Its scientific name isPimpinella anisum(P. anisum).
Anise is native to Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean region.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Like many natural products, more extensive research is necessary.
But people might use anise for various reasons.
The potential effects werelower fasting (before-meal) blood sugar levelsand lowertotal cholesterolandtriglyceride levels.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Studies suggested people withirritable bowel syndrome(IBS) might benefit from anise oil.
What’s more, this group reported experiencing a better quality of life.
And if they did have an attack, it didn’t last as long.
However, the cream didn’t seem to affect the severity of the migraine attack.
While this trial is promising, additional research with larger clinical trials is still necessary.
Larger clinical trials with extensive research are still necessary to evaluate these effects.
In this clinical trial, the dosage was 330 mg per day.
In this study, a group of participants took 990 mg of the extract daily for four weeks.
The extract seemed to decrease the severity of the hot flashes, as well as their frequency.
What Are the Side Effects of Anise?
As with many medications and natural products, side effects are possible with anise.
Common Side Effects
There is little information about anise’s common side effects.
However, the FDA placed anise on its Substances Added to Food list.
However, a severe allergic reaction is a serious side effect possible with any medication, including plant-based medicines.
If you’re having asevere allergic reactionto anise, symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash.
Pregnancy: Historically, anise was considered safe and traditionally used duringpregnancy.
A small study showed no side effects in nursing infants.
Anise may also change how the breast milk might smell.
Some breastfeeding parents also experienced abnormal liver labs.
For this reason, use anise with caution.
Breast cancer: Endocrine (hormone) therapy is typically used after surgery for certain types of breast cancer.
Dosage: How Much Anise Should I Take?
What Happens If I Take Too Much Anise?
At typical amounts in food, anise is generally considered safe.
Interactions
In general, there is limited information about possible medication interactions with anise.
Sleep-inducing medications: Various medications may make you sleepy.
Some examples are codeine to help relievepainandValium (diazepam)to help relieveanxietyormuscle spasms.
Anise may increase this side effect, making you excessively drowsy and sleepy.
Store in a cool and dry place, and discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging.
Avoid putting unused and expired medicines down the drain or in the toilet.
Visit the FDA’s website to know where and how to discard all unused and expired medicines.
There are anise products made by manufacturers in the United States.
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) and star anise (Illicium verum) have similar flavor profiles and uses.
However, they do not come from the same plant.
Anise and licorice have very similar flavor profiles, but they do not come from the same plant.
Anise is from the parsley family, and licorice is from the pea family.
Both anise and fennel are herbs from the same official family called Apiaceae.
They’re not from the same plant.
They can also ensure youre giving anise a good trial at appropriate doses.
Sources of Anise & What to Look For
There are several different sources of anise.
The FDA has placed anise to its list of approved substances added to food.
Similar to many medications and natural products, side effects and medication interactions are still possible.
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National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.6 things to know about complementary health approaches for seasonal allergy relief.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Chasteberry.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Diabetes and dietary supplements: What you better know.
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