Oh Sweet Anise
Oh Sweet Anise
Anise is native to the eastern Mediterranean region. It is one of the oldest
known spice plants used both for culinary and medicinal purposes since
ancient times. The anise plant is erect, has thin roots, and can grow up
to two feet tall. The lower leaves are broad; the upper leaves smaller;
and, the flowers white and small.
There is evidence that anise was used in Egypt as early as 1500 B.C. To
aid digestion, high ranking Roman soldiers treated themselves to anise-
spiced cakes after heavy meals.
Anise is used as an ingredient of choice in many commercial cough
syrups and sore throat drugs. It is also found in soaps and perfumes. It
is also claimed that anise is an effective bait for rats, mice and fish. Dogs
are also attracted to anise which is why it's not surprising to find it an
ingredient in dog food.
Because anise has been proven to sweeten the breath, it is chewed
after meals in parts of Europe, the Middle East and India. But it is also a
mild expectorant, often used in cough mixtures and lozenges. Aside from
being an excellent antiseptic and antispasmodic, anise is also an
excellent alternative to the sleeping pill.