A spice with very ancient origins, it is cultivated throughout the Mediterranean basin. Already known by the ancient Greeks, who exploited its medicinal virtues and used it to flavor foods.
This spice is obtained from an annual herbaceous plant, with white or yellow flowers, which takes the name of Pimpinella Anisum. The seeds are very reminiscent of those of the sunflower, they are collected in summer and dried in the sun.
We are careful not to confuse the spices
Here we are talking about a much loved spice, anise, with its sweet and aromatic scent. It is very reminiscent of mint and fennel.
We often think that green or common anise, just described, and star anise, are the same spice.
In reality this is not the case. Star anise has Asian origins, in particular it comes from China. It has the typical 8 or 12-pointed star shape.
There is also a third type of anise, called peppery anise. It has a very aromatic and spicy flavor.
Whoever gives us this spice does not know that it is helping our intestines
Common anise is used in cooking to flavor and enhance sweet and savory dishes.
But it is also used for the well-being of the body, thanks to its healing properties.
In fact, those who give us this spice do not know that it is helping our intestines. That’s right, the common anise is widely used in case of digestive problems. Its seeds contain anethole which relaxes the muscles of the intestine and counteracts the formation of gas. So it helps digestion, it is a remedy to treat irritable bowel and intestinal bloating.
To obtain an excellent digestive infusion, just put a teaspoon of anise seeds in 200 ml of boiling water and leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Afterwards, strain and drink.
If we don’t have time to prepare the infusion, we can chew the anise seeds immediately after meals. This method aids digestion and perfumes the breath.
(We remind you to carefully read the warnings regarding this article, which can be consulted who”)