.