Name
Pimpinella anisum (Aniseed)
Medical Indication
Part of the plant which can be used
- The dry fruit of the plant.
Present in the market
- Herbal tea.
- Oil.
- Tincture.
Medical Use and Dosage – mode of administration
PIMPINELLA ANISUM has been used as a popular medicine to treat dyspeptic complaints, as well as catarrh of the respiratory tract, and as a mild expectorant. It is also used as anti-septic, for stomachic complains treatment, carminative, stimulant, and to prevent flatulence and colic. Also in dealing with spasmodic gastro-intestinal complaints including bloating and flatulence and as an expectorant in cough and cold.
It stimulates secretions of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, increases the secretion of digestive juices, it has a diastolic effect on the smooth muscle of the intestine, and restores normal peristaltic movements.
It can be used as herbal tea, and the suggested dosage is 1 cup 3 times daily.
We can also use 0.2 ml of anise oil, 3 times daily, or it can be used in tincture.
Posology for the tincture is not available. The suggested dosage of a mixture of anise tincture (120 ml) and anise oil (0.5 ml) is 0.5-1.5 ml three times daily.
For more information see:
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2014/06/WC500168848.pdf
Combinations & Contraindications
Pimpinella can be combined with Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra L., and Cassia angustifolia, and it is largely used in Brazil for the treatment of constipation.
In case of dealing with bronchitis, Pinmpinella can be combined with Tussilago farfara, Marrubium and Lobelia erinus.
In contraindications, people with known sensitivity to aniseed or to Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) (caraway, celery, coriander, dill and fennel) or to anethole should avoid the use of aniseed preparations and anise oil.
It is contraindicated to be used during pregnancy without medical surveillance.
Recognized Ethnobotanical use
Pimpinella is a popular medicine to treat conditions such as dyspeptic complaints, as well as catarrh of the respiratory tract, and as a mild expectorant.