Flatulence. The Modern Herbal and Eclectic School both recommended it for flatulence and gas pains. Though use as a carminative is widespread and common, this use has no known scientific backing.
How do you use it?
The essential oil seems to be the part of the plant that has the most active ingredients. Some herbalists, however, prefer to use the whole seed, both for convenience’s sake and to avoid the dangers of overdosing on the essential oil. If you choose to use the whole seed, grind it fresh just prior to use.
Infusion. Infusion brings out the best in anise.48 Gently crush the seed just before infusing to release the volatile oils. Boil one cup of water, let it cool until it drops back off the boil, and then pour it over 1–2 teaspoonfuls of the seeds. Let it stand covered for 5 to 10 minutes.49 Avoid boiling anise, as doing so tends to boil off the essential oils. Infusions can be used either topically or internally.
Tincture. The 1928 U.S. Dispensatory notes that anise’s essential oils are dissolved well by alcohol, so tinctures are also a possibility for topical or internal use. Anise-flavored liqueurs are available and have been used for many of the same purposes as anise tea.
Essential oil. When using the essential oil externally, dilute it to no more than 10% in a carrier oil. Be very careful when using the essential oil internally. Dilute it well and don’t exceed the recommended dosage.
Dosage: How much do you use?
Seed: A typical dosage is three g of seeds daily.50
Essential oil: You can take internally up to 0.3 g (12 drops) of the essential oil per day.51 The recommended single dose is .1 g or roughly four drops of the oil.52
Infusions: If you are using infusions, you can drink one cup containing up to 1 g of seeds, up to three times daily.53
What should you be aware of before using it?
The FDA has anise on its list of “substances generally recognized as safe” for use as a spice.54 That does not necessarily mean, however, that it is safe in large medicinal doses. In Germany and Canada, it is recognized as an over-the-counter drug.
The 1970s saw some concern that anise oil might be carcinogenic, but evidence was never found to support that claim.55
Some people are allergic to anise. If you are taking anise for the first time, take appropriate precautions. If you are allergic to any other member of the Umbelliferae family (which includes caraway, carrot, celery, dill, and parsley), be especially cautious the first time using anise.
Be cautious when using the essential oil. Too much can be toxic.56 It can cause nausea and vomiting.
Anise essential oil has been shown to influence glucose absorption in rats.57 If you have blood sugar issues, check with your doctor before using anise seed oil internally. Be cautious when using it in conjunction with herbs known or suspected to affect blood sugar levels. (See Chapter 5 for a list.)
Anise contains anethole, an active estrogenic agent. Traditionally, it was used to promote menstruation and facilitate birth. Avoid medicinal quantities of anise while pregnant.58 Be cautious about using it if you are prone to hormone imbalances or estrogen-induced migraines.
Theoretically, anise may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding, though this effect has not been observed in clinical studies. If you plan to have surgery, tell your surgeon you have been taking anise and discontinue use. Be cautious when using it in conjunction with other herbs that may increase the risk of bleeding. (See Chapter 5 for a list.)
The Chinese star anise (Chinese name: ba-jiao, scientific name: Illicium verum) has a similar flavor, but it is unrelated and has different medicinal effects. Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) is toxic and used only for incense.59
Arnica
Scientific name: Arnica montana
Also known as mountain arnica, mountain tobacco, leopard’s bane, wolfsbane, European arnica, Arnica flos (dried flower head)
Arnica, Arnica montana
Courtesy of Barbara Studer
The most commonly used medicinal species of arnica (A. montana) is native to the mountains of Europe, though several arnica species grow in the Americas as well. Arnica chamissonis, which has some of the same properties as Arnica montana, is native to the western United States. The flowers are the most commonly used part of the plant, though the rhizomes (underground stems) are used on rare occasion.60
We can trace the use of arnica flowers as medicine back to the Middle Ages when they were used in Europe for sprains and bruises. In modern times, gels and ointments containing arnica are very popular in Europe, especially Germany, for treating bruises. Even some American plastic surgeons are beginning to use arnica for postoperative pain and swelling.61
What is it good for?
Bruises. Arnica is best known as a treatment for swelling due to bruising, contusions, posttraumatic edema, joint injuries, fractures, and sprains. In North America, Native American tribes used New-World species for similar maladies. The Catawba used it for back pain; the Thompson for swellings, bruises and cuts; and the Shuswap for sore eyes.62 Doctors of the Eclectic School recommended it for “muscular soreness and pain from strain or overexertion” and for “bruised feeling.” They also recommended it for bruises from blows and falls, and for strains. In short, the traditional evidence for effectiveness is strong.
From a clinical standpoint, we are now beginning to learn why arnica seems to work on bruises. Arnica contains a mild anesthetic.63 It also contains thymol, an antiseptic. Perhaps most importantly, it contains helenalin, an anti-inflammatory agent. Helenalin works using a different mechanism from aspirin or other anti-inflammatories in the Western pharmacopeia. Helenalin’s exact mechanism is still not understood, but the literature contains consensus that it does work. Clinical tests of non-homeopathic arnica are sparse, however. Two studies have showed some improvement in postoperative bruising in facelift patients who used arnica cream,64 the benefit being mainly reduction in swelling, not reduction in the “black and blue” discoloration.65 Another cosmetic surgery study, however, showed no improvement.66
Osteoarthritis. One study showed that arnica helped with pain and stiffness due to osteoarthritis of the knee.67 Another study found arnica tincture to be comparable to topical ibuprofen in treating osteoarthritis pain in the hands.68
Mouth injuries. A study in the mid-1980s used arnica to treat individuals recovering from removal of impacted wisdom teeth. The study found that patients taking arnica suffered more pain than those who received antibiotics and those receiving a placebo.69 Using arnica as a mouth rinse increases the chances of swallowing it, something that is ill-advised. Moreover, arnica can irritate mucous membranes.
How do you use it?
Don’t take arnica internally. It can be fatal. When making arnica preparations, follow safe handling practices: Keep it away from foodstuffs. Wear a mask and gloves