Anise

(Pimpinella anisum)

Qualities

Heating | Soothing | Carminative

Taste

Sweet, Bitter & Pungent

Anise (Pimpinella anisum), also referred to as sweet cumin in English, or Motajeera in Hindi is a plant related to the Parsley family. It is sweet, pungent and bitter in taste, and has a heating effect in the body. The flavor of aniseed is reminiscent of fennel and licorice root.

The sweet spice is used in different dishes across the Mediterranean or consumed in tea form. It is good for aiding digestion and for breaking down mucus in the body. The seeds are used as a remedy for digestive disorders such as cramping in the bowels, colic, and flatulence. They have a calming and soothing effect on the nervous system and are used to induce menstruation.