anise tea. Black tea with anise and lemon

Andrey Starikov, 2192

Anise-based drinks have been drunk for better digestion since antiquity. It is no secret that in those distant times in Greece, as well as Rome, the cult of gluttony reigned, so they knew a lot about substances that help awaken appetite. At the same time, it was found out empirically that the anise aroma that fills the rooms and soaks the clothes inclines to a quick fall asleep, and a couple of sips of anise tea drunk immediately before falling asleep make the dream stronger and calmer. They said that if the tea is strong, then the drowsiness will be the same.

In the countries of the post-Soviet space, knowledge about anise spread not so long ago, but already in our country anise is in a place of honor among the necessary medicinal plants. Today this miracle is cultivated not only in the progenitor countries, but also in some others, as it is in very high demand. In any pharmacy, without much difficulty, you can buy tinctures, herbal teas, anise-based medicines. As a rule, they are used to calm, as well as in the nutrition of children, including newborns.

Anise has a sweet smell, spicy and very charming, thanks to which it is often included in aromatic oils. Every self-respecting spice shop offers this useful product enriching our body beneficial substances. Let's learn a little more about this plant.

At what age can you start giving anise tea to a child?

According to experts, it is useful to use anise from the seventh month of life, however, you should know that such babies need very little concentration.
At the age of up to a year, it is advisable to give anise not brewed with boiling water, but pour it with cool boiled water and insist longer, do not drink often.
After twelve months, you can begin to brew anise based on fruit or any other herbal teas intended for the age of your child, consumed two to three times a day.
From the age of ten, you can prepare a drink based on weak brewing of black or green tea, drink up to four times. Before starting use, it is advisable to consult a specialist.

benefits of anise tea

will be indispensable for those suffering from insomnia or people with symptoms of disturbed sleep.
will help to cope with spasms, bloating, flatulence, poor digestibility of food.
contributes to the normalization of body temperature in case of colds.
good for prevention in the season of colds.
when taken daily, it will remove excess water from the body, thanks to the diuretic components that make up its composition.
improve peristalsis.

Contraindications

In general, it is harmless and not allergenic, but it can harm those who suffer from gastrointestinal ailments, especially during their exacerbation. And of course, you should observe the daily dose and not abuse it.

Delicious and healthy recipe

For 200 ml of boiling water, take a teaspoon without a hill of ground anise fruits, or take four to five whole fruits. Let it brew for ten minutes for a richer taste. If you are preparing a drink based on black, green or fruit tea, then pour half a cup of boiling water, let it stand, and then add the warm prepared anise infusion. Happy tea!

You can additionally learn about the healing properties of anise from this 4-minute video:

Anise fruits, along with the essential oil obtained from them, are used not only in medicine and perfumery. Culinary experts around the world add aromatic spice to fish and meat dishes, confectionery. It is also appreciated in the alcohol industry. But on the basis of anise, you can cook not only strong alcohol but also useful delicious tea with a light refreshing scent.

The ancient Greeks and Romans knew about the beneficial properties of anise, and there are references to it in the writings of Avicenna. The plant is cultivated everywhere from America to Japan. In Russia, they began to grow it in the 19th century as a valuable essential oil crop.

The value of an anise is determined by its chemical composition, in which the concentration essential oil reaches 3.5-6%. In addition, the content of protein substances in the plant reaches 20%, and fatty oils up to 28%.

The main value of anise ester is that it improves the excretory function of the respiratory tract. A particularly pronounced effect of the use is noticeable in children, liquefaction and expectoration of sputum improves. Anise tea, both in collections and as a monocomponent, soothes nervous system, normalizes sleep.

In addition to the expectorant, among pharmacological properties anise fruits: lactogenic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, choleretic, gastrointestinal, carminative, anti-inflammatory.

Anise oil improves bowel function by relieving spasms of smooth muscles. It is often introduced into the composition of laxatives and gastric fees.

Anise infusion is not only effective against coughs, but also removes odor from the mouth when rinsing, and helps with inflammation of the gums. Also in ancient East healers prescribed chewing seeds to strengthen teeth and improve their appearance.

It is believed that the oil in the treatment of hands and face protects against mosquito bites. As part of many cosmetic preparations, it helps to rejuvenate and tighten the skin.

Among the contraindications to taking funds based on seeds and anise oil:

individual intolerance;
pregnancy;
children's age up to 3 years;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
increased blood clotting.

It should also be borne in mind that anise essential oil can be an allergen, so it is necessary to pass a reaction test before using it.

How to brew and drink

When choosing anise seeds for further cooking, you need to pay attention to color. High-quality ones are distinguished by a light brown color and a strong aroma. The dark ones, most likely, were stale on the counter, or they were collected too late and they were overripe.

The recipe for a decoction in a water bath

Pour 5 g of anise (1 teaspoon) into a small bowl and pour 200 ml of boiling water. Cover tightly with a lid, place over a larger container of boiling water and keep in a water bath for 15 minutes. After this, the broth should be infused for another 45 minutes. Then strain the liquid and add water to the original volume. This infusion is stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of a day.

As an expectorant drink ¼ cup 3-4 times a day half an hour before meals, shaking before use.

Classic way

Anise infusion can be brewed like regular tea at the rate of 1 tsp. crushed seeds in a glass of boiling water. Insist 10 minutes. Also a good way to take this tea with honey. Available at the pharmacy ready tea with anise, cumin and fennel.

Vitamin with lime zest

Pour into a thermos or teapot 0.5 tsp. grated anise seeds (it is convenient to do this in a mortar), cinnamon stick, chopped lime zest (can be replaced with lemon) and sliced \u200b\u200bginger root (0.5-1 cm). Pour 500 ml of boiling water. Insist 20-30 minutes. Strain.

Chilled, by no means hot drink can be sweetened with honey. This tea has a tonic effect, invigorates, gives strength and energy.

For bronchitis, pharyngitis or cough, as an expectorant

1 st. l. grind anise seeds and pour 200 ml cold water and cook on low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from the stove, insist 50-60 minutes. Strain. Drink four times a day for ½ cup.

When using also various infusions and decoctions of anise, one must still remember that this plant has a powerful healing effect and drink them instead. usual tea it is impossible, it is necessary to observe the dosage. In addition, it should not be confused with star anise, which is called "star anise", as well as with cumin, sometimes called "wild or field anise." These are completely different plants with their own properties and contraindications.

For centuries, mankind has actively used anise to treat the most various diseases. The greenish seeds of this plant were highly valued in Ancient Greece and Rome, and in the East they were even used to pay taxes. Today, anise seeds help people all over the world fight diseases ranging from digestive systems s and ending with low libido.

What is anise?

Common anise, Pimpinella anisum, Anisum vulgare, Anisum officinarum, Anise - this is the whole name of one plant, which, however, should not be confused with another anise - Chinese, or also known as real star anise. It is the Chinese plant that bears fruit in the form of an asterisk. But now we are talking about a completely different grass. The fruits of the common anise are seeds called cumin.

This is herbaceous plant belongs to the celery family and can grow up to a meter. Corrugated stems and leaves sprout from thin spindle-shaped roots, which form pinnate lobes. In spring, white flowers with a delicate sweet aroma appear on the plants. In late August - early September, seeds are formed. Native lands for this plant are Egypt, Asia Minor, Greece. Although at present, when favorable conditions are created, anise is able to grow in almost any corner of the Earth.

Active Ingredients

Anise seeds are 18 percent composed of, 8-23% - from, 2-7% - from essential oils, 5% - from, 12-25 percent of the composition - this, the rest -.

Anise seeds have a delicious aroma due to the high concentration of anethole essential oil. They also serve as a source for , . These minerals are essential for heart function, proper blood circulation, healthy bones, and help turn food into energy. , which are part of anise seeds, are important for the functioning of the brain.

Anise: benefits and harms to the body

The history of human use of anise as a medicine with a spicy aroma goes back at least 4,000 years. As historians suggest, it all started from Egypt. There, according to ancient records, the plant was used as a diuretic and to treat toothache. In ancient Greek medical records, there is a mention of anise as a means to improve the functioning of the respiratory system, an analgesic, as well as a diuretic and a thirst-squeezing plant.

From the 1800s, the era of commercial use of cumin oils began. Then anise was noticed by cosmetics manufacturers and detergents. AT Food Industry known as a spicy additive to a wide variety of product categories, including spirits, dairy, jellies, puddings, meats, sweets.

Anise essential oil, as well as teas from it, are widely used in medicine. For what purpose? This is what we are trying to understand now.

Medicinal properties anise:

facilitates expectoration;
relieves bloating (including in children);
antispasmodic;
antiseptic;
soothes cough in bronchitis and asthma;
relieves pain in laryngitis and pharyngitis;
relieves insomnia;
stimulates appetite;
relieves abdominal cramps;
reduces nausea.

In addition, anise oil in folk medicine used to treat pediculosis, scabies, psoriasis. And for nursing mothers, this remedy is suitable for improving milk production.

Other useful properties of anise

In addition to these medicinal effects, other properties of this plant are also known. In particular, due to its antibacterial action, it is introduced into the composition of some toothpastes. And the anti-inflammatory properties are compared with the effect of aspirin.

Anise essential oil protect DNA cells from free radicals, prevent the formation of malignant tumors.

There is also an opinion that anise is able to reduce. A 60-day experience has shown that daily consumption of seeds in powder reduces blood sugar levels by 36%, and also regulates the concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Crushed cumin seeds, applied to the forehead, neck or temples, relieve headaches, in particular migraine attacks. An experiment on rats showed that anise promotes the absorption of iron, thereby serving as a prophylactic against anemia.

This plant also has calming properties. Thymol, linalol, terpineol, eugenol, which are part of the anise, reduce the manifestation of nervousness and anxiety. Interestingly, cumin (seeds) belongs to the group of aphrodisiac plants. In addition, it has a mild laxative and diuretic effect. In combination with sassafras oil, it serves as a means for the destruction of pests (moths, bedbugs, cockroaches, lice). Fishermen introduce anise into the composition of the bait.

In the food industry, as a seasoning, it is added to meat, fish, soups and sauces, pickles and confectionery.

Dosages

To date, there are no clearly defined norms for the consumption of anise, as well as daily norms for it have not been calculated. But most often for the treatment of disorders of the digestive system, from half to 2 grams of seeds or 0.2-0.3 ml of essential oil are used.

In the form of an infusion, usually take 1-2 teaspoons of crushed seeds in a glass of boiling water. In the form of oil, herbalists advise consuming 1 drop of the substance with half a teaspoon of honey.

This plant is considered safe for humans, meanwhile, the abuse of seeds or essential oil can give side effects in the form of an allergic rash, complications of the respiratory and digestive systems. An overdose of essential oil causes vomiting, convulsions, and sometimes pulmonary edema, paralysis, mental disorders, coma.

The main contraindication for taking funds from anise is pregnancy. Since this plant has abortive abilities.

How to prepare seeds

After harvesting, anise seeds are dried in special trays until they turn grayish brown. Then you can grind to a powder state and store in a hermetically sealed container or use whole. This is the well-known anise seasoning - cumin.

Anise oil is obtained from the seeds of the herb by steam distillation. The highest quality product is obtained from ripe seeds located in the center of the umbrella. The range of application of anise oil is extremely wide - from the food industry to pharmacology.

The chemical composition of anise oil varies depending on where the herb is grown. But in most cases, 80-90 percent of the substance is anethole, which gives a specific smell to the product, as well as some other chemical elements.

Anise oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, expectorant properties. Therefore, it is often included in cough syrups and lozenges. Due to its special composition, it loosens mucus in respiratory tract, facilitates breathing with asthma and SARS. Antibacterial properties make it effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli. In the list of fungi that are afraid of anise, there is Candida. The relaxing abilities of the oil help relieve cramps and spasms of various origins.

How to make anise oil

Industrial production of anise oil is a labor-intensive multi-stage process. But small portions of the product can be made at home. For this you will need:

cumin seeds (dry);
base oil (for example, almond);
mortar for grinding seeds;
gauze;
glass container.

Grind dry seeds in a mortar so that oil comes out (but do not bring to the consistency of a powder). Pour into glass container and add the base oil (the liquid should completely cover the seeds). Close the container tightly and put it under the sun's rays (this will speed up the release of oil from the crushed seeds). Strain through cheesecloth. Store prepared anise oil in a cool, dry place.

Common anise tea

When the disease has tightened the throat and it is difficult to swallow, it pesters a cough of any origin (bronchial, allergic, asthmatic or after smoking), it will help to get rid of unpleasant symptoms. anise tea. It is prepared from fresh or dried seeds of the plant.

Another useful property of tea is the treatment of flatulence, getting rid of the feeling of heaviness after overeating, and, like ginger, anise relieves nausea.

If you sweeten your drink with honey, you can get an alternative to high-calorie drinks, and the antibacterial properties of anise will freshen your breath after drinking tea.

seed tea recipe

To make anise tea, you need a teaspoon of seeds and a glass boiled water. Put on fire and boil for no more than a minute. Let it brew. Drink anise tea in a glass after each main meal. This decoction is effective for bronchitis, asthma, slow digestion.

Other anise recipes

General strengthening tincture

Pour 40 g of seeds with a glass of vodka. Insist from a week to 10 days. Take 20-25 drops three times a day.

Mouthwash infusion

2 tsp seeds mixed with a glass of boiling water. Strain after an hour. Rinse your mouth and throat several times a day.

A decoction of cumin

20 g of cumin seeds pour 200 ml of boiling water. Boil for 15 minutes, then insist another 20 minutes. Strain, add 20 g of honey and the same amount of cognac. Take warm 1 tablespoon three times a day.

Anise in cosmetology

Anise oil is an excellent remedy for improving the condition of sagging skin. The remedies below are easy to prepare yourself at home.

Mask for aging skin

1 tablespoon carrier oil (any vegetable oil) add 2 drops of anise essential oil. Mix thoroughly and apply with light massaging movements to the skin of the face, neck and décolleté.

Rejuvenation mask

In 2 tablespoons of sour cream, add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 drop of essential anise oil. After applying to the face, keep for 10 minutes. Remove residue with a paper towel.

Mask for skin elasticity

For this remedy, you will need 1 tablespoon of grated carrots, 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon of anise decoction. Mix all ingredients until a paste is obtained. Keep on the face for about 10 minutes.

Moisturizing mask

Prepare a gruel from 2 tablespoons of grated cucumber and the same amount oatmeal, 1 teaspoon decoction of anise seeds. Apply with light movements on the face, after 10 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Mask for very dry skin

Peel and chop still warm potatoes in their skins, add warm milk and 1 drop of essential anise oil to it. Mix until the consistency of thick sour cream and apply on the skin of the face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

Despite its external simplicity and wide distribution, anise has a whole range of useful properties. It is a pity that many in this plant see only a weed and mercilessly eradicate it, forgetting that cumin plays important role to maintain health, and in some cases can serve as the most effective medicine, which has no analogues in pharmacies.

Anise tea is a wonderful drink that can quench your thirst and make you invigorated for a long time. However, this drink also has a number of medicinal properties. Anise is a plant that can be found in the wild only in one country in the world - Greece. It blooms in the first two months of summer, June and July. But anise is grown in almost every country in the world on special plantations. The essential oil of this plant is widely used in medicine, not only in folk medicine, but also in the official one.

Anise is used as a mild disinfectant. It is also used as an expectorant. In addition, this plant can help with gastric and intestinal colic, as it has an anti-spasmodic effect. Tea from anise grains is also used for antipyretic, as well as diuretic effect. During tea with anise can stimulate the release of milk from the mammary glands.

Pounded fruits of the plant can be used to treat mild burns, in addition, tea from the plant can also be consumed for a mild effect. Due to its disinfectant and expectorant effect, anise is well used to treat cough, bronchitis, whooping cough, as well as other diseases of the upper respiratory tract, trachea and bronchi. It can become an additional tool in the fight against tracheitis and laryngitis.

Pharmacists use anise fruits for syrups, oils and ammonia drops.

Also, the plant can be used to treat nervous vomiting, nervous dyspepsia, swelling, and diarrhea. In addition, it is used to eliminate intestinal bleeding, and women with painful menstruation. In folk medicine, anise is also used for dizziness, asthma, scurvy, and increased heartbeat.

Use of anise in other areas

The fruits of this plant are added to food to give it certain taste qualities. However, the taste of anise is quite specific and not everyone may like it. In addition, anise is used in industry as an additive to flavor toothpastes.

Tea with anise: recipe

Before making a drink, you need to choose the right seeds. They should not be a dark brown color, as this is the first sign that the seeds are old and you will not get the flavor that is so important in tea from them. It is best to buy young seeds of the plant and store them whole in a dark place out of sunlight, preferably in closed glass containers. If stored improperly, they can quickly lose their healing properties.

Have you ever drunk anise tea? The list of plants that a person uses for cooking or drinking can take several dozen pages. Among them it will be possible to see many names familiar to everyone, but there are also plants that are not very widely known, but have the same wonderful palatability and medicinal properties.

Anise ordinary can be attributed to such plants. It is also used to make tea, which will appeal to lovers of spicy taste. This drink has a specific aroma, but is very popular, as it has a healing effect on the entire body.

A little about anise

Common anise is an annual plant of the umbrella family, up to 60 cm high. An upright plant with inconspicuous flowers in the form of complex umbrellas. in culinary and medical purposes the fruits of the plant are used, very small, with a ribbed surface. The fruits have a sweetish-spicy pleasant taste and aroma.

The homeland of anise is the Mediterranean coast, but now it is successfully grown in Russia. Tea with anise has been known since ancient Rome. It was drunk by all people of all social strata, using it to improve digestion after a hearty meal or for better sleep.

Pythagoras wrote that this plant freshens breath, rejuvenates the face and improves sleep. And today this drink enjoys well-deserved popularity in different countries world, especially in the Middle East.

Useful properties and contraindications

The main value of anise seeds is the essential oil, which includes anethole. It is this substance that gives seeds spicy taste. It also contains sugars, organic chlorogenic and caffeic acids, fatty oil, proteins and other components.

So what is the benefit of anise tea?

In medicine

It is used:

to reduce bloating and eliminate the problems of indigestion, since the fruits have an antispasmodic effect;
it improves the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and normalizes the work of the pancreas;
as an antitussive and expectorant, since tea stimulates the bronchi (anise is often included in pharmaceutical collections against coughs, medicines or chest collections;
it is used to treat laryngitis, tracheitis and other respiratory diseases);
to relieve inflammation of the eyes and to improve vision;
it increases lactation in women in the postpartum period, and also relieves menstrual pain;
to improve the activity of the uterine mucosa, which contributes to conception;
as an antipyretic, anti-cold and anti-inflammatory agent;
for rinsing the mouth with colds and inflammatory diseases.

In some cases, anise tea is prescribed to enhance the action of antibiotics.

Use in cosmetology

In this area, anise also found application. Since the oil of this plant has the ability to have a relaxing effect on the muscles, cosmetologists have developed a formula for creams with anise extract to smooth wrinkles. At home, for the same purposes, you can add two or three drops of essential oil to a face mask. But the composition with anise cannot be used if there are pimples or irritations on the skin, so as not to cause the appearance of dermatitis.

Contraindications for use

Like any plant that has big list useful properties, anise has almost the same list of contraindications, which should be treated very carefully. It is necessary to strictly observe the dosage when preparing a medicinal drink, since an excessive amount can lead to dizziness or severe irritation of the stomach.

This is, first of all, individual intolerance to the plant and, as a result, an allergic reaction in the form of skin rashes or inflammatory processes. The diuretic effect of anise is quite strong, so you need to know that it can cause dehydration, which must be compensated by drinking plenty of water.

In chronic gastritis or gastric ulcer in the acute stage, the use of tea with anise is also not recommended. Taking anise tincture for alcohol can provoke a miscarriage, so taking anise in any form is prohibited for pregnant women. The seeds of this plant are also contraindicated for people with increased blood clotting.

Classic recipe

To obtain maximum benefit from medicinal plant it needs to be brewed properly. The recipe for anise tea is very simple.
To do this, you will need the following components:

teapot with a volume of one liter;
seeds - 1 teaspoon;
boiling water.

Pour the seeds with boiling water and let it brew for about 10 minutes.
Strain the drink and drink.

If the aroma seems strong, then you can add the drink to regular tea or dilute it with water. It is advisable to drink such tea without the addition of milk or citrus fruits, so as not to reduce therapeutic effect. Exotic lovers can add finely ground walnuts to anise tea.