- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (west), Africa (northeast), Europe (eastern Mediterranean)
Asia · Herb · № 228
Pimpinella anisum
Herb · Asia
Anise
Pimpinella anisum
Traditionally attributed effects: gives a natural lip-plumping effect.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Natural skin and hair care: Do not use more oil than indicated; wipe off if it burns.
Preparation
External: essential oil in volumising lip gloss.
Use in traditions
Described in natural skin and hair care. In herbal magic associated with protection, youthful radiance, purifies body and mind, foretelling. Anise comes from the eastern Mediterranean and was used by Egyptians, Greeks and Romans; the Romans baked aniseed cakes after banquets. It is the flavour of ouzo, raki, pastis and Dutch muisjes. In Unani medicine it is called anisoon.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Sweet, spicy scent; the oil tingles slightly on the lips. Use sparingly.
Preparation and amount
External: a few drops of anise oil in a plumping lip gloss (see the recipe).
Caution: Do not use more oil than indicated; wipe off if it burns.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Protection, youthful radiance, purifies body and mind, foretelling, finding happiness, psychic abilities, lust, luck, purification, love.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with protection, purification and good dreams.
Preparation and amount
Anise was already used by the Egyptians and Romans; after a feast the Romans ate anise cakes to help digestion. In the Netherlands sugared anise seeds (muisjes) are sprinkled on rusks to celebrate a birth, and the herb gives ouzo, pastis and raki their flavour.
- Recipes
- Plumping lip gloss