Versatile medicinal plant Anise promotes milk production during breastfeeding

Anise helps nursing mothers - Contained essential oils stimulate milk production
Anise is used as a medicinal plant in various areas and especially for its positive effect on digestion and as a natural home remedy for cough known. The medicinal plant of the year 2014 can also help breastfeeding mothers. The anethole is attributed to an estrogenic effect, which promotes milk production.

According to the consumer information service "aid", anise was already used by the Romans as a digestive aid after luscious meals. "The contained essential oils should stimulate the salivary and gastric juice secretion, expectorant and have an antibacterial effect," the "aid" continues. In addition, anise oil, which can be obtained from both star anise and anise, a proven cough suppressant. In addition, the stimulating effect on lactation in breastfeeding mothers is a special feature of the anethole contained. Last but not least, anise and star anise can also be used in the kitchen as a spice in the baking of bread, pastries and cakes as well as for the refinement of hearty meat dishes, reports the consumer information service "aid".

Star anise and anise with their ingredients have a positive effect on lactation during breastfeeding. (Image: by-studio / fotolia.com)

Mucolytic, antispasmodic and antibacterial
In particular, the anethole in the anise and star anise are attributed numerous beneficial properties. It is usually its effect against cough in the foreground. Because Anethol acts according to the "aid" expectorant, slightly antibacterial and slightly anticonvulsant. Inhaling with anise or aniseed oil can bring significant relief in dry cough. For indigestion such as bloating, flatulence and mild stomach cramps promises a tea with anise (and possibly other medicinal plant such as fennel or caraway) remedy. Breastfeeding mothers, meanwhile, can benefit from the stimulating effect on milk production.

Anise from your own garden
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) belongs to the family of the umbelliferae and probably originates from the eastern Mediterranean, according to the notification of the "aid". Today, anise is grown mainly in countries of southern Europe such as Turkey, Spain or Italy, but also in Asia, Central and South America. The cultivation in the own garden is also possible, however, according to data of the consumer information service it requires a relatively dry location, which heats up rapidly in the spring. The elongated fruits ripen in late summer to fall and then the harvest can follow. The seeds should then ripen for about a week before they are used, so that the anise can develop its full flavor. The licorice-like taste is not for everyone, however, and should be paid attention to the dosage when used for seasoning, so that the aniseed taste is not too dominated. (Fp)