Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Anise
Contemporary herbalists continue to recommend anise as it has been used for more than 2,000 years-for cough, bronchitis, upset stomach, and flatulence. Some also suggest taking it for morning sickness. Still, one popular herb guide flatly states: “None of anise’s purported medicinal properties has been investigated scientifically.” Clearly, someone hasn’t been reading the medical journals.
Cough Remedy. Science has supported anise’s traditional use as a treatment for coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. According to several studies, the herb contains chemicals (creosol and alpha-pinene) that loosen bronchial secretions and make them easier to cough up.
Digestive Aid - Another chemical (anethole) in anise acts as a digestive aid, which supports its traditional use after meals.
Women’s Health - Anise also contains chemicals (dianethole and photoanethole) similar to the female sex hormone estrogen. Scientists suggest their presence probably accounts for the herb’s traditional use as a milk promoter in nursing mothers.
Anise has only mild estrogenic activity, but it may help relieve menopausal discomforts.
Men’s Health - Female sex hormones similar to estrogen are used to treat some cases of prostate cancer. Of course, by itself anise cannot treat this disease, but men taking hormone therapy for prostate cancer should discuss anise’s mild estrogenic action with their physician. Taking the herb in addition to standard medication can’t hurt-and it might help.
Intriguing Possibility - One report shows that anise spurs the regeneration of liver cells in laboratory rats, suggesting a possible value in treating hepatitis and cirrhosis. While there are no studies that support using anise to treat liver disease in humans, anise looks promising in this area.
Rx for Anise
For an infusion, gently crush 1 teaspoon of anise seeds per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes and strain. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
In a tincture, take 112 to 1 teaspoon up to three times a day. Diluted anise infusions may be given cautiously to infants to treat colic. For older children and people over 65, begin with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.