Chasteberry: Initial studies suggest that chasteberry might help relieve menstrual period symptoms. But the evidence isn't strong enough to conclude one way or another.

You can use aniseed in many ways- the seeds can be cooked with, the herb can be infused and made into an aniseed tea or aniseed essential oil can be used to treat different ailments and medical problems. Samojlik I, Petkovic S, Stilinovic N, et al. Pharmacokinetic herb-drug interaction between essential oil of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L., Apiaceae) and acetaminophen and caffeine: A potential risk for clinical practice. Phytother Res 2016;30:253-9. View abstract. Omidvar,S, et al. (2012). Effect of fennel on pain intensity in dysmenorrhoea: Aplacebo-controlled trial. DOI: In one four-week study, 72 women with hot flashes took either a placebo or a capsule containing 330 mg of anise seed three times daily. Those taking anise experienced a nearly 75% reduction in severity and frequency of hot flashes ( 12).ANISE,” WebMD; http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-582-anise.aspx?activeingredientid=582&activeingredientname=anise, last accessed March 31, 2017. It’s often utilized in classical Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, especially as a flavor enhancer in broths, soups and curries.

Some birth control pills contain estrogen. Taking anise along with birth control pills might decrease the effects of birth control pills. If you take birth control pills along with anise, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom.Agarwarl,R. (2008). Oculohypotensive effects of foeniculum vulgare in experimentalmodels of glaucoma [Abstract]. The two chemicals present in anise, dianethole and photoanethole, are similar to the female sex hormone estrogen, which helps relieve menstrual pain. A study published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research in 2012, shows that anise may help relieve hot flashes in women undergoing menopause. Anise tea helps women suffering from irregular periods, and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. 5. Helps lactating mothers Abdul-Hamid M, Gallaly SR. Ameliorative effect of Pimpinella anisum oil on immunohistochemical and ultrastuctural changes of cerebellum of albino rats induced by aspartame. Ultrastruct Pathol. 2014 May;38(3):224-36. doi:10.3109/01913123.2014.889259

In conclusion, anise provides many health benefits. You can include it in your diet by drinking anise tea, or by using it as a spice in your meals. We can see that anise is especially useful in women’s health due to the presence of phytoestrogen. Although drinking anise tea has multiple benefits, people who are allergic or hypersensitive to anise should avoid this spice. In addition to pregnant women, women who take contraceptive pills, or those who are on medication for certain types of cancers should not take anise tea, as it may intervene with the medication. Menopause is the natural decline in women’s reproductive hormones during aging, resulting in symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue and dry skin. Anise is a herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family. The leaves of the anise plant are used as a herb while the seeds are used as a spice. Anise seeds are oblong or curved, comma shaped, and three to four millimeters long. They are light brown in color, and have thin strips over the surface. Anise seeds and leaves are also used to make anise tea. Aniseed tea made by boiling water and steeping aniseed in it is an excellent cure for insomnia. To make it more palatable, you can add either honey or hot milk. Have this before going to bed for a sound night’s sleep.Test-tube research indicates that other bioactive compounds found in star anise essential oil, like terpene linalool, may suppress biofilm and cell wall formation of infectious fungi in humans ( 10).

Wuthrich, B. and Dietschi, R. [The celery-carrot-mugwort-condiment syndrome: skin test and RAST results]. Schweiz.Med Wochenschr. 3-16-1985;115(11):258-264. View abstract. Ozcan, M. Effect of spice hydrosols on the growth of Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 strain. J Med.Food 2005;8(2):275-278. View abstract.So let’s find out more about this wonderful herbal infusion. What are some of the great benefits of drinking anise seed tea? What are some of the most commonly asked questions about it? How do you make it? What does it taste like? Kreydiyyeh SI, Usta J, Knio K, et al. Aniseed oil increases glucose absorption and reduces urine output in the rat. Life Sci 2003;74:663-73. View abstract. abdominal pain, ↓bloating + reflux, ↓diarrhea, ↓constipation severity, ↓headache + tiredness, ↑subjective QOL scores