Anise seeds/Aniseeds Benefits For Health, Skin, Hair
Anise seeds, botanical name Pimpinella anisum, has been used since time immemorial for treating a range of health conditions and ailments. This seed and its extracts are a rich source of B complex vitamins and several other important minerals and vitamins. So, these are one seeds that you cannot ignore if you want to enjoy optimal health.This herb is known to have a licorice-like flavor and has many different medicinal purposes, especially as a digestive aid. This spice is widely used as an important ingredient in various foods from baked ones to liquors traditionally as well as in the modern times. It is a good source of micronutrients and minerals like minerals like calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium. Due it its antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, carminative, digestive and stomachic properties it has a wide use in traditional medicines too. Its consumption is very healthy and results in the production of RBC’s and also control heart rate and blood pressure.
In English they know it as Anise seed/Aniseed, it is commonly known as Valaiti Saunf / Aawonf in Hindi, in Tamil and malayalam they call it as Shombu, in Telugu it is known as Kuppi Soptu, in Kannada it is called Sompu, in Bengali it is called Muhuri / Mitha Jira, in Gujarati they call it Anisi / Sowa, in marathi it is called as Badishaep, in Oriya it is called Sop and in punjabi they call it Valaiti Sounf.
Anise Seeds/Aniseeds Benefits for health
Even today, aniseed is used as a home remedy for several ailments, and it can also protect against many other diseases and sicknesses. Some of its health benefits include:1. Anti-Flatulence
Anise seeds can help against bloating and gas. It can be safely used by infants as well as adult in small doses. If you consume aniseed oil after a heavy meal, it will ensure you don’t get gas. The trick is to use fresh powder of anise seeds with salt and lemon. Crush everything to make a semi-solid paste. Now dilute this paste with ample water and drink after meal. It will ensure you don’t get gas or feel bloated. This paste also works well as a laxative and helps in treating constipation. The use of aniseed oil helps in regulating the metabolism of the human body.2. Protects the Heart
Anise seeds helps to control high blood pressure and this, in turn, allows the heart to function properly. It controls the heart beats as well. Anise seed oil can regulate heart beats so that you don’t suffer from arrhythmia or palpitations.3. Anti-Epileptic
One of the properties of anise seeds is that it is a potent sedative. It helps to calm the body by slowing down blood circulation. Hence, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with epilepsy, you will benefit tremendously by consuming anise seed oil. It will help ease the epileptic attack within no time.4. Anti-Hysteric
If you tend to get nervous and worked up for small reasons, you can turn to aniseed for its calming and narcotic properties. However, make sure you take mild doses of anise seeds as large doses can be addictive and counterproductive.5. Antiseptic
It is amazing how a humble seed like anise seeds has so many health benefits. You can apply anise seed oil on open, superficial wounds. It facilitates healing and prevents infections. You can also consume anise seed extract in small doses to find other internal infections, as well.6. Anti-Rheumatic
The main active compound in aniseed is anethole. This compound stimulates blood circulation and eases pain and inflammation. Hence, anise seeds can be a blessing for those diagnosed with rheumatism.7. Antispasmodic
Another useful characteristic of anise seed oil is as an effective antispasmodic. If you are suffering from cramps, spasms, diarrhea or aches, you can apply anise seed oil on the affected area. Woman can get relief from menstrual cramps with this oil.8. Digestive Aid
In India, anise seeds has been used for centuries to help digestion. If you suffer from slow digestion, look to add a few drops of anise seed essential oil in a glass of water and consume it. It can prove to be beneficial, especially after a heavy meal.9. Eases Heartburn
Sometimes, due to overeating, you can suffer from heartburn. You may already know how uncomfortable and unpleasant it can be. Consuming aniseed extract or munching anise seeds can ease the heartburn. Anise essential oil is known to be an effective carminative agent. It works to get rid of the excess gas from the body and helps ease conditions like heartburn and bloated stomach10. Boosts Metabolism
Anise seed essential oil is a stimulant. It is known to promote production of hormones and enzymes in the body, and this, in turn, boosts metabolism. It can also help the brain to stay more alert and active.11. Expectorant
Anise seeds is an expectorant. It flushes out phlegm and mucus from the body and hence, is the perfect home remedy for colds and coughs. It can also be a boon for people with asthma and bronchitis.12. Insecticide
You can use diluted aniseed oil in a vaporizer or sprayer at your home. It can keep disease-causing insects at bay. Hence, you will not have to contend with houseflies, cockroaches and mosquitoes. The oil is poisonous to most household pests and can make your home pest- and disease-free.13. Vermifuge
Intestinal worms are common among children. Instead of using conventional treatment to eliminate these worms, turn to anise seeds. It can purge these worms from your child’s digestive tract and keep stomach infections caused by these worms at bay.14. Eases Insomnia
As stated earlier, anise seeds has calming and narcotic properties. Hence, if you are suffering from insomnia, you can get relief by consuming aniseed. It will lull you to sleep. Make sure you consult a doctor before you take aniseed for insomnia as it requires high dosage that have to be carefully monitored.15. Treats Migraines
Migraine sufferers will be happy to note that anise seeds is a great antidote for their painful headaches. Just apply a paste of anise seeds on your forehead and neck, and it will alleviate migraine.16. Stimulant
Anise essential oil has stimulating property which can benefit us in the following ways. This oil works to stimulate circulation and provides relief from rheumatism and arthritis. It also stimulates secretion of enzymes and hormones which work to boost the body’s metabolism. it also works to stimulate the nervous system and the brain and makes you more active and alert.17. Women Problems
As per research Aniseed oil are known to have properties of estrogen, the female hormone. It works amazingly to treat many hormonal problems in females. It helps to reduce the pain caused by menstrual cramps. Just massage your stomach with aniseed oil during the menstruation, it reduces the contractions. Its also helps in increasing the flow of milk in lactating mothers. Drinking Anise seeds tea twice a day works to give abundant flow of breast milk. Expecting mothers should consume anise seeds as it is known to facilitate with the delivery process.Anise Seeds/Aniseeds Benefits for skin
Anise seed is a potent anti-oxidant. Hence, it can prevent free radical damage to your skin. In fact, it can do wonders for your skin within no time. Here are a few skin benefits of aniseeds.1. Skin Moisturizer
You can add anise seed oil to shea butter to moisturize your skin. It will make your skin supple and smooth.2. Anti-Comedogenic
The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of anise seeds come to good stead if your skin is prone to acne and breakouts. It will destroy the acne-causing bacteria to give you smooth and flawless skin.3. Anti-Aging
Anethol in aniseed can also work wonders on aging skin. If you have fine line and wrinkles, you can ease them by using anise seed oil regularly.4. Skin Brightener
The oil can make your skin smooth and give it an envious glow. It helps your skin appear brighter and more lustrous.Anise Seeds/Aniseeds Benefits for Hair
It is amazing that these small seeds pack such a punch. Not only can it do wonders for your health and skin, anise seeds can also work miracles on your crowning glory.
1. Stimulates Hair Growth
If you have always wanted thick and long hair, massage your hair regularly with anise seeds. It will stimulate hair growth. It is best to use anise seed oil with coconut oil for this purpose.2. Repairs Damaged Hair
Sun, dust and pollution can damage your hair, making it brittle. You can repair your damaged hair by generously massaging your scalp and hair with anise seed oil.3. Anti-Dandruff
The antiseptic and moisturizing properties of anise seeds can ease dandruff and it symptoms. Of course, you will have to massage your hair with this oil for it to be effective.4. Combats Scalp Infections
If you have lice, scabies or any other scalp infection, aniseeds can get rid of them so that you do not feel ashamed to flash your lustrous hair.Anise seeds has many health benefits. However, if taken in large doses, it is dangerous due to its narcotic properties. Also, anethole present in anise seeds is similar to human estrogen. It can prepone your menstrual period or hasten the progress of estrogen-fed malignancies. So, use anise seeds with care and you will have no reason to worry.