Illicium verum is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to northeast Vietnam and southwest China. A spice commonly called star anise, staranise, star anise seed, Chinese star anise, or badian that closely resembles anise in flavor is obtained from the star-shaped pericarps of the fruit of I. verum which are harvested just before ripening. Star anise oil is a highly fragrant oil used in cooking, perfumery, soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and skin creams. About 90% of the world's star anise crop is ...

illicium verum

The-most-popular-herbal-liqueurs-in-the-world

The most popular herbal liqueurs in the world 

Sassolino-di-Modena-/PROVINCE-OF-MODENA,-ITALY/

Sassolino di Modena /PROVINCE OF MODENA, ITALY/ 

Sassolino-di-Modena-/PROVINCE-OF-MODENA,-ITALY/_0_0

Sassolino di Modena (or sasolino only) is an anise-flavored liqueur that first appeared in the 19th century. The original version of the liqueur is dense and resembles syrup and is often addressed as a female drink due to its low alcohol content.&nbsp;

Sassolino-di-Modena-/PROVINCE-OF-MODENA,-ITALY/_0_1

It is claimed that the drink was invented by Swiss pharmacists who settled in the area and was eventually promoted by the cadets from the Military Academy in Modena, who had a summer camp in Sassuolo.

Sassolino-di-Modena-/PROVINCE-OF-MODENA,-ITALY/_0_2

This clear and bright liqueur has a distinctive aroma of star anise and is usually consumed as a DJ, served pure or with ice. It is also often included in desserts or added to coffee to make caff&egrave; corretto.

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Galliano-/LIVORNO,-ITALY/

Galliano /LIVORNO, ITALY/

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Galliano is a sweet herbal liqueur created in 1896 by Italian distiller and brandy producer Arturo Miteri from Livorno, Tuscany. The star element in "Galliano" is vanilla, which distinguishes it from other anise-flavored liqueurs such as Sambuca, Pernod or Anisette, but the extensive list of ingredients also includes Chinese star anise, Mediterranean anise, juniper, yarrow (Achillea millefolium) &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/en/pubmed/Minireview_on_Achillea_millefolium_Linn_23959026" target="_blank" data-ref="Minireview on Achillea millefolium Linn. | Herbal &amp; Natural Medicine" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a> , ginger (Zingiber officinale) &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/en/pubmed/Zingiber_officinale_ginger_Monograph_12946242" target="_blank" data-ref="Zingiber officinale (ginger). Monograph. | Herbal &amp; Natural Medicine" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp; lavender (Lavandula) &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14546" target="_blank" data-ref="Lavandula" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a> , cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14482" target="_blank" data-ref="Cinnamon" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a> and mint (Mentha)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14450" target="_blank" data-ref="Mentha" rel="noopener"> [Ref. 5]</a> &nbsp;

Galliano-/LIVORNO,-ITALY/_0_1

In an appearance similar to Strega, Galliano is sweet and has an intricate aroma <a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14437" target="_blank" data-ref="Vanilla" rel="noopener">of vanilla [ref. 6] and</a> anise with fine citrus, woody, and herbal notes. It is used both as a diet and as an ingredient for cocktails, especially Harvey Wallbanger.

Zirbenlikör-/AUSTRIA/

Zirbenlikör /AUSTRIA/ 

Zirbenlikör-/AUSTRIA/_0_0

Zirbenlikör is a pine liqueur that is produced in alpine countries, but is mostly associated with Austria. Alcohol is made from pine cones, usually Arolla Stone Pines, which are picked in the summer when they are still green. They are then cut and soaked in a wheat spirit or fruit brandy. As they ripen, they give the base a distinctive reddish tinge.&nbsp;

Zirbenlikör-/AUSTRIA/_0_1

Zirbenlikör is warm, fresh and soft with typical floral and pine notes. It is often drunk independently as an après-ski drink, but it can also be used in cocktails or long drinks.

Averna-/CALTANISSETTA,-ITALY/

Averna /CALTANISSETTA, ITALY/ 

Averna-/CALTANISSETTA,-ITALY/_0_0

Some sources claim that the recipe was handed over to Avernas by a monk from the local Monastery of San Spirito.&nbsp;

Averna-/CALTANISSETTA,-ITALY/_0_1

The exact list of ingredients remains a family secret of Averna, but it is said that this bitter-sweet liqueur is made with more than 60 different herbs, roots, pomegranate and essential oils of bitter Sicilian lemons.

Tentura-/PATRAS,-GREECE/

Tentura /PATRAS, GREECE/

Tentura-/PATRAS,-GREECE/_0_0

Tentura (Tentura) is a traditional liqueur that comes from Patras. It is prepared by pouring brandy or rum with herbs and spices. The most common flavors include cinnamon and cloves &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/160574" target="_blank" data-ref="Dianthus" rel="noopener">[ref. 7]</a>&nbsp; but nutmeg and citrus fruits are often used in the recipes. Tentura has an amber or dark color with aroma and taste, reminiscent of warming spices and vanilla.

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Génépi-/AOSTA-VALLEY,-ITALY/

Génépi /AOSTA VALLEY, ITALY/ 

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Génépi (Jenepi) is an herbal liqueur that is usually made by soaking dried herbs in neutral alcohol or cereal spirit, with added sugar. Although small amounts of other herbs can be added to the macerë, the most famous are the Alpine shrubs of the genus Artemisia (wormwood) &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/search/Artemisia" target="_blank" data-ref="Artemisia" rel="noopener">[ref. 8]</a>&nbsp;which give the drink a distinctive, subtle bitter taste.

Pelinkovac-/CROATIA/

Pelinkovac /CROATIA/

Pelinkovac-/CROATIA/_0_0

Pelinkovac is a traditional Croatian herbal liqueur produced by distillation of herbal macerati. The distillate is regulated and mixed with water, alcohol and macerate base. Pelinkovac should always have a dominant element of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/15289" target="_blank" data-ref="Artemisia absinthium" rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a> , usually <a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/15577" target="_blank" data-ref="Anethum" rel="noopener">supplemented by</a> &nbsp;dill [ref. 10]&nbsp; sage (Salvia Officinalis) &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14411" target="_blank" data-ref="Salvia officinalis" rel="noopener">[ref. 11]</a>&nbsp; and mint, but the final herbal composition may vary depending on the region and season.

Amaro-Lucano-/PISTICCI,-ITALY/

Amaro Lucano /PISTICCI, ITALY/ 

Amaro-Lucano-/PISTICCI,-ITALY/_0_0

Lucano is an Italian amaro that is flavored with more than 30 plants. Some of them are known as wormwood, sage, &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14624" target="_blank" data-ref="Gentiana" rel="noopener">tinty [ref. 12]</a> ,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/15892" target="_blank" data-ref="Angelica archangelica" rel="noopener">angelica [ref. 13]</a>&nbsp; bitter orange and ruta, but the exact composition and recipe remain secret. The resulting drink is clear, of attractive mahogany color and is best served clean, preferably well chilled or with ice.

Amaro-Lucano-/PISTICCI,-ITALY/_0_1

Ancho-Reyes-/PUEBLA-DE-ZARAGOZA,-MEXICO/

Ancho Reyes /PUEBLA DE ZARAGOZA, MEXICO/ 

Ancho-Reyes-/PUEBLA-DE-ZARAGOZA,-MEXICO/_0_0

Ancho Reyes is a unique Mexican liqueur soaked in peppers ancho - the dried version of mature poblano chillies. The recipe is based on traditional Puebla liqueurs (menjurjes), which date back to the 1920s.&nbsp;

Ancho-Reyes-/PUEBLA-DE-ZARAGOZA,-MEXICO/_0_1

The whole process consists only of handmade and involves selecting only the best peppers, which are dried, then cut with scissors and allowed to soak in a cane spirit drink originating in Veracruz. After soaking, the spirit drink is mixed and then matures until it acquires its spicy and smoky flavors and flavors.&nbsp;

Ancho-Reyes-/PUEBLA-DE-ZARAGOZA,-MEXICO/_0_2

The original version of the liqueur is made from ripe red peppers, while the newer version Ancho Reyes Verde is made from previously picked, blended green peppers.

Among alcoholic beverages, liqueurs are some of the most numerous types, flavors, composition and origin. In many countries they have been produced for decades with traditions in the industry wonderful herbal liqueurs, including Italy, France, USA, Spain, Germany, Mexico and Sanat.io other countries. <a href="../../p/%D0%9D%D0%B0%D0%B9-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%8F%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5-%D0%B1%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8-%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D1%8C%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8-%D0%B2-%D1%81%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B0-%D0%BA%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The world's most popular herbal liqueurs [part 1 ranking]</a> and <a href="../../p/%D0%9D%D0%B0%D0%B9-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%8F%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5-%D0%B1%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8-%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D1%8C%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8-%D0%B2-%D1%81%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B0-%D0%BA%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World's most popular herbal liqueurs [ranking part 2]</a>

The world's most popular herbal liqueurs [part 3]

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Бетина Цветкова

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Author: Sylvia Marinova, PhD student in the "Genomic Stability" lab at BAS

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Anise is an integral part of so many traditional drinks, that it is very likely that you have already encountered it, be it in our mastic, the Greek ouso, the Italian sambuca, the Turkish brandy (interestingly, like its name, this drink is obtained in a similar way to grape brandy, but anise is added in the fermentation of fruits) or simply at the end of a heavy evening with the high-alcohol absinthe. But you may not remeber the later very well.

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Of course, in addition to the popularity of the herb for the making of alcoholic products, it deserves a lot of attention, too, because of its healing properties - which is why it is also the subject of this article. The anise and its applications are among the most well-known in traditional medicine of many cultures. In ancient Rome, for example, the herb was mainly used as a means of aiding digestion, and the ancient Greeks recommended it in the treatment of cough. In the text we will get to know in more detail the origin, biological features, chemical composition and applications of anise.

Botanical-description

Botanical description

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The most popular variety of anise, which is used for healing purposes, is the plant with the Latin name Pimpinella anisum. It belongs to the Apiaceae family, just like its close relative fennel.

Botanical-description_0_1

More read in the article <a href="/p/riezienie_niepoznatata_bilka_za_plosk_koriem" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"> Fennel - The Unknown Herb for a Flat Stomach</a>.

Botanical-description_0_2

Famous representatives of this family are also dill, parsley, carrots, celery,etc. Not to be confused with star anise (Illicium verum), which is an evergreen shrub or tree and is known as one of the aromatic spices for mulled wine. Despite the similar name and taste, star anise belongs to another plant family.

Botanical-description_0_3

Anise is a herbaceous plant, reaching a height of between 30 and 50 cm, with white flowers and small yellowish seeds. Today, anise is found in the Mediterranean, in Spain, the Middle East, Egypt, Mexico and is cultivated mainly because of its seeds.

Chemical-composition

Chemical composition

Chemical-composition_1_0

Chemical-composition_1_1

Anise seeds are very rich in essential oil, its main component being trans-anethol, but also it has dianthol,&nbsp; anisaldehyde, etc. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3405664/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.1]</a>.

Anise-has-antibacterial-and-antifungal-properties

Anise has antibacterial and antifungal properties

Anise-has-antibacterial-and-antifungal-properties_2_0

Laboratory studies have shown that aqueous and methanol extract of anise seeds have antibacterial action and inhibit the growth of several bacterial strains&nbsp;- Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherchia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae <a href="https://pdfs.nutramedix.ec/Pimpinella%20anisum%20-%20Antibacterial.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2]</a>. There are other studies that explore and show this effect on other bacterial species.

Anise-has-antibacterial-and-antifungal-properties_2_1

Besides antibacterial action, in the scientific literature there are also described data <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/bul/research/pubmed/Antifungal_activity_of_fluid_extract_and_essential_oil_from_anise_fruits_Pimpinella_anisum_L_Apiaceae_16375827" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp; [ref.3]</a>. Suppressing the growth of the fungus Candida albicansis the aqueous extract of anise seeds, while essential oil has a stronger effect against fungi of thegenus dermatophytes.&nbsp;The latter cause superficial inflammation of the skin, hair and nails.

Anticonvulsant-properties-of-anise

Anticonvulsant properties of anise

Anticonvulsant-properties-of-anise_3_0

As amazing as it sounds, Pythagoras was convinced that anise treated epilepsy and prescribed it against such seizures. As of today there are already scientific reports on the same effect. For example, in 1999, a study was carried out studying the ability of anise essential oil applied at different doses to mice to block artificially stimulated <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/bul/research/pubmed/The_fruit_essential_oil_of_Pimpinella_anisum_exerts_anticonvulsant_effects_in_mice_10433480" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.4]</a>. In 2008, Janachmadi and a collective proposed a mechanism of action according to which anise oil affects the way nerve impulses are transmitted <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18852037/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.5]</a>.

Anise-affects-the-digestive-system

Anise affects the digestive system

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One of the most famous properties of anise is its action on the gastrointestinal system. Besides its beneficial effect on digestion, it has a superb taste and is preferred for seasoning fish and seafood in the Mediterranean, as well as for making&nbsp; sweets.

Anise-affects-the-digestive-system_4_2

Some studies have shown that aqueous anise extract significantly reduces lesions on the gastric mucosa in experimental rats, on which the production of ulcer<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/bul/research/pubmed/Aqueous_suspension_of_anise_Pimpinella_anisum_protects_rats_against_chemically_induced_gastric_ulcers_17373749" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>is stimulated by chemicals &nbsp;<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/bul/research/pubmed/Aqueous_suspension_of_anise_Pimpinella_anisum_protects_rats_against_chemically_induced_gastric_ulcers_17373749" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.6] </a>.

Anise-affects-the-digestive-system_4_3

In addition, anise is believed to favorably affect constipation as well as bloating caused by excess gas. For this reason, aniseed drinks are often classified as so-called digestive drink.

Anise-as-an-antispasmodic

Anise as an antispasmodic

Anise-as-an-antispasmodic_5_0

Another well-known action of the herb is myorelaxant ( relaxes muscles). A study published in 2007 showed the antispasmodic effect of the water-alcohol solution of anise on the smooth musculature of laboratory rats <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/bul/research/pubmed/Antispasmodic_and_relaxant_effects_of_the_hidroalcoholic_extract_of_Pimpinella_anisum_Apiaceae_on_rat_anococcygeus_smooth_muscle_17027208" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.7]</a> and justified this use in folk medicine.

Anise-for-the-treatment-of-cough

Anise for the treatment of cough

Anise-for-the-treatment-of-cough_6_0

Anise from antiquity is used in diseases of the respiratory system. The reason is that the herb has an expectorant effect, which is due to a reflective increase in bronchial secretion.&nbsp;In addition, it stimulates the respiratory center in the brain and thus aids breathing.

Other-anise-actions

Other anise actions

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Other applications of anise are:

Other-anise-actions_7_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">stimulates the secretion of mammary glands</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">relieves menopause symptoms</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">reduces menstrual pain</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">antioxidant action</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">insecticidal effect</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">antiviral effect</li>
</ul>

How-to-consume-it

How to consume it

How-to-consume-it_8_0

How-to-consume-it_8_1

Besides being a digestive drink , we can also make a decoction of anise seeds:

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To do this, steam a teaspoon of crushed anise seeds for 15 minutes in boiling water.

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Another application of anise is in culinary. It is a great spice for many dishes such as fish, meat, salad or for pastries, breads and tortillas. It combines well with nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, etc.

Contraindications

Contraindications_9_0

In pregnancy, consumption should be limited to normal dietary amounts. Taking supplements and decoctions, however, is not recommended.

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In hormonally dependent diseases such as breast, ovarian or uterine cancer, endometriosis and others, it is contraindicated to take anise.

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Some ingredients of anise are potentially allergenic. Do not consume it if you have an allergy to other plants of the same family as dill and parsley.

illicium verum

Anise - The Summer Taste of an Ancient Herb