There are various tea preparations that contain anise – often together with other spices such as caraway, fennel and peppermint. In bronchial teas, anise fruit is found along with thyme herb and lime blossom. In phytopharmacological preparations, anise is often used either as a flavor corrigendum or as an active ingredient.
Preparations are available in the form of drops, (effervescent) tablets, pastilles, capsules or ointment.
Anise for external use
For external use, anise oil can be inhaled (to do this, inhale 3-5 drops of the oil in hot water for about 10-15 min) or rubbed.
External application of anise preparations should aim at inhalation of the essential oil.
Average daily dose
For internal use, a mean daily dose of 3 g of the drug is recommended, unless otherwise prescribed; for external use, preparations containing 5-10% essential oil can be used.
Preparation of anise tea
To prepare tea, 1-5 g of the freshly crushed fruit (1 teaspoon equals about 3.5 g) is poured over boiling water, left in a covered glass for 10-15 minutes, and then passed through a tea strainer.
Contraindications: When not to take anise?
Anise should not be taken in the presence of an allergy to anise or anethole, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.
Notes on storage
The drug should be kept dry and protected from light, in glass or tin containers. Because of the amount of essential oil in the drug, the fruit should not be stored in plastic containers.
Storage in light and at room temperature may result in the formation of an estrogen (female hormone).
