Green anise, medicinal properties for gas and flatulence

The green anise is what we know as the seeds of **Pimpinella anisum**, an aromatic plant with medicinal properties to eliminate intestinal gas and improve digestion. It is highly valued for its benefits and, like star anise and matalauva, its sweet seeds can be easily cultivated in temperate climates in southwestern Asia and along the Mediterranean coast.

Properties of green anise

It can be used as whole seeds or ground to prepare different drinks due to its sweet and spiced flavor. It can be mixed with alcohol to produce a strong liqueur or prepared as infusions of green anise with digestive properties:

• • Carminative.
  • Relieves flatulence.
  • Antispasmodic.
  • Relieves colic in babies.
  • Improves digestion.
  • Eliminates bad breath.

• Anti-inflammatory.
• Mild diuretic.

This type of apiaceous herb is valued for its beneficial effects on human health. It provides a protective effect on the intestinal mucosa while reducing gas produced during digestion.

The antispasmodic effect is also important as it relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract, preventing gas caused by nervous tension or poorly tolerated foods.

Thanks to its characteristics and properties, green anise is ideal for people who suffer from intestinal colic, both adults and babies. It is also an essential condiment in the diets of patients with dyspepsia.

Anise for gas

It is effective against flatulence. Its carminative and digestive effects reduce abdominal bloating. Anise for gas is a remedy that can be used at home in an affordable way. To do this you must do the following:

1. Heat a glass of water until it reaches the boiling point.
2. Add one tablespoon of green or star anise to an infuser.
3. Let it steep for 5 minutes.
4. Remove the seeds or strain the infusion with a strainer if the anise was added directly to the water.

The treatment for intestinal gas with anise is complete. You only need to repeat it a couple of times for 5 days to see results and achieve a flatter abdomen.

Tip: If you also notice stomach discomfort or experience heavy digestion, you can take chamomile with anise. It is a simple and effective remedy against indigestion and stomach heaviness. To increase its strength, you can add a teaspoon of caraway seeds to the infusion and a piece of fennel bulb for its properties.

Contraindications and side effects

Although its toxicity is very low, certain individuals may develop an allergy when they ingest its seeds or drink a liquid that contains it. Both star anise and green anise can be taken safely but if it is your first time, always use caution.

The monoterpene anethole is a main component of its composition and is the element that causes rash and stomach discomfort in some people. Because anethole from anise is neurotoxic in large amounts, it can cause alterations in nervous system function. The side effects of green anise are:

• Nausea.
• Dizziness.
• Alteration of heart rhythm.
• Mood changes.
• Disorientation.

Is it bad to take a lot of anise?

In principle it is not harmful but the amount must always be controlled. In the form of anise seeds, whole or ground, it is very difficult to reach toxic levels. The maximum amount is very high as long as it is consumed as seeds or infusions. An adult would have to consume a very large quantity to notice the narcotic effects of anethole or otherwise stop assimilating its nutritional contribution and instead be negatively affected by the plant material of the seeds.

On the other hand, when using anise essential oil, more care is required. Essential oils have a higher concentration of active principles and can produce adverse effects more easily. Therefore, always follow the indications and doses for green and star anise.

Otherwise, if you have not tried it yet, you will discover its digestive benefits. It tastes good and provides constant relief from abdominal bloating.