Anise Tea Benefits: A Detailed List
The seeds from the anise plant, Pimpinella anisum, are used to make anise tea. These seeds are primarily comprised of a natural compound named anethole. Anethole has been studied extensively and has many health benefits. Anethole comprises 75-90% of the active compounds found in these seeds. I have created this list of anise tea benefits to describe the positive effects of this tea in detail. Unlike most websites, I take the time to read the scientific research associated with anise tea. A majority of the benefits listed below reference studies that can be seen on the
NCBI website.
Discover the Best Anise Seeds for Tea on my separate post.
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Morphine Dependence
A 2002 study discovered that injecting mice with anise essential oil resulted in aversive effects for mice with morphine dependence. They believe that the anise may reduce the morphine effects via a GABA mechanism.
Improved Digestion
Anise tea is extremely therapeutic for the digestive system. It displays carminative effects which help improve digestion. Since it enhances digestive features, it is excellent treatment for the digestive problems. Many different cultures consume anise with large meals to help digest the food and prevent nausea.
Laxative
A 2010 clinical trial of anise analyzed its effectiveness as a laxative. Anise was combined with three other ingredients to create a compound. This compound is primarily used in Brazil to treat constipation. It was given to 20 participants suffering from chronic constipation. The results recorded the laxative effects of the anise compound when compared with placebo. The participants spent less time in the restroom and had an increased number of daily bowel movements. As a result, the researchers recommended the compound as a safe alternative for the treatment of constipation.
Antioxidant Activity
Several studies have reported the strong antioxidant activity of simple water extracts of anise seeds. Anise seeds are effective in fighting free radicals that damage the human body. The seeds reduce oxidative stress. This improves overall health and wellness, and it also strengthens the immune system.
“Oxidative stress is now thought to make a significant contribution to all inflammatory diseases (arthritis etc.), ischemic diseases (heart diseases, stroke, etc.), hemochromatosis, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, emphysema, organ transplantation, gastric ulcers, hypertension and preeclampsia, neurological disorder (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy), alcoholism, smoking-related diseases, and many others.”
–
Pharmacogn Rev., 2010
Lower Blood Sugar
The study of patients with Type 2 Diabetes found that anise seeds have antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects. The same study showed increased levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Coriander seeds had similar effects.
Antiviral Effects
A recent study analyzed the antiviral effects of anise and fennel seeds. The immune stimulating effects of the seeds were studied as well. The research shows that both seeds cause these effects which may help protect against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, human cytomegalovirus, and measles virus.
Antibacterial
A majority of the anise studies are related to the seed’s antibacterial effects. One of the primary studies found a water extract of anise seeds exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against four common bacteria. This included
Staphylococcus aureus (Staph Infection), Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep Infection), Escherchia coli (E. Coli), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Klebsiella Infection).
Antifungal Effects
Research has also documented the antifungal effects of Anise seeds. These studies have found that active compounds found in the seeds exhibited antifungal activities against yeasts and dermatophytes (skin fungi). This means that Anise seeds can be used to treat ringworm. The stronger preparations of anise seeds (essential oils) were better at fighting yeast and skin fungus.
Treatment for Stomach Ulcers
A stomach ulcer, also known as a peptic ulcer, is a lesion or small hole in the gastric lining. The primary cause is the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Both anise and licorice contain a compound called anethole that inhibits the growth and eventually can eliminate this bacteria.
Relief from Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramping)
Anise tea contains natural compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen. Consuming the tea reduces the intensity and duration of menstrual cramping.
Hot Flashes
The study concluded that anise extract used for menopausal hot flashes lead to a significant reduction in hot flash frequency and intensity.
Promote Skin Health (Insecticidal Properties)
Anise seeds can control small insects and mites including lice and scabies. Anise seeds can be ground into a paste that is effective in treating and killing lice and scabies.
Recent studies have shown that Anise seed essential oils exhibit these insecticidal effects.
Reduction of Seizures
Anise seeds exhibit anticonvulsant effects which can help reduce the onset & mortality of seizures. A study reported an increased delay in the onset of seizure in the mice which had been pretreated with anise essential oil. It also delayed death more effectively than another anticonvulsant, phenobarbital. Another study were found to delay the onset of picrotoxin-induced seizures and to decrease the mortality rate.
Reduced Flatulence & Bloating
Anise tea is effective in reducing stomach gas and bloating. The antispasmodic effects of the anise seeds impact the smooth muscles of the intestine. This impact means that anise tea allows these muscles to relax which relieves gas, bloating and stomach cramps.
Fights Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Anise seeds are known for their pleasant aroma which result in anise tea covering bad breath. Consuming the tea also introduces antimicrobial compounds that suppress the growth and help eliminate the smelly bacteria that cause bad breath.
